Maryland Statutes
Part I - Nonsupport of Spouse; Nonsupport or Desertion of Minor Child -- in General
Section 10-204 - Order to Pay Child Support

(a)    Before trial and with the written consent of the accused individual, or on conviction of the individual under § 10-203 of this subtitle, instead of or in addition to imposing a penalty under § 10-203 of this subtitle, the court may:
        (1)    order the individual to pay child support periodically in a certain amount for 3 years, or, if there is an agreement with respect to support of the child, order the individual to make payments as provided in the agreement; and
        (2)    place the individual on probation on the individual’s entering into a recognizance.
    (b)    In passing the order, the court shall consider the financial circumstances of the accused individual.
    (c)    The accused individual shall make the payments:
        (1)    to the person who has custody of the minor child, through the appropriate support enforcement agency; or
        (2)    if there is an agreement with respect to support of the child, to the recipient designated in the agreement.
    (d)    The court may modify the order as circumstances require.

Structure Maryland Statutes