How to Calculate Child Support in Maine

Child support is a legal requirement for parents who are no longer together but still have dependent children. In Maine, calculating child support can be difficult without any guidance. The following is a step-by-step tutorial on how to calculate child support in Maine.

Gather the Necessary Information

Before you start calculating child support in Maine, you will need to gather certain information about the situation of both parents and the children. This information includes:

• The gross income of both parents
• Whether one or both parents are self-employed or working as independent contractors
• The amount of health insurance premiums paid for the children
• Childcare costs
• The number of minor children
• The amount of time that each parent devotes to the children during the year

Use the Maine Child Support Table

Maine has a child support table that provides guidelines for calculating the proper amount of child support. The table takes into account the child’s age, the parents’ gross incomes, and the amount of time that each parent spends with the children. Before using the table, you must determine the gross income of each parent.

Calculate the Gross Income of Each Parent

The gross income of each parent is the total income earned by that parent before any taxes, deductions, or other expenses. Gross income can include wages, bonuses, tips, commissions, and investment income. If the parent is self-employed, their gross income includes their net income. The gross income should be calculated for both parents.

Determine the Amount of Time Each Parent Spends with the Children

The amount of time each parent spends with the children is known as the “custodial arrangement.” In Maine, the amount of child support depends on the custodial arrangement. If one parent has sole custody, that parent is the “custodial parent.” If both parents share custody, they both have “custodial time.” The custody arrangement is determined by the court in Maine.

Calculate the Basic Child Support Obligation

Once you have determined the gross income of each parent, you can calculate the basic child support obligation using the Maine Child Support Table. The Table uses a formula that considers both parents’ gross incomes and the number of children involved. The basic support obligation is the starting point for the calculation of the child support payments.

Factor in Additional Expenses

Apart from the basic child support obligation, there may be other costs like medical expenses, school fees, and childcare that must be considered when calculating child support in Maine. Some of these additional expenses are mandatory, while others may be discretionary. If the child incurs mandatory expenses like medical costs, both parents are generally responsible for paying these costs. Discretionary expenses like extracurricular activities are paid according to the agreement between the parents.

Come up with the Final Child Support Amount

After finding out what the basic child support obligation and any additional expenses are, you can add everything up to determine the final child support amount. The final amount is usually the responsibility of the noncustodial parent and is paid to the custodial parent to cover the costs of the child.

Conclusion

Calculating child support in Maine can be confusing, but with the right information, it is relatively easy. It’s important to determine the gross income of each parent, understand the custodial arrangements, and factor in any additional expenses. By following these steps, you can get a more accurate idea about what your child support obligations are. It is important to remember that the state has guidelines that must be strictly adhered to. Therefore, it may be necessary to consult with a Maine family law attorney to get the most accurate information about child support.