Maryland Child Support Guidelines

Income Shares Model

Maryland uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. This model assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. The calculation considers both parents’ gross income and determines each parent’s proportional share of the support obligation.

Key Components of Calculation

• Combined Adjusted Actual Income: Both parents’ gross monthly income minus allowed deductions
• Support Schedule: Amount determined by combined income and number of children
• Proportional Share: Each parent’s percentage of combined income
• Shared Physical Custody Adjustment: Applied when payer has 35+ overnight visits annually
• Additional Expenses: Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs

Support Schedule Percentages

Number of Children	Percentage of Combined Income	Maximum Monthly Amount
1 child	25%	$2,847
2 children	37%	$4,212
3 children	45%	$5,127
4 children	51%	$5,810
5 children	55%	$6,265
6+ children	57%	$6,492

Shared Physical Custody

When the payer has 35 or more overnight visits per year, Maryland applies a shared physical custody adjustment. This reduces the support obligation because the child spends significant time with the paying parent, who incurs direct expenses during those periods.

Modifications and Deviations

Courts may deviate from the standard guidelines in certain circumstances:

• High income cases exceeding the schedule maximum
• Extraordinary medical expenses
• Educational expenses for special needs
• Transportation costs for visitation
• Assets and debt of each parent
• Age and physical/mental condition of children

Income Considerations

Gross income includes wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, interest, dividends, pension payments, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and Social Security benefits. Certain deductions are allowed, including taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums.

Enforcement and Collection

Maryland Child Support Enforcement (CSE) provides services for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. Methods include wage garnishment, asset seizure, license suspension, tax refund intercept, and credit bureau reporting.