Child Support in Maine
State-specific overview · Family Law
Maine uses income shares; support ends at age 18 unless child attends college, then continues until age 19.
How Maine treats Child Support
Maine applies the income shares model combining both parents' incomes to calculate the child support obligation. Support generally ends when the child reaches age 18, but continues until age 19 if the child is enrolled full-time in a post-secondary educational institution. Maine allows modification if there is a substantial and continuing change in either parent's circumstances. The state enforces support through wage garnishment, tax intercept, and other mechanisms including license suspension.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maine.