# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 12. Child Support

### Subtitle 1. General Provisions

#### Section 12-103

(a) The court may award to either party the costs and counsel fees that are just and proper under all the circumstances in any case in which a person:

  (1) applies for a decree or modification of a decree concerning the custody, support, or visitation of a child of the parties; or

  (2) files any form of proceeding:

    (i) to recover arrearages of child support;

    (ii) to enforce a decree of child support; or

    (iii) to enforce a decree of custody or visitation.

(b) Before a court may award costs and counsel fees under this section, the court shall consider:

  (1) the financial status of each party;

  (2) the needs of each party; and

  (3) whether there was substantial justification for bringing, maintaining, or defending the proceeding.

(c) Upon a finding by the court that there was an absence of substantial justification of a party for prosecuting or defending the proceeding, and absent a finding by the court of good cause to the contrary, the court shall award to the other party costs and counsel fees.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)