How Child Support Ends in Maine: Emancipation, Termination Orders and What to File
Maine child support ends at 18 or the secondary school limit, or earlier on marriage or armed services, but withholding does not stop by itself. Ask the court or the department, and past-due support stays owed.
Does child support end automatically in Maine?
The statute says the order remains in force as to each child until the order is altered by the court or until the child reaches one of the listed events (19-A M.R.S. 1653(12)). But the sections we read describe no step that stops income withholding by itself. Ask the court or the department to end it and keep proof of the date.
What events end child support in Maine?
| Event | What happens |
|---|---|
| Child attains 18 | The order ends as to that child unless the child is attending secondary school |
| Child in secondary school at 18 | Until graduation, withdrawal, expulsion or the 19th birthday, whichever is first |
| Child becomes married | The order ends |
| Child joins the armed services | The order ends |
| Income withholding | Stays until the court or department ends it |
| Past-due support | Stays owed |
How does a department withholding order end?
A department withholding order stops when it is superseded by another order, the decision establishing support is superseded by a court order, the payor is released in writing, the child becomes 18 (if not in secondary school) or graduates, withdraws, is expelled or turns 19 (if in school), or the child is emancipated or adopted (2306(4)).
What do you file to end an order?
A motion to modify or terminate, served on the other parent, with proof of the event. A change reaches back only to the date of service (2009(2)), so file and serve as soon as the event happens. See how to modify child support in Maine.
What happens to an older order covering several children?
For a multi-child order entered before January 18, 2005 that does not say how it changes, the statute provides for automatic modification when a child reaches 18 and has graduated, reaches 19 without graduating, is emancipated or dies; the total decreases by the amount assigned to that child in the worksheets (19-A M.R.S. 2006(8)(G)). Check your order.
Do arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. Installments already owed stay owed. Check the balance in the Maine arrears calculator and the date in the Maine child support end date calculator.
What if the child turns 18 during the school year?
If the child is attending secondary school at 18, the order stays in force until graduation or the 19th birthday, whichever is first, so a child who turns 18 in the fall usually stays covered through graduation. Keep a school letter showing the expected date.
Who tells the employer to stop withholding?
For a department order, the payor can stop only when released in writing or on one of the listed events, and a payor who honors a withholding order is held harmless (19-A M.R.S. 2306(4)-(5)). Ask the department for a written release and send a copy to the employer.
What mistakes cause problems when support ends?
- Stopping payments on an event without telling the court or the department.
- Assuming the withholding ends by itself.
- Missing that a child who withdraws from school ends the extension.
- Forgetting that past-due support is still owed.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end automatically in Maine?
The order remains in force until the listed events or a court change; ask the court or the department to end income withholding.
Does military service end Maine child support?
Yes. The order ends when the child becomes a member of the armed services.
How do I end a Maine child support order?
File and serve a motion with proof of the event; a change reaches back only to service.
When does Maine department withholding stop?
When the child ages out, graduates, withdraws or is expelled, turns 19, or is emancipated or adopted, among other events.
Do Maine arrears stay owed after support ends?
Yes. They stay owed.
Official sources
- 19-A M.R.S. 1653: termination of order; support beyond 18 for secondary school
- 19-A M.R.S. 2006: guidelines; child between 18 and 19
- 19-A M.R.S. 2306: withholding by the department
- 19-A M.R.S. 2009: modification
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.