Child Support Past 18 in Maine: High School Graduation and Age Limits

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

In Maine, child support ends at 18, but for orders after January 1, 1990 it continues for a child attending secondary school until the child graduates, withdraws or is expelled, or turns 19, whichever comes first.

What is the child support age limit in Maine?

Eighteen. A court order requiring child support remains in force as to each child until the order is altered by the court or until that child attains 18, becomes married or becomes a member of the armed services (19-A M.R.S. 1653(12)).

What if the child is still in high school at 18?

For orders issued after January 1, 1990, if the child attains 18 while attending secondary school, the order remains in force until the child graduates, withdraws or is expelled from secondary school or attains 19, whichever occurs first (1653(12)(A)). The court order must require support beyond the 18th birthday on those terms (1653(8)(B)).

Try your own date in the Maine child support end date calculator.

What counts as secondary school in Maine?

The statute uses the definition in Title 20-A, section 1, rather than a plain-language test. Ask for a school letter showing enrollment and the expected graduation date, and keep it with your records.

What if the Maine child withdraws?

Support under the extension ends when the child withdraws or is expelled, even before the 19th birthday. Tell the court or the department in writing and send proof.

What does the guideline table do for an older child?

The child support table and guidelines include a child between 18 and 19 who is attending secondary school and for whom an obligation is established or deemed to remain in force (19-A M.R.S. 2006(11)). Orders for several children also state a specific sum for each combination of minor children once a child is 15 (2006(8)(E)), which is how the amount steps down when one child ends.

Can parents agree to end the extension early?

They can ask the court to approve a different arrangement, but an informal agreement does not change the order. Until the court or the department acts, the order stays in force as written.

What if the child turns 19 in the summer?

The extension ends at the earlier of graduation, withdrawal, expulsion or the 19th birthday. A child who turns 19 over the summer without having graduated is outside the extension on the birthday, even if classes have not started again. Keep the school letter and the calendar.

What proof should I send when the extension ends?

Send the diploma or school letter showing the graduation, withdrawal or expulsion date, or the birth certificate for the 19th birthday, with a written request to end withholding. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.

Does the extension apply to older orders?

The statute says for orders issued after January 1, 1990 (1653(12)(A)); for older orders ask a licensed Maine attorney, because the extension language may not apply.

Do I have to file to end child support at 18?

The order remains in force until those events, but withholding keeps running until it is stopped. For a department withholding order, the statute lists when it ends, including the child becoming 18 if not in secondary school (2306(4)(D)). Ask in writing and keep proof. See how to modify child support in Maine.

Do arrears end when child support ends?

No. Installments already owed stay owed. See the Maine child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.

Frequently asked questions

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

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.