How Child Support Is Calculated in Maryland

Maryland uses an income shares model: the basic child support obligation is taken from a statutory schedule based on the parents' combined adjusted actual income and divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes. If alimony is requested, the court decides it first and counts it as income to the recipient. Above the top of the schedule, the court uses its discretion. The Child Support Administration (Department of Human Services) offers an online calculator that estimates guideline support; it does not reflect deviations a court may allow.

You can apply for child support services from the Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration (CSA), using its online application, which CSA says is the fastest and most secure method. Paper applications can be picked up at a local child support office, requested by calling 1-800-332-6347, or downloaded, and must be mailed, faxed or hand-delivered (not emailed). There is a one-time $15 application fee (plus a $1.50 convenience fee online), which is waived if you receive or received Temporary Cash Assistance or Medical Assistance. Certain cases also pay an annual $15 fee after $3,500 in payments is distributed in a year. You can also file a Complaint for Child Support (CC-DR-001) directly with the court.

The age of majority in Maryland is 18. A person who is 18 and still enrolled in secondary school has the right to support from both parents until the first of these happens: the person dies, marries, is emancipated, graduates from or is no longer enrolled in secondary school, or turns 19.

A court may modify child support after a motion to modify is filed and on a showing of a material change of circumstance. A change cannot apply back before the date the motion was filed. Incarceration that substantially reduces a parent's ability to pay can be a material change. A parent can file a Petition to Modify Child Support (CC-DR-006) with the court, and a local child support office can help in cases it handles.

CSA's enforcement tools include wage withholding (most support is collected this way, and new-hire matches trigger automatic withholding orders); interception of federal tax refunds (arrears of $500 or more and at least two months of support) and Maryland tax refunds (arrears of $150 or more and at least two months of support); passport denial for $2,500 or more in past-due support; driver's license suspension; professional license suspension after 120 days out of compliance; financial institution data matches and garnishment; credit bureau reporting; liens on real or personal property and seizure of assets; interception of lottery winnings of at least $150, unemployment benefits and workers' compensation awards; and civil contempt, which can include jail. Under a law effective October 1, 2025, CSA can refer a driver's license for suspension only after 120 days out of compliance, and not if the parent's income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (unless a court found the parent voluntarily impoverished).

The Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration (CSA), is the state child support agency. Its services include applying for child support, estimating support, establishing paternity, making and receiving payments (including the Way2Go card) and employment programs for noncustodial parents. Apply online through MarylandBenefits.gov; online child support information is available through myMDTHINK. DHS phone: 1-800-332-6347 (TTY 1-800-735-2258).

The Maryland Child Support Administration (Department of Human Services) has an online calculator that, according to the Maryland Judiciary, "will estimate the amount of child support that the court may approve under current guidelines." The Judiciary notes that "The CSA calculator does not reflect deviations and adjustments a court may allow."