Maine Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Maine using our free calculator based on the official ME Guidelines (19-A MRSA § 2004). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Maine Child Support Calculator

Based on Maine's 2024 ME Guidelines (19-A MRSA § 2004)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Maine

  • Maine uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $175/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,576/month at $20,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • Maine includes adjustments for health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary expenses.
  • Courts may deviate from the guidelines with specific written findings about the child's needs or the parents' financial circumstances.

Source: ME Guidelines (19-A MRSA § 2004) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Maine?

If you make $60,000 a year in Maine, child support for 1 child is estimated at $619 per month ($7,428 per year) based on the ME Guidelines (19-A MRSA § 2004). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Maine, child support for 1 child is approximately $566/month.

Maine Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $475/mo $643/mo $749/mo
$50,000/yr $552/mo $747/mo $871/mo
$60,000/yr $619/mo $838/mo $977/mo
$70,000/yr $678/mo $917/mo $1,069/mo
$80,000/yr $731/mo $989/mo $1,153/mo
$100,000/yr $821/mo $1,111/mo $1,294/mo
$120,000/yr $894/mo $1,209/mo $1,410/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Maine

Maine uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Maine

Both parents' gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance and dental insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Primary residence and parenting time schedule
Other child support obligations
Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
Standard of living and needs of the child

Important Notes for Maine

  • Maine uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • Maine considers additional costs including health insurance, child care, and extraordinary expenses when calculating the final obligation.
  • The court may deviate from the guidelines based on specific findings about the needs of the child or the financial circumstances of the parents.

Example Child Support Calculation in Maine

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Child Support

How is child support calculated in Maine?
Maine uses the Income Shares model under 19-A MRSA Section 2004. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state guidelines. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and the parenting time schedule.
What income is used for Maine child support?
Maine uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, pensions, Social Security, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits. The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Does shared custody affect child support in Maine?
Yes, Maine considers the parenting time arrangement in the child support calculation. When both parents share significant parenting time, the court may adjust the support obligation to reflect the direct costs each parent incurs. The specific adjustment depends on the number of overnights and the overall custodial arrangement.
Can Maine courts deviate from child support guidelines?
Yes, Maine courts may deviate from the guidelines if applying them would be unjust or inappropriate. The court must make specific written findings explaining the deviation. Factors include the child's special needs, the financial resources of the parents, and other relevant circumstances.
How long does child support last in Maine?
In Maine, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still attending secondary school at age 18, support may continue until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Support may continue for adult children with disabilities who are unable to be self-supporting.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official ME Guidelines (19-A MRSA § 2004) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Maine. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Maine courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Maine family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the ME Guidelines (19-A MRSA § 2004). Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

Alabama Income Shares model Alaska Percentage of Income model Arizona Income Shares model Arkansas Income Shares model California Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model Colorado Income Shares model

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