How to change child support in Maine

When a change is allowed, how to ask the agency or the court, and a free letter to ask for a review.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. If the order is less than 3 years old, a difference of more than 15% from the guideline amount counts as a substantial change and the order is modified.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Forms to file a Motion to Modify (OTH-042)

The rule for changing support in Maine

If the order is less than 3 years old, a difference of more than 15% from the guideline amount counts as a substantial change and the order is modified. If it has been 3 years or more, the order is reviewed without proof of a change and modified if it differs from the guidelines at all. A change can only go back to the date the other parent was served with the motion.

Law: 19-A M.R.S. §2009

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Maine's rule: If the order is less than 3 years old, a difference of more than 15% from the guideline amount counts as a substantial change and the order is modified. If it has been 3 years or more, the order is reviewed without proof of a change and modified if it differs from the guidelines at all. A change can only go back to the date the other parent was served with the motion.

Law: 19-A M.R.S. §2009

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Maine: Ask DSER for an order review (through the Customer Portal, by phone to the Case Review Unit at 1-800-371-7179 or (207) 624-7830, online form, email case.review@maine.gov or mail), or file a Motion to Modify in District Court. Mediation is generally required before a contested hearing.

How a change is made in Maine

Ask DSER for an order review (through the Customer Portal, by phone to the Case Review Unit at 1-800-371-7179 or (207) 624-7830, online form, email case.review@maine.gov or mail), or file a Motion to Modify in District Court. Mediation is generally required before a contested hearing.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

If a parent is in jail or prison

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

What changed in 2024–2026 in Maine

DSER posts a 2023 Maine Child Support Table (after its 2022 guidelines review) and updated its online calculator on September 10, 2024.

In nearby states

What to do now in Maine

  1. Get the order

    Find the date and the amount on the order.

  2. Check the rule

    In Maine: If the order is less than 3 years old, a difference of more than 15% from the guideline amount counts as a substantial change and the order is modified.

  3. Show the change

    Bring proof of the change, such as pay stubs or a layoff notice.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Request a review from Maine DHHS, Office for Family Independence, Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DSER) ((207) 624-4100) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Free help: Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

Free help in Maine

Questions about changing support in Maine

What counts as a reason to change support in Maine?

If the order is less than 3 years old, a difference of more than 15% from the guideline amount counts as a substantial change and the order is modified. If it has been 3 years or more, the order is reviewed without proof of a change and modified if it differs from the guidelines at all. A change can only go back to the date the other parent was served with the motion.

How do I ask to change child support in Maine?

Ask DSER for an order review (through the Customer Portal, by phone to the Case Review Unit at 1-800-371-7179 or (207) 624-7830, online form, email case.review@maine.gov or mail), or file a Motion to Modify in District Court. Mediation is generally required before a contested hearing.

More for Maine

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources