Can I get a review without proving a change?

Yes. Parents can request a review of the order after three years without needing to prove a substantial change in circumstances.

How aggressive is Maine's enforcement?

Maine enforces unpaid child support through wage garnishment up to 65%, license suspension after just 60 days of arrears, tax refund interception, passport application denial for debts exceeding $2,500, and contempt of court charges that carry potential jail time.

Maine, United States

Maine Child Support: A Parent's Guide

Q: How is child support calculated in Maine?

Using the income shares model: both parents' gross annual incomes are combined, the basic support entitlement is read from the Child Support Table for incomes up to $450,000, and each parent pays their proportional share.

Q: How do I request a modification in Maine?

File a Motion to Modify form along with a new Child Support Affidavit, showing a significant change in circumstances since the original order, such as changes in income, employment status, or the child's needs. If a parent's income changes by 15% or more, they can petition to modify.

Q: Is there a time limit on collecting overdue child support in Maine?

No. There is no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears in Maine, meaning old unpaid support remains collectible indefinitely.

How child support works in Maine, in plain English: the income shares guidelines, the 3-year review, and aggressive enforcement.

Legal sources reviewed: August 10, 2026

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In short: Maine's income shares guidelines cover combined incomes up to $450,000/year, and a 15%+ income change supports a modification, with a no-proof-needed review available after three years. Enforcement is notably aggressive: wage garnishment up to 65%, license suspension after just 60 days of arrears, and no statute of limitations on collecting old arrears.

This is an educational overview written for parents, not lawyers. It isn't legal advice. For anything beyond general understanding, talk to a licensed Maine family law attorney.

What Maine generally provides

Maine calculates child support using the income shares model: both parents' gross annual incomes are combined, the basic support entitlement is read from the Child Support Table for incomes up to $450,000, and each parent pays their proportional share.

Important terminology

Child Support Table: Maine's guideline schedule, covering combined incomes up to $450,000.
Motion to Modify / Child Support Affidavit: the required filings to request a modification.
DSER: the Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery, part of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for enforcement.

How the calculation works

Combining gross annual income

Both parents' gross annual incomes are combined, and the basic support entitlement is read directly from Maine's Child Support Table, which covers combined incomes up to $450,000, with each parent then paying their proportional share of that entitlement.

Requesting or defending a modification

A modification requires filing a Motion to Modify form along with a new Child Support Affidavit, showing a significant change in circumstances since the original order, such as changes in income, employment status, or the child's needs. If a parent's income changes by 15% or more, that alone supports a petition to modify. Separately, either parent can request a review after three years without needing to prove any substantial change at all, a simple periodic reset available regardless of circumstances. See the child support calculator and guideline finder for jurisdiction-specific calculation sources and guidance.

How enforcement works

Maine's enforcement, handled by the Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER) under the Department of Health and Human Services, is notably aggressive. When a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, the state can garnish up to 65% of wages, suspend driver's and professional licenses after just 60 days of arrears, intercept federal and state tax refunds, deny passport applications for debts exceeding $2,500, and pursue contempt of court charges carrying potential jail time. Critically, there's no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears in Maine, meaning old unpaid support remains fully collectible indefinitely.

Common questions

How quickly can my license be suspended for falling behind? Faster than in many states, Maine allows license suspension after just 60 days of arrears, a relatively short window compared to states that wait longer.

Does old, unpaid child support eventually expire? No, Maine places no statute of limitations on collecting arrears, so a debt from years ago remains collectible.

What if my co-parent isn't paying? Contact Maine's Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER), which has broad enforcement authority including wage garnishment, license suspension, and passport denial.

Practical considerations

Because Maine's arrears carry no expiration date and its 60-day license suspension trigger is comparatively fast, staying current or promptly pursuing a modification when your circumstances genuinely change matters more here than in states with slower or more forgiving enforcement timelines. For the custody and parental-rights-and-responsibilities rules that intersect with this calculation, see the Maine custody guide.

Official Maine resources

Maine Judicial Branch: Child Support

FAQ

Questions, answered

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Family law varies by individual circumstances and may change over time. Consult a qualified attorney or appropriate official resource for advice about your situation.