Maine Parenting Time Calculator

Maine calculates parenting time by counting the number of overnight stays each parent has with the child per year, then dividing by 365 to determine a percentage. For example, 182 overnights equals approximately 50% parenting time. Courts also evaluate each parent's participation in the child's residential, educational, medical, and recreational needs when determining if care is "substantially equal" under Title 19-A, §2006.

Maine requires "substantially equal care"—approximately 50% parenting time—to qualify for the shared custody child support calculation. Unlike states with specific overnight thresholds (such as 128 nights), Maine evaluates whether both parents participate equally in all aspects of the child's care including residential, educational, and medical needs. When this standard is met, parents complete Supplemental Worksheet FM-040-A using the enhanced support formula.

A 2-2-3 schedule in Maine means the child spends 2 days with Parent A, 2 days with Parent B, then 3 days with Parent A, alternating the pattern each week. This results in exactly 50% parenting time for each parent over a two-week cycle—182.5 overnights annually per parent. Maine courts often approve this schedule for school-age children because it provides consistent mid-week stability while ensuring equal time with both parents.

In Maine, parenting time directly impacts child support calculations when parents share substantially equal care. Under Title 19-A, §2006, the enhanced support formula multiplies basic support by 1.5 to account for dual-residence costs. If parents have equal incomes and provide 50/50 care, neither pays support—they split childcare, health insurance, and medical expenses equally. With unequal incomes, the higher earner pays a proportional share of the enhanced amount.

Yes, Maine allows parenting plan modifications when there is a "substantial change in circumstances" since the last court order. Common qualifying changes include a parent's relocation affecting the schedule, significant changes in a parent's work schedule, the child's changing developmental needs, or safety concerns. You must file a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order, paying a filing fee unless you qualify for a waiver using Form CV-067.

Maine courts consider toddlers' developmental needs when creating schedules. For children 18 months to 3 years, experts recommend two six-hour blocks plus one overnight weekly with the non-primary parent, expanding to two non-consecutive overnights as the child approaches age three. Under Title 19-A, §1653, Maine judges evaluate whether the child is breastfeeding, the child's attachment patterns, and each parent's caregiving history when ordering schedules for young children.

Maine parenting plans typically alternate major holidays annually between parents, with specific start and end times documented. Common holidays addressed include Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, and each parent's and child's birthdays. Many Maine agreements also specify summer vacation blocks—often switching to week-on/week-off during school breaks—and require advance notice for vacation travel plans.

First right of refusal in Maine requires one parent to offer childcare time to the other parent before arranging third-party care. This clause is optional—not legally required—and must be negotiated into your parenting agreement or ordered by the court. Maine agreements vary in scope: some apply only to overnight absences, while others cover gaps as short as four hours. High-conflict parents may find this provision difficult to implement practically.