Free · Maryland · Current law
Based on Maryland's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Maryland Family Law § 12–204, Schedule of basic child support obligations. A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Maryland utilizes an Income Shares Model to calculate child support. The process begins by determining each parent's actual monthly income, which includes wages, bonuses, and other benefits. From this, an adjusted actual income is calculated by subtracting pre-existing child support payments, alimony paid, and an allowance for other dependent children living with the parent. These adjusted incomes are then combined and used with a Guidelines chart to establish a basic child support obligation. Further adjustments are made for health insurance costs, work-related childcare expenses, and extraordinary medical expenses. A self-support reserve is also applied to ensure the paying parent retains a minimum income. The final total child support obligation is then proportionally divided between the parents based on their adjusted actual incomes, with the non-custodial parent responsible for their share.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Maryland guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
An uncontested divorce in Maryland can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the case (e.g., presence of children, property issues). Uncontested cases with all issues resolved typically finalize in one to four months after filing.
While it is possible to represent yourself in a Maryland divorce, especially in uncontested cases, legal advice is highly recommended. Attorneys can help navigate complex issues like property division, alimony, and child custody, ensuring all legal requirements are met and protecting your interests.
Yes, as of October 1, 2023, Maryland is a no-fault divorce state. The grounds for absolute divorce are 6-month separation, irreconcilable differences, or mutual consent. Fault-based grounds are no longer available.
Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50), between the spouses. The court considers various factors, including monetary and non-monetary contributions, economic circumstances, and the duration of the marriage.
Prior to October 1, 2023, Maryland recognized both limited and absolute divorce. A limited divorce did not terminate the marriage but allowed spouses to live apart under court-approved terms. As of October 1, 2023, the concept of limited divorce was eliminated, and only absolute divorce, which legally ends the marriage, is available.
We'll match you with a Maryland family law attorney — free, no obligation, no pressure.