Reviewed August 2026
Spousal Support in Maryland
Maryland calls spousal support alimony. The circuit court decides it as part of a divorce case. The controlling law is the Family Law Article, § 11-106 of the Maryland Code. Maryland has no statutory formula for calculating alimony. The court weighs a detailed list of factors to decide whether to award alimony, and if so, the amount and duration. Maryland courts have historically favored rehabilitative alimony. This means support for a defined period meant to give a spouse time to become self-supporting, rather than open-ended support. Indefinite alimony without a fixed end date is reserved for narrower circumstances. One is when a spouse cannot reasonably become self-supporting due to age, illness, or disability. The other is when, even after both spouses make reasonable efforts, an unconscionable disparity in their standards of living would remain. Either spouse can request alimony as part of a Maryland divorce case. Outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts presented rather than a set calculation.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how spousal support works under Maryland law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Maryland paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Factors under Family Law § 11-106
Maryland's alimony statute directs the court to consider several things. One is the ability of the requesting spouse to be wholly or partly self-supporting. Another is the time needed for that spouse to gain sufficient education or training for employment. The court also weighs the standard of living established during the marriage and the length of the marriage. It looks at each spouse's contributions to the marriage and the circumstances that led to its breakdown. Finally, it considers the age, physical and mental condition, financial needs, and resources of each spouse. It also weighs the paying spouse's ability to meet their own needs while paying support.
Rehabilitative alimony is the default approach
Maryland law and courts generally favor time-limited, rehabilitative alimony over indefinite awards. This reflects a policy preference for spouses to become self-supporting after divorce where reasonably possible. A rehabilitative award is typically set for a period tied to a specific plan, such as finishing education or job training.
When indefinite alimony is available
Indefinite alimony, without a fixed end date, is available in narrower circumstances. One is when the requesting spouse cannot reasonably become self-supporting because of age, illness, infirmity, or disability. The other is when the gap in standards of living would remain unconscionable, even after both spouses make as much progress toward self-support as reasonably possible. Courts apply these standards case by case rather than through a formula.
Modification and termination
Alimony can be modified if either spouse shows a change in circumstances since the order was entered. This does not apply if the parties' agreement specifically bars modification. Maryland law generally terminates alimony upon the death of either spouse or the remarriage of the recipient, unless the parties' agreement provides otherwise.
Sources: Maryland Family Law Article § 11-106 (alimony), Maryland Courts - Family, IRS Tax Topic 452, Alimony and Separate Maintenance
Not independently confirmed
- Whether Maryland has a codified cohabitation-modification provision separate from the general change-of-circumstances standard was not independently confirmed; check the current text of Family Law Title 11 or Maryland case law.
Spousal Support in Maryland: frequently asked questions
What is spousal support called in Maryland?+
Maryland statute and courts use the term alimony. It is governed by Family Law § 11-106 and decided by the circuit court as part of a divorce case.
Does Maryland have a formula for calculating alimony?+
No. Maryland has no statutory formula. The court weighs factors such as the length of the marriage and each spouse's financial resources and needs. It also weighs the requesting spouse's ability to become self-supporting when deciding the amount and duration.
Does Maryland prefer time-limited alimony over permanent alimony?+
Yes. Maryland courts generally favor rehabilitative alimony. That means support for a defined period, tied to a spouse becoming self-supporting. Courts reserve indefinite alimony for narrower circumstances: age, illness, disability, or an unconscionable disparity in living standards that remains even after reasonable efforts toward self-support.
When can I get indefinite alimony in Maryland?+
Indefinite alimony is available when the requesting spouse cannot reasonably become self-supporting due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability. It is also available when the gap between the spouses' standards of living would remain unconscionable, even after both make reasonable progress toward self-support.
Does remarriage end alimony in Maryland?+
Generally yes, unless the parties' agreement states otherwise. Maryland law typically terminates alimony upon the recipient's remarriage or the death of either spouse.
Is alimony taxable in Maryland?+
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed federal tax treatment of alimony. The paying spouse can no longer deduct it, and the recipient no longer reports it as taxable income. Agreements executed before 2019 generally keep the older tax treatment unless later modified.
This page is general information about spousal support in Maryland, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Maryland's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Maryland. Virdix does not prepare or file Maryland divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Maryland.
More Maryland divorce guides
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