Bill > HB275

This bill modifies Maryland's child support guidelines by introducing a new provision that allows parents to deduct an allowance for supporting additional children living in their home who are not subject to an existing support order. Specifically, the bill enables parents to subtract an amount from their actual income for children spending more than 92 overnights per year in their home and for whom they have a legal support obligation. The allowance is calculated by determining the basic child support obligation for each additional child using only the parent's income and then multiplying that amount by 75%. Courts retain discretion to decline the allowance if they determine it would be unjust or inappropriate after considering the best interests of the child for whom support is being determined. The bill also makes related technical changes to how courts calculate child support, such as clarifying how alimony, maintenance, and additional child support deductions are applied when determining a parent's adjusted actual income. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to provide more flexibility in child support calculations by recognizing the financial impact of supporting children across multiple households.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0275?ys=2025RS