This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Maryland — Alimony & Child Support

Maryland uses a discretionary test — there's no bright-line statutory threshold. A judge or clerk evaluates the factors below and rules based on the full financial and situational picture. The calculator cannot compute a specific answer here, but these are the factors a court will weigh.

What the court will weigh

Gather documentation for the factors that apply to your situation — judges grant waivers more readily when the affidavit is specific.

1. Ability to be self-supporting

   Md. Code Fam. Law § 11-106(b)(1): the ability of the party seeking alimony to be wholly or partly self-supporting.

2. Time necessary for education or training

   § 11-106(b)(2): the time necessary for the party seeking alimony to gain sufficient education or training to find suitable employment.

3. Standard of living during marriage

   § 11-106(b)(3): the standard of living that the parties established during their marriage.

4. Duration of the marriage

   § 11-106(b)(4): the duration of the marriage. Note: MD has NO statutory duration formula; AAML formula is non-statutory and used informally only.

5. Contributions to the well-being of the family

   § 11-106(b)(5): the contributions, monetary and nonmonetary, of each party to the well-being of the family.

6. Circumstances of estrangement

   § 11-106(b)(6): the circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties.

7. Age of each party

   § 11-106(b)(7): the age of each party.

8. Physical and mental condition

   § 11-106(b)(8): the physical and mental condition of each party.

9. Ability of payor to meet needs

   § 11-106(b)(9): the ability of the party from whom alimony is sought to meet that party's needs while meeting the needs of the party seeking alimony.

10. Any agreement between the parties

    § 11-106(b)(10): any agreement between the parties.

11. Financial needs and resources

    § 11-106(b)(11): the financial needs and financial resources of each party, including all income and assets, any award under § 8-205 (monetary award), the nature/amount of the parties' financial obligations, and the right of each party to receive retirement benefits.

12. Medical assistance eligibility (institutional spouse)

    § 11-106(b)(12): whether the award would cause a spouse who is a resident of a related institution as defined in § 19-301 of the Health-General Article to become eligible for medical assistance earlier than would otherwise occur.

Open the full Alimony & Child Support guide

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Maryland Child Support and Alimony Under Separate Statutes

In Maryland, child support and alimony are governed by separate statutes with distinct rules. Child support under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204 uses a formula based on the combined adjusted actual income of both parents, with a verified ceiling of $30,000 for the basic obligation schedule. The statute sets out specific factors and adjustments that may apply. Alimony under § 11-106 is determined by a court weighing multiple statutory factors, with no set formula or fixed amount. Neither award has a predetermined duration; alimony terms depend on the circumstances. The official source provides the exact details. Use the DocketMath calculator to estimate potential amounts based on your income and situation.

Governing authority

In Maryland, the alimony child support rule is set by Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204 (child support); § 11-106 (alimony factors); § 11-101 (definitions). The verified packet cites Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204 (child support); § 11-106 (alimony factors); § 11-101 (definitions) (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl&section=12-204).

Maryland alimony child support: the verified value is $30,000 under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204 (child support); § 11-106 (alimony factors); § 11-101 (definitions). The verified packet cites Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204 (child support); § 11-106 (alimony factors); § 11-101 (definitions) (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl&section=12-204).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the alimony child support calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.