Child Support in Maryland

3 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

3 Resources

1. Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) — Free

State agency within the Maryland Department of Human Services administering the state's child support program for custodial and non-custodial parents. Handles locating parents, establishing paternity, setting and modifying support orders, and enforcing collection through wage withholding, tax intercepts, and license suspension. Serves Marylanders in all 24 jurisdictions through local child support offices. Applicants should bring photo ID, birth certificates, and any existing court orders to open or modify a case.

1-800-332-6347 · 311 W Saratoga St, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. People's Law Library - Child Support — Free

Free plain-language guides from the Maryland State Law Library explaining how child support is calculated, modified, and enforced under Maryland law. Covers the Maryland child support guidelines, imputing income, modification when circumstances change, arrears, and interstate enforcement. Available to any Maryland resident 24/7 online. Articles link to Maryland Judiciary forms and the CSA. Not a substitute for legal advice; parents with contested cases are referred to Maryland Legal Aid or a private attorney.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Federal Office of Child Support Services — Free

National resource within the US Department of Health and Human Services providing information on interstate child support enforcement, federal regulations, parent rights, and state program directories. Useful for Maryland parents with cases that cross state lines or when a non-custodial parent lives in another state. Site includes parent handbooks, FAQs, and links to each state's child support agency. Parents should still open their case through Maryland CSA for direct enforcement action.

1-800-401-0379 · National resource · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ET · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.