How Long Child Support Arrears Last: Collection Limits, Back Support and Forgiveness in Maine
Maine child support arrears are not erased by a later change before service of the petition. We found no expiration date; a written payment agreement with the department can bring you into compliance.
Do child support arrears expire in Maine?
The sections we read set no expiration date for support arrears, and we are not stating one. A modification reaches only installments after service of the petition (19-A M.R.S. 2009(2)), so earlier installments are not reduced. Ask a licensed Maine attorney how any judgment limitation rule applies to your debt.
| Question | Maine rule |
|---|---|
| Retroactive changes | Only from service of the petition (2009(2)) |
| Written agreement | Can bring an obligor into compliance; failure is grounds for revocation (2202) |
| Interest | 6% on department debt, optional (2354); parent debt not verified |
| Attorney’s fees | May be collected by any means available under the law (2102) |
| License action | More than 60 days in arrears (2101(2)) |
| Time limit to collect | We found none in the sections we read; ask an attorney |
Can a judge forgive child support arrears in Maine?
Not by modifying past installments before service. The way to limit arrears is to file and serve a motion to modify as soon as your circumstances change.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes in the department’s license process. An obligor who is presently unable to pay all past-due support may come into compliance by signing a written payment agreement and following it; the agreement must require current support to be paid when due, and the amount is set by the obligor’s ability to pay, not more than the withholding limits (19-A M.R.S. 2202(1-A)).
What if you cannot keep the agreement?
Tell the department and give evidence of your current finances. If you claim you cannot comply, the department may ask the District Court to determine your ability to pay, and the court may find money due, render judgment and order relief (2202(1-B)).
Does a lump-sum payment count?
Any payment toward arrears reduces the balance, but ask for a written accounting. Lump sums can be taken from tax refunds or other property by the department’s withholding orders; the withholding statute reaches property including wages due to the responsible parent (19-A M.R.S. 2359(1)).
Can the department seize property for arrears?
The department’s family financial responsibility and seizure provisions let it act against obligors who are not in compliance, including orders to seize and sell property, so a large arrears balance can reach assets as well as wages (19-A M.R.S. 2203; 2202). Ask the department which tools it plans to use.
Does a written agreement waive the arrears?
No. A written payment agreement sets how the past-due support will be paid and keeps you in compliance while you follow it; it does not erase the balance, and failure to follow it is grounds for license revocation unless you notify the department and show you cannot comply (2202(1-B)).
Do arrears survive when the child turns 18?
The end of current support does not erase installments already owed. See the Maine child support end date calculator.
What should you do about a large balance?
Get the official balance, compare it with the Maine child support arrears calculator, ask for a written payment agreement, and if your circumstances changed, serve a motion to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
Do Maine child support arrears expire?
The sections we read set no expiration date; ask a licensed attorney how any limitation rule applies.
Can a Maine judge forgive child support arrears?
Not by modifying installments before service of the petition.
Is there a Maine payment plan for arrears?
Yes, a written payment agreement with the department, which requires current support to be paid.
What if I cannot keep my Maine payment agreement?
Notify the department with evidence; it may ask the District Court to determine your ability to pay.
Do Maine arrears survive when the child turns 18?
Yes. Installments already owed stay owed.
Official sources
- 19-A M.R.S. 2354: interest on debt due
- 19-A M.R.S. 2359: expedited income withholding
- 19-A M.R.S. 2101: enforcement definitions and compliance
- 19-A M.R.S. 2201: notice to licensing boards
- 19-A M.R.S. 2202: family financial responsibility
- 19-A M.R.S. 2102: enforcement of rights
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Maine statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Maine attorney.