Simple Child Support Calculator
To calculate child support in Maryland, we recommend using the Maryland myDHR calculator. There appears to be no simpler way to estimate support payments.
The Maryland myDHR calculator steps you through a complex calculation. You may need to work through each part carefully to get an accurate assessment. Unfortunately, the Maryland scheme is complex and a simple, reliable calculator does not appear to be available.
Overnights Calculator for Maryland
According to Maryland child support guidelines, payment amounts depend on how many overnight stays a child has with each parent annually.
Use this overnights calculator to work out how many nights of care you provide.
Calculate annual overnight stays
Regular nights
Vacation nights each year*
183 overnight stays per year.
50.0% of parenting time.
* Vacation nights are all nights when the regular schedule does not apply.
How Child Support is Calculated in Maryland
Child support payments in Maryland are calculated using the income shares category method. Payments depend on the combined incomes of the parents as well as the number of children. A larger combined income or more children usually means greater payments.
The amount paid or received by an individual parent also depends on their income percentage. The higher your percentage of combined parent income, the more you pay or less you receive.
Payments are also affected by which parenting time category applies. Payments may be lower because of a "shared" (fairly equal) care arrangement.
Marylanders paying the most child support have high incomes and limited parenting time. Conversely, the biggest receivers are parents who (a) work little (b) have their kids most of the time and (c) have a high earner as the other parent.
Sole physical custody means the non-custodial parent keeps the child or children overnight less than 25% of the time, or less than 92 overnights per year. Maximum child support is payable under this parenting arrangement.
Maryland Child Support Enforcement Program (CSEP) is the government organization set aside to work with you. They will take care of a variety of child support items, including: making sure the order is enforced; collecting and sending off the money; obtain any court orders – for instance like requesting health insurance – and modifying any child support amount.
Jimeno & Gray
Marylander child support guidelines apply to the whole state, including the cities of Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Waldorf and Frederick. Variations in support payments may be made by the agreement of parents or at the discretion of a judge presiding over your case.
Payment Calculators by State