Significant updates to Maryland’s child support laws took effect when House Bill 275 (Ch. 532, 2025) was enacted on October 1, 2025. These changes could have a major impact on how child support is calculated, enforced, and modified in family law cases across the state. If you are a parent currently paying or receiving child support, or if you are considering a modification, understanding these updates is essential.
At Matthew Penick Law, we are committed to guiding our clients through the evolving legal landscape. Here is what you need to know about Maryland's latest child support reforms.
New Deductions for Parents Supporting Other Children
One of the most notable changes to Maryland’s child support law is the introduction of a "multifamily adjustment." This provision allows a parent who has biological or adopted children living in their household to deduct part of the support obligation for those children before calculating support in a new or pending case.
To qualify for this deduction:
- The additional child must reside with the parent more than 92 overnights per year.
- The court must compute a basic child support obligation for that child based on the parent’s income alone.
- The parent may deduct 75% of that calculated obligation from their actual income before calculating support.
Importantly, the court may decline to apply the deduction if it finds doing so would be unjust or not in the best interest of the child.
Additional Factors Considered in Support Calculations
Maryland has expanded the list of financial factors that courts may consider when deciding whether to deviate from the child support guidelines.
These now include:
- Ongoing mortgage payments or college expenses from prior agreements.
- Direct payments made for the benefit of the child, such as tuition or medical costs.
- Other dependents financially supported by the parent.
- Whether a support award would reduce the paying parent’s income below 110% of the federal poverty level.
While the income threshold for mandatory guideline use ($30,000 combined gross monthly income) remains unchanged, these factors give courts more flexibility to make equitable adjustments based on a family's specific circumstances.
Priority of Child Support in Estates
Another important change affects probate and estate administration. Unpaid child support obligations now take priority over most other debts, including certain tax claims, when distributing a deceased parent’s estate. This amendment to Maryland’s Estates and Trusts law reinforces the legal obligation to support one’s children, even after death.
Applicability to New and Existing Orders
These legislative updates apply only to new or modified support orders entered on or after October 1, 2025. If you currently have a child support order in place, the new law does not automatically modify it. However, a parent may file a petition to modify an existing order if they believe the changes materially affect their circumstances.
Courts are not required to revisit older orders unless a party requests a review and meets the legal threshold for modification. This ensures that the new guidelines are implemented fairly while maintaining stability for families with longstanding arrangements.
What This Means for Families in Queen Anne's County
For families throughout Queen Anne’s County and surrounding areas, these updates could offer financial relief or require careful reevaluation of existing support obligations. The multifamily deduction, in particular, may be beneficial to parents who are supporting multiple children in different households.
It is also important to note that child support remains the legal right of the child, not the parents. Agreements that attempt to waive support must still meet the court’s standards for fairness and comply with the updated law.
How Matthew Penick Law Can Help
Attorney Matthew Penick has extensive experience representing parents in child support, custody, and family law matters. From our office on Kent Island, we serve clients throughout Queen Anne’s County during some of the most critical times in their lives. Whether you are seeking a new support order, modifying an existing one, or navigating enforcement issues, we are here to provide knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance.
To schedule a consultation and learn how these new laws may affect your situation, contact our firm online or by calling (410) 618-0863 today.