Maine Child Support Calculator

Maine uses the income shares model under Title 19-A, §§ 2001–2007, combining both parents' gross annual incomes and applying the state's Child Support Table to determine a basic support entitlement. Each parent pays a proportional share based on their percentage of combined income. The table distinguishes between children under and over age 12, with higher amounts for older children. Additional costs for childcare, health insurance, and extraordinary medical expenses are split proportionally on top of the base amount.

Maine courts consider each parent's gross annual income from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and Social Security Disability benefits (but not SSI). Under Title 19-A, § 2001(5), courts may impute higher income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed based on education, work history, and job availability. However, a parent personally providing primary care for a child under 24 months is deemed not available for employment.

Maine uses "Parental Rights and Responsibilities" instead of custody. The non-primary care provider typically pays child support to the primary care provider. When parents share substantially equal care, a supplemental worksheet (Form FM 40A) applies with an increased base amount to account for dual-residence costs. In split arrangements where each parent has primary residence of at least one child, separate calculations are run for each household and the parent owing more pays the difference.

Maine allows child support modification after three years from the original order without showing changed circumstances. Before three years, modification requires a substantial change in circumstances that would adjust the support amount by at least 15% under Title 19-A, § 2009. Qualifying changes include job loss, disability, significant income changes, or changes in the child's needs. Either parent may file a motion to modify with the court.

Maine's child support obligation includes three components beyond the basic table amount: childcare costs necessary for employment or education, health insurance premiums for the children, and extraordinary medical expenses not covered by insurance. Under Title 19-A, § 2006, these additional costs are divided proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. The basic table amount itself covers standard expenses like housing, food, clothing, and transportation.

Maine provides a self-support reserve for low-income obligors. If the nonprimary care provider's annual gross income falls below the federal poverty guideline (approximately $16,800 as of 2024), the weekly obligation is capped at 10% of their weekly gross income regardless of the combined income calculation. At the upper end, Maine's Child Support Table covers incomes up to $400,000 combined annually. For higher incomes, courts may exercise discretion to deviate from guidelines.

In Maine, child support ordinarily ends when the child turns 18 under Title 19-A, § 1653(12). However, if the child is still attending secondary school at age 18, support continues until the child graduates, withdraws, is expelled, or turns 19—whichever comes first. Support also terminates early if the child marries, joins the armed services, or obtains a court order of emancipation. Any unpaid arrears remain enforceable after termination.

Maine enforces child support through the Division of Support Enforcement & Recovery (DSER) under Title 19-A, § 2603. Enforcement tools include automatic wage garnishment with absolute priority over other withholding orders, interception of state and federal tax refunds, bank account levies through Financial Institution Data Match, and passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500. Courts may also suspend driver's licenses, revoke professional and recreational licenses under § 2603-A, and hold non-paying parents in contempt with fines or imprisonment.