Family Law - Child Support Guidelines - Agreement Between Parents

SB 660 establishes a new presumption in Maryland child support cases: if both parents mutually agree that a child support arrangement departs from the standard guidelines and assert it serves the child's best interests, the court must presume applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. This directly affects parents negotiating support agreements and judges reviewing such agreements. The bill requires courts to document reasons for deviating from guidelines, including the guideline amount, how the order differs, and how it serves the child's best interests. It does not change the standard guidelines themselves but creates a stronger legal basis for parental agreements that align with the child's welfare. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.