Calculating Child Support In Maine

Parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support to their children after their marriage or relationship with the child’s other parent has ended. This is known as child support. Maine has specific guidelines used to calculate child support based on the income shares model. This model considers the income of each parent and allocates it accordingly. Costs are estimated based on what they were before the parents separated. 

A parent’s share of financial support for a child depends on the share of the total gross income they earn. Gross income can include wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employed income, benefits, investment income, alimony, and other sources. Other factors are also considered, including the parenting schedule and how much time each parent spends with the child.

Some parents might try to avoid paying child support by intentionally lowering their income or quitting their jobs. However, the court knows about this tactic and will not base calculations on income that is lower than the parent should be earning. The court can impute income to an under-earning parent. If you believe your child’s other parent is trying to avoid child support, our attorneys can raise the issue with the family court. 

Child Support Orders

Parents can agree on child support out of court, though the agreement must be within the guidelines under the law. Our attorneys can review any proposed agreement and help you reach a resolution that the family court will approve. 

If you cannot reach an out-of-court agreement, our trial lawyers can ensure the family judge has all the necessary and relevant information to make a fair decision. We will fight for a reasonable support order for you to pay or receive based on your circumstances.

Child Support Enforcement Or Modifications

Once a judge issues a child support order, the paying parent must comply with the order. However, too many parents ignore court orders and fail to make the required payments. This can leave the other parent without the financial means to sufficiently support the child. Our law firm knows what steps to take to enforce child support orders, so never wait to seek help with this situation. 

Circumstances can also change over time, which might require a modification of a child support order. To modify the order, you must petition the court and show that you have a substantial and lasting change of circumstances that warrants the modification. Our attorneys assist with modifications and can advise you whether you might qualify.  

Speak With A Maine Child Support Lawyer

If you have a child support case, the team of STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers is ready to help. We can assist with child support as part of a divorce or as a standalone matter in family court. Contact us to learn more about our firm’s family litigation experience.