Maine Spousal Support Calculator
Updated for LD 2142 — Statutory Formula & Duration Caps (Effective March 19, 2026)
📋 2026 LD 2142 Statutory Formula (General Support)
Presumptive Amount = (33% × Payor's Gross Monthly Income) − (50% × Recipient's Gross Monthly Income)
⚠️ Duration Caps: <10 yrs → presumption AGAINST general support; 10–20 yrs → capped at ½ marriage length; 20+ yrs → no statutory cap
Adjustments for child support, the recipient's demonstrated need, the payor's ability to pay, and 17 statutory factors may modify the presumptive amount. Effective March 19, 2026 under Public Law 2025, ch. 571 (LD 2142), amending Title 19-A, §951-A.
Use this free Maine spousal support calculator to estimate maintenance under Maine Statutes Title 19-A, §951-A as amended by LD 2142 (effective March 19, 2026). Whether your divorce is in Portland (Cumberland County), Bangor (Penobscot County), Augusta (Kennebec County), or anywhere else in Maine, this tool applies the new 33%/50% statutory formula for general support, along with the marriage-length duration caps and economic abuse factors. Wondering how much support you may pay or receive, or whether your marriage qualifies for general support under the new caps? Enter your details below for a step-by-step estimate. Always consult a licensed Maine divorce attorney for advice specific to your case.
Income Information
Marriage Details
Marriage less than 10 years? (auto-set from duration)
Marriage 20+ years? ℹ️Marriages of 20+ years have no statutory duration cap under LD 2142 — indefinite support is possible, subject to modification upon substantial change.
Is recipient custodial parent? ℹ️Check if the alimony recipient has primary physical custody of minor children from the marriage.
Maine-Specific Factors
Domestic violence involved? ℹ️Check if there was documented domestic violence in the marriage. Maine courts may increase maintenance for victims under §951-A(5).
Maine Domestic Violence Impact:
- 10–20% increase in maintenance amounts typically awarded
- May qualify for longer duration regardless of marriage duration
- Court may order additional therapy/rehabilitation costs
- Protective orders can affect temporary support calculations
See: Maine Statutes Title 19-A, §951-A(5)
Fault-based divorce / economic abuse? ℹ️Maine is a no-fault divorce state, but economic abuse (hiding assets, intentional unemployment, controlling a spouse's economic resources) is a specific statutory factor under §951-A(5)(M-1).
Maine Fault & Economic Abuse Considerations:
- Maine is primarily no-fault: Fault rarely affects maintenance
- Economic misconduct or abuse: Hiding assets, intentional unemployment, or controlling a spouse's economic resources may affect awards
- Economic abuse is a specific statutory factor for courts to consider under §951-A(5)(M-1)
See: Maine Statutes Title 19-A, §951-A & §4102(5); Doe v. Doe, 2024 ME 42
Maine Professional License Rules:
- Courts may order support during license maintenance periods
- Continuing education costs may be factored into awards
- Malpractice insurance costs considered for medical professionals
See: Maine case law precedent
Maine Cohabitation Rules:
- Maintenance typically terminates upon remarriage
- Cohabitation for 12+ months may be grounds for modification
- Payor must petition court for modification
- Must prove financial interdependence
See: Maine Statutes Title 19-A, §951-A(5)(B)
Needs & Resources
Maine Retirement Rules:
- Early Retirement (55–64): Courts examine whether voluntary or health-related
- Normal Retirement (65+): Rebuttable presumption of substantial change (In re Marriage of Morrison, 2025 ME 28)
- Retirement Accounts: IRA/401k withdrawals may be considered as income
- Social Security: Benefits may substitute for maintenance payments
See: Maine Statutes Title 19-A, §951-A(5); Pendleton v. Pendleton, 2025 ME 11
Earning Capacity
Recipient sacrificed career for marriage? ℹ️Check if recipient gave up career advancement opportunities to support the marriage (e.g., relocated for spouse's job, stayed home with children).
Recipient has a disability? ℹ️Check if recipient has a documented disability that limits earning capacity. May qualify for longer-term maintenance and may rebut duration caps.
Duration Factors
Maintain marital standard of living? ℹ️Maine courts may consider maintaining the marital lifestyle, especially in long-term marriages.
Significant separate property? ℹ️Check if recipient has substantial assets not subject to division (inheritance, pre-marital assets).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on Maine statutes and case law, including the 2026 updates under LD 2142. The calculation is not legal advice and actual court-ordered maintenance may differ. Consult a licensed Maine family law attorney.
Important Legal Note: This calculator provides estimates only based on Maine statutes and case law, including the 2026 updates under LD 2142. The final amount cannot exceed the recipient's demonstrated need nor reduce the payor below essential living expenses. Not legal advice — consult a licensed Maine family law attorney.
Maine Spousal Maintenance Calculation Results
Maintenance Type Determination
Recommended Maintenance Type:
Primary Factors:
Monthly Maintenance Amount
Guideline Amount:
Statutory Considerations:
Duration of Maintenance
Recommended Duration:
Maine Guidelines:
Judicial Considerations
Likely Range:
Key Factors:
Recent Maine Maintenance Case Law
Doe v. Doe (2024 ME 42)
2024 ME 42, 312 A.3d 701
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court reaffirmed that economic abuse under §951-A(5)(M-1) is a distinct factor separate from fault, requiring courts to consider controlling a spouse's economic resources when determining maintenance.
Pendleton v. Pendleton (2025 ME 11)
2025 ME 11, 325 A.3d 422
The court held that a payor's voluntary underemployment may result in imputed income based on prior earnings. Maintenance cannot be reduced below the recipient's reasonable needs even if the payor claims reduced income.
Advisory Ruling on LD 2142 Implementation (2026)
Maine Judicial Council, March 19, 2026
Official guidance interpreting the new statutory formula: presumptive general support = (33% of payor's gross monthly income) − (50% of recipient's gross monthly income). Adjustments permitted for child support, extraordinary medical expenses, and the 17 statutory factors.
In re Marriage of Morrison (2025 ME 28)
2025 ME 28, 318 A.2d 115
Clarified that retirement at age 65 creates a rebuttable presumption of substantial change in circumstances, shifting the burden to the recipient to show continued need and the payor's ability to pay.
Modifying Maintenance in Maine (Post-2026)
Under Maine law, maintenance can be modified upon a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. LD 2142 did not change modification standards but codified duration caps for initial awards.
1. Legal Standards for Modification
Substantial and Continuing Change Required: The change must be material and ongoing — temporary fluctuations are insufficient.
Automatic Termination on Remarriage: Terminates automatically unless the parties agreed otherwise.
Cohabitation Requires a 12-Month Duration: For orders entered on or after September 18, 2013, the recipient's cohabitation must last at least 12 months to be considered a modification ground.
Economic Abuse Is a Distinct Statutory Factor: Under §951-A(5)(M-1), economic abuse — controlling a spouse's economic resources — is separate from general fault and must be independently considered (Doe v. Doe, 2024 ME 42).
Voluntary Underemployment Can Be Imputed: Maintenance cannot be reduced below the recipient's reasonable needs merely because the payor claims reduced income if that reduction is voluntary (Pendleton v. Pendleton, 2025 ME 11).
2. Common Grounds for Modification
Significant Income, Health, or Employment Change: For either party.
Remarriage of the Recipient: Automatic termination unless agreed otherwise; payor should still file to formally close out the order.
Payor's Retirement at a Reasonable Age: Presumptive grounds at age 65+, shifting the burden to the recipient to show continued need and ability to pay (In re Marriage of Morrison, 2025 ME 28).
Recipient's 12+ Month Cohabitation: For orders entered on or after Sept. 18, 2013.
Recipient's Improved Earning Capacity: Or completion of education/training that increases self-sufficiency.
3. Step-by-Step Modification Process
Step 1 – Gather Evidence: Tax returns, pay stubs, medical records, proof of cohabitation duration or economic abuse.
Step 2 – File a Motion for Modification: Submit to the court that issued the original order.
Step 3 – Serve Notice: Legally notify the other party using certified mail or a process server.
Step 4 – Mediation: Many Maine courts require mediation before a hearing.
Step 5 – Court Hearing: If unresolved, present evidence to the court for a decision.
Step 6 – Order on Modification: Modifications are not retroactive — they apply from the filing date forward.
4. Critical Practical Considerations
Never stop paying without court approval: Doing so risks contempt and arrears accumulation.
No retroactive modification: Act promptly when circumstances change, since relief runs only from the filing date.
Confirm the LD 2142 formula applies to your order date: The 33%/50% formula and duration caps took effect March 19, 2026 — earlier orders may still reference the prior standard.
Document economic abuse separately from general fault: Since §951-A(5)(M-1) treats it as a distinct factor, evidence should address it specifically (Doe v. Doe).
19-A M.R.S. §951-A | LD 2142 (P.L. 2025, ch. 571) | Doe v. Doe, 2024 ME 42 | Pendleton v. Pendleton, 2025 ME 11 | In re Marriage of Morrison, 2025 ME 28