Maine Child Support Laws

Child Support Laws in the state of Maine

Everything you need to know about child support laws in Maine.

Last verified: February 2026

Maine child support guidelines require parents in the state to support their children “to the extent they are able.” The state uses an income shares model that calculates each parent’s obligation based on their proportional contribution to the combined household income.

Quick Summary:

  • Maine uses the income shares model (Title 19-A, Chapter 63)
  • Child support table covers combined incomes up to $400,000 annually
  • Low-income parents (below federal poverty level) pay no more than 10% of weekly income
  • Support ends at age 18, or may continue if the child is still in high school
  • 15% change in income triggers modification eligibility, or after 3 years
  • No statute of limitations on child support arrears
Table of Contents

If after reading this you have further questions and would like a consultation, you can get a free case consultation from a local lawyer here.

How is child support calculated in Maine?

Maine uses a version of the “income shares model” that assumes both parents, whether married or not, have a legal responsibility to provide financial support for their children.

Under this model, the court or hearing officer:

  1. Calculates both parents’ combined gross income
  2. References the Maine Child Support Table to find the base support amount
  3. Multiplies the base amount by the number of children
  4. Divides the total obligation between parents based on their proportional income

According to Title 19-A, Section 2006:

“The court or hearing officer shall refer to the table and locate the figure in the left-hand column that is closest to the parents combined gross income. The court or hearing officer shall determine the dollar figure for the total number of children for whom support is being determined and multiply the dollar figure by the number of children. The resulting dollar amount represents the basic support entitlement.”

Forms needed for calculation

Maine requires these forms to calculate child support:

The Child Support Affidavit must be signed in front of a court clerk, attorney, or notary public. Each parent provides a copy to the other parent.

Professional illustration showing child support calculation in Maine

How is child support established in Maine?

Maine designates the parent with whom the children spend the most time as the “Primary Care Provider.” The other parent is the “Non-Primary Care Provider” and typically pays child support.

For parents who provide “substantially equal care,” the supplemental worksheet (FM-040-SA) applies. This adjusts the calculation to reflect the shared custody arrangement.

The judge can deviate from the state’s formula if the calculated amount does not serve the best interests of the child. While parents may reach their own agreement, the court must review it to ensure the amount is adequate.

Child support for low-income parents

Maine law provides protection for low-income parents. If a parent’s annual gross income is less than the federal poverty level, their weekly child support obligation may not exceed 10% of their weekly income.

This ensures that child support obligations do not push low-income parents into financial hardship while still providing some level of support for the child.

Special circumstances

Maine’s child support table caps at $400,000 combined annual gross income. For parents whose income exceeds this threshold, Chapter 63 of the guidelines states:

“When the parties combined annual gross income exceeds $400,000, the child support table is not applicable, except that the basic weekly support entitlement of a child is presumed to be not less than that outlined in the table for a combined annual gross income of $400,000.”

In these cases, the court uses discretion to determine an appropriate support amount based on the child’s needs and the parents’ lifestyle.

Factors considered in determining child support

Maine courts consider multiple factors when calculating support:

  • Combined gross income of both parents
  • Health insurance costs for the child
  • Work-related child care costs (daycare)
  • Subsistence needs of the non-primary care provider
  • Parenting time arrangements
  • Number of children subject to the order
  • Extraordinary medical expenses

Judges may deviate from the guidelines based on:

  • The child’s special physical, emotional, or educational needs
  • Financial resources not included in income calculations
  • Combined impact of child support, property division, and alimony
  • Standard of living the children would have enjoyed if parents stayed together
  • Tax benefits from child-related exemptions and credits
  • Income and contributions of a parent’s current spouse or partner

How to apply for child support

Maine’s Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER) provides child support services, often working with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Apply for child support services online.

DSER services include:

  • Establishing paternity
  • Locating absent parents
  • Establishing and modifying child support orders
  • Collecting and distributing payments
  • Enforcing support orders

How to modify child support in Maine

Maine allows modification when there is a “substantial change in circumstances.” The change must be permanent and not voluntary.

Examples of qualifying changes:

  • Serious illness affecting earning ability
  • Incarceration
  • Involuntary unemployment
  • Significant income change

Modification thresholds

  • Less than 3 years since last order: Must show substantial change. A 15% or greater difference in calculated support is considered substantial change.
  • 3 years or more since last order: Any difference between current calculation and existing order may warrant modification.

Retroactive modification

According to Title 19-A, Section 2009, child support may be modified retroactively, but only from the date notice of the modification petition was served on the other party.

Forms for modification

  1. Motion to Modify (FM-062)
  2. Family Matter Summary Sheet (FM-002)
  3. Social Security Number Confidential Disclosure Form

You may also request a review from Maine DSER online.

Professional illustration showing child support enforcement in Maine

What happens if you do not pay child support in Maine?

DSER enforces child support orders using various methods:

  • Income withholding: Support is automatically deducted from paychecks
  • Bank account levy: DSER can garnish or seize bank account funds
  • Wage withholding without order: Can be implemented after 30 days of back support
  • Property liens: Liens can be placed on cars, boats, or homes after 30 days of arrears
  • License suspension: Driver’s, recreational, and professional licenses can be revoked
  • Tax refund interception: State and federal refunds can be seized
  • Credit bureau reporting: Delinquency reported to credit agencies
  • Contempt of court: Can result in fines or jail time

Contempt of court charges

Proving contempt in Maine requires demonstrating that the parent:

  1. Is intentionally failing to honor the obligation
  2. Has the ability to pay
  3. Is not following the court’s order

To file contempt charges, complete:

Statute of limitations on arrears

There is no statute of limitations on back child support in Maine. Arrears can be collected at any time.

Paternity must be established before the child turns 18.

Debt forgiveness is rare in Maine. If you are in significant debt, consult with a family law attorney about your options.

When does child support end in Maine?

Child support generally terminates when the child turns 18. However, payments may continue:

  • Until age 19 if the child is still in high school
  • Indefinitely if the child is mentally or physically disabled

Termination of parental rights

Maine courts may terminate parental rights if both parents voluntarily and knowingly consent, provided:

  • Termination is in the best interest of the child
  • The court finds the parent is unwilling or unable to protect the child
  • The parent has abandoned the child

Termination of parental rights ends both the obligation to pay support and any rights regarding the child’s upbringing.

Emancipation in Maine

To petition for emancipation, a minor must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be financially independent
  • Demonstrate that emancipation is in their best interest

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maine have an online child support calculator?

Unlike many states, Maine does not provide an official online calculator. You must use the state’s worksheet (FM-040) and the child support table to calculate your obligation manually.

What if parents have equal custody?

Parents with substantially equal parenting time must complete the supplemental worksheet (FM-040-SA). This adjusts the calculation to reflect the shared custody arrangement.

Can the court order a different amount than the guidelines?

Yes. Judges may deviate from the guidelines if the calculated amount would be unjust or inappropriate under the specific circumstances of the case.

What income counts for child support purposes?

Maine law defines income broadly as “gross income from any source,” including wages, salaries, self-employment income, pensions, disability payments, and more. Specific definitions are outlined in Title 19-A, Section 2001(5).

If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to a local attorney for a free case consultation.

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