Child Support in Maryland
State-specific overview · Family Law
Maryland uses income shares; support ends at age 18 unless child attends college full-time, then until age 19.
How Maryland treats Child Support
Maryland applies the income shares model based on both parents' combined gross income to determine support obligations. Child support terminates at age 18, but if the child is enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution, support continues until age 19. Maryland allows modification if there is a material and substantial change in circumstances or every three years. The state enforces support through wage garnishment, tax intercept, and license suspension.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.