Maryland · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Maryland

How spousal support works in a Maryland divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

The court sets the amount and how long it lasts after weighing factors like ability to become self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, contributions, the circumstances of the breakup, age, health and finances.

Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
Md. Code, Fam. Law 11-106.

Alimony rules in Maryland

  • The court sets the amount and how long it lasts after weighing factors like ability to become self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, contributions, the circumstances of the breakup, age, health and finances.
  • Rehabilitative (time-limited) alimony is the norm; indefinite alimony is possible in some cases.

Law: Md. Code, Fam. Law 11-106.

Alimony and property in Maryland

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
The court decides what is marital property and its value, and can give a monetary award to balance things out so the division is fair, not necessarily equal. The spouse with primary custody may get use of the family home and family property for up to 3 years.

How to ask for alimony in Maryland

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Maryland courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $165 for a complaint for absolute divorce (Circuit Court Fee Summary Chart, effective Sept. 2, 2026) Can't afford it? Ask for a fee waiver based on your income: https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/filingfeewaivers.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. If custody is disputed, many circuit courts require mediation of parenting issues unless there's domestic violence (Md. Rule 9-205).

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Maryland

How does alimony work in Maryland?

The court sets the amount and how long it lasts after weighing factors like ability to become self-supporting, time needed for training, standard of living, length of the marriage, contributions, the circumstances of the breakup, age, health and finances. Rehabilitative (time-limited) alimony is the norm; indefinite alimony is possible in some cases.

Is Maryland a community property state?

No. Maryland uses equitable distribution. The court decides what is marital property and its value, and can give a monetary award to balance things out so the division is fair, not necessarily equal. The spouse with primary custody may get use of the family home and family property for up to 3 years.

More about divorce in Maryland

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.