How child support is calculated in Maine

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Maine uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The parents' annual gross incomes are added together. The state table gives a weekly amount per child for that combined income, which is multiplied by the number of children.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Maine child support calculator

The official Maine calculator

The parents' annual gross incomes are added together. The state table gives a weekly amount per child for that combined income, which is multiplied by the number of children. Child care, health insurance and extraordinary medical costs are added, and the total is split between the parents by their share of income; the parent without primary residential care pays their share.

Law: 19-A M.R.S. §§2001, 2006, 2007, 2011; 10-144 C.M.R. ch. 351

We don't estimate Maine's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official Maine child support calculator

What goes into support in Maine

The parents' annual gross incomes are added together. The state table gives a weekly amount per child for that combined income, which is multiplied by the number of children. Child care, health insurance and extraordinary medical costs are added, and the total is split between the parents by their share of income; the parent without primary residential care pays their share.

Law: 19-A M.R.S. §§2001, 2006, 2007, 2011; 10-144 C.M.R. ch. 351

The child's health costs in Maine

If private health insurance for the child is available at a reasonable cost, its cost (adding the child, or the difference between single and family coverage) is added to the support obligation and split by income. Recurring uninsured medical costs over $250 a year per child are also shared by income.

Law: 19-A M.R.S. §§2001(4), 2006(3)

The model in plain words

In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

The low-income rule in Maine

If the paying parent's income is below the federal poverty guideline, weekly support can't be more than 10% of that parent's weekly gross income. The table has a self-support reserve for parents earning $22,800 a year or less.

Law: 19-A M.R.S. §2006(5)(C)

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)

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in Maine

  1. Collect proof of income

    Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.

  2. Check the official calculator

    Get the guideline amount from Official Maine child support calculator.

  3. Count health and child care

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Get an order

    To get an order, contact 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 the Maine guidelines

What formula does Maine use for child support?

The parents' annual gross incomes are added together. The state table gives a weekly amount per child for that combined income, which is multiplied by the number of children. Child care, health insurance and extraordinary medical costs are added, and the total is split between the parents by their share of income; the parent without primary residential care pays their share.

Is there an official child support calculator for Maine?

Yes: Official Maine child support calculator.

Is there a low-income rule in Maine?

If the paying parent's income is below the federal poverty guideline, weekly support can't be more than 10% of that parent's weekly gross income. The table has a self-support reserve for parents earning $22,800 a year or less.

Is health insurance part of child support in Maine?

If private health insurance for the child is available at a reasonable cost, its cost (adding the child, or the difference between single and family coverage) is added to the support obligation and split by income. Recurring uninsured medical costs over $250 a year per child are also shared by income.

More for Maine

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources