Which of the following factors is NOT considered when determining child custody in Maryland?

In Maryland, the determination of child custody is focused on the best interests of the child, which includes a variety of factors that directly relate to the child's well-being and upbringing. While parental income may have some indirect implications on custody arrangements, it is not a primary factor that courts consider when determining custody. The other factors listed—such as the child's educational needs, emotional ties between the child and each parent, and each parent's mental and physical health—are directly related to the child’s best interests.

The child's educational needs address how each parent's custody arrangement can support the child's learning and development. Emotional ties refer to the relationships that foster security, love, and stability for the child, which are crucial in custody decisions. Lastly, understanding each parent's mental and physical health helps assess their ability to care for the child effectively. Therefore, while financial considerations can play a role in child support or overall family stability, they do not directly influence custody decisions as much as the other factors do.