06/08/2026
I hear this more than you’d think:
“We’ve agreed. We don’t need child support.”
And honestly, it usually comes from a good place.
People wanting to keep things peaceful.
Simple.
Less charged.
But in Maryland, child support is not something parents can completely contract around just because everyone agrees. Because legally, support belongs to the child.
Now, that does not mean there is no flexibility.
There often is.
There are thoughtful ways to structure support that reflect real life, shared parenting, and how expenses are actually being handled. But it has to be approached thoughtfully, not like a loophole to avoid support entirely.
The goal is not to create conflict.
It is to create an agreement that actually works and holds up later.
https://www.wendymeadowslaw.com/can-parents-agree-to-waive-child-support-in-maryland-spoiler-no/