Maine Divorce With Children — Custody and Child Support (2026)

Maine courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard under 19-A M.R.S. § 1653. When minor children are involved, both parents must complete a parent education program.

Parent Education Program — Mandatory

Both parents must complete a court-approved parent education program when minor children are involved. This program — typically a few hours — helps parents understand how divorce affects children and how to co-parent effectively.

Certificate requirement: Each parent receives a completion certificate and must file it with the District Court. The divorce cannot be finalized until both certificates are on file.

Finding the program: Contact your District Court clerk for a list of approved programs in your county. Online options may be available. Cost: approximately $30–$60 per parent.

Maine Custody Framework

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Maine uses the term "parental rights and responsibilities" (not custody and visitation).

• Shared parental rights and responsibilities: Both parents share major decisions — strongly preferred in Maine when parents can communicate
• Sole parental rights and responsibilities: One parent has final authority — when cooperation is impossible or domestic violence is present

Primary physical residence

• Primary residence: Child primarily lives with one parent
• Shared residence: Substantial parenting time with each parent

Best Interests of the Child — Maine Factors (19-A M.R.S. § 1653)

Maine courts consider all relevant factors:

1. The child's age, developmental needs, and adjustment to home, school, and community
2. The child's relationship with each parent
3. The preference of the child (if of sufficient age)
4. Each parent's ability to cooperate and communicate with the other
5. Each parent's ability to meet the child's needs
6. History of domestic abuse
7. Each parent's work schedule and availability
8. The child's need for stability and continuity
9. Any other relevant factor

Domestic violence: 19-A M.R.S. § 1653(6) — courts give substantial weight to evidence of domestic abuse.

Parenting Plan — Required

A comprehensive Parenting Plan must be filed with the District Court. It must address:

• Parental rights and responsibilities (shared or sole)
• Primary residence and regular parenting schedule
• Holiday and vacation schedule
• Healthcare decision-making
• Educational decisions and information sharing
• Transportation and exchange
• Communication between parents
• Relocation provisions
• Dispute resolution

Maine Child Support — Income Shares (19-A M.R.S. § 2006)

Maine uses an income shares model:

1. Determine both parents' gross monthly income
2. Apply standard deductions
3. Use Maine Child Support Guidelines table
4. Allocate proportionally between parents by income share
5. Adjust for health insurance, childcare, and parenting time

Duration: Maine child support generally continues to age 18 or high school graduation (whichever is later, not to exceed age 19).

Income Withholding Order: Routinely issued with every child support order.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Parent education required — both parents — cannot finalize without certificates | 19-A M.R.S. § 1653 best interests | Shared parental rights and responsibilities preferred | Parenting Plan required | Income shares child support (19-A M.R.S. § 2006) | Support ends at 18/HS graduation | courts.maine.gov | ptla.org

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.