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​Maryland Child Support Calculator
Our free Maryland child support calculator is here to help you quickly estimate your child support with ease! This amazing tool features the new multifamily adjustment effective October 1, 2025, so you can have a clearer picture of what amount of child support you might expect in your case. Don't miss out—start using it today and take charge of your child support planning! Our calculator is updated to include the new multifamily child support adjustment, effective October 1, 2025 so you can get the most accurate estimate for your situation
How to use our calculator
Our Maryland Child Support Calculator is free and easy to use. Select number of children, enter income information. Enter any applicable adjustments (here you can also indicate additional children who live with you but are not a part of the case for the multifamily adjustment), enter expenses, indicate overnights, and your done!
Understanding the Maryland Child Support Guidelines
In Maryland, the courts use a method called the "income shares" model to determine child support. Think of it like this: the law tries to estimate how much parents would spend on their children if the family were still living together. That total amount is then divided between the parents based on their respective incomes.
The goal is to ensure that the child continues to benefit from both parents' financial resources, maintaining a standard of living similar to what they would have had in a two-parent household. Our calculator uses these official Maryland child support guidelines to provide a reliable estimate.
What Counts as Income in Maryland
When calculating child support, the court looks at each parent's "actual income," which is more than just a weekly paycheck. It can include money from nearly any source. Common examples include:
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Salaries, wages, and tips
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Bonuses and commissions
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Self-employment or business income
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Social Security benefits and disability payments
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Workers' compensation
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Rental income from properties
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Investment income (dividends, interest)
It's important to have a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes income to ensure your child support calculation is accurate.
Key Factors That Affect Child Support
Several key pieces of information are plugged into the Maryland child support formula. While our calculator handles the math, understanding these factors can help you see the complete picture:
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Parents' Monthly Incomes: This is the starting point for any calculation. The court uses each parent's gross monthly income (before taxes) to determine the basic child support obligation.
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Number of Overnight Stays: The amount of time the child spends with each parent is a critical factor. When a child stays with a parent for a significant number of overnights per year (typically over 25% of the time, or 92 overnights), a "shared physical custody" formula is often used, which can adjust the support amount.
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Health Insurance Costs: The monthly cost of health insurance for the child is added to the basic support obligation and is typically prorated between the parents.
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Child Care Expenses: Work-related child care costs are also included in the calculation. If you pay for daycare or after-school care so you can work, this expense is added to the basic obligation and divided between the parents based on their income share.
NEW: The Multifamily Adjustment (Effective Oct. 1, 2025)
​This is a significant and recent change in Maryland law. Previously, the guidelines did not have a built-in method to account for parents who have children from other relationships that they are also legally required to support. Starting October 1, 2025, the Maryland multifamily adjustment allows for a parent's child support obligation to be reduced based on the number of other children they support. Our calculator is one of the first to be updated with this new rule, ensuring you receive the most current and accurate estimate possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Maryland Child Support
Can child support be modified in Maryland?​
Yes. If there has been a significant and material change in circumstances—such as a major change in income, a change in custody, or a change in the child's needs—either parent can file a request with the court to modify the child support order.
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When does child support end in Maryland​
Generally, child support obligations in Maryland continue until the child turns 18. However, if the child is still enrolled in high school when they turn 18, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first.
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What if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed?​
A court can determine that a parent is "voluntarily impoverished," meaning they are choosing not to work or are working a lower-paying job to avoid their support obligation. In these cases, the judge can calculate child support based on that parent's "potential income"—what they could be earning based on their skills, experience, and job opportunities in the area.
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How does your flexible payment plan work for child support cases?​​
At Badaki Law Firm, we understand that legal fees can be a concern. We offer flexible payment options and have partnered with Affirm to provide structured payment plans for retainers and invoices. This allows you to get the high-quality legal representation you need in Hagerstown, Frederick, or Montgomery County while managing the costs in a way that works for your budget.
Our child calculator provides an estimate. For legal advice tailored to your specific situation, contact us at the Badaki Law Firm, LLC today for a consultation. We offer flexible payment plans to assist our clients. Call us at (240) 329-4616 today!