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Child custody and support in Maryland

The Maryland rules for parents who divorce, from official sources: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

Maryland law uses the term “custody (parenting time and decision-making authority)” for custody. Parenting class: Courts may order parents in contested custody cases to attend a co-parenting education program (Md. Rule 9-204.1); requirements vary by county. Maryland publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody (parenting time and decision-making authority)
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration

Custody terms in Maryland

Custody (parenting time and decision-making authority)

Mediation

If custody is disputed, many circuit courts require mediation of parenting issues unless there's domestic violence (Md. Rule 9-205). More: mdcourts.gov

Parenting class in Maryland

Courts may order parents in contested custody cases to attend a co-parenting education program (Md. Rule 9-204.1); requirements vary by county.

Child support in Maryland

Child support follows Maryland's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Children in a Maryland divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Maryland's term for custody: custody (parenting time and decision-making authority).

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Maryland requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  5. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Maryland

What is child custody called in Maryland?

Maryland uses the term “custody (parenting time and decision-making authority)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Maryland divorce?

Courts may order parents in contested custody cases to attend a co-parenting education program (Md. Rule 9-204.1); requirements vary by county.

Is there an official child support calculator for Maryland?

Yes. Maryland's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in Maryland?

Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration.

Is mediation required for custody in Maryland?

If custody is disputed, many circuit courts require mediation of parenting issues unless there's domestic violence (Md. Rule 9-205). More: mdcourts.gov

More about divorce in Maryland

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.