MD SB548

Requires a court to determine custody under Title 9 of the Family Law Article before awarding child support if a parent requests it in the child support proceeding and there has been no prior judicial determination of custody.

Establishes a conclusive presumption that applying the standard child support guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate when both parents have a mutual agreement that departs from the guidelines and both assert the agreement is in the best interest of the child.

Retains the existing rebuttable presumption that the child support guidelines produce the correct amount, but effectively allows parents to bypass the guidelines by mutual agreement without court override.

Amends Section 12–202(a) of the Family Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Takes effect October 1, 2026.