Maine · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

Child custody and support in Maine

The Maine rules for parents who divorce, from official sources: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Quick answer

Maine law uses the term “parental rights and responsibilities (allocated or shared) and contact” for custody. About the parenting class: The court may require a 4-hour co-parent education class; classes are run by community organizations for a fee: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/divorce-separation/parent-education.html.

Custody term
Parental rights and responsibilities (allocated or shared) and contact
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support agency
Maine DHHS, Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery

Custody terms in Maine

Parental rights and responsibilities (allocated or shared) and contact

Mediation

Common. If your case is contested (especially with minor children), the court will usually schedule mediation at the courthouse or on Zoom. The fee for initial mediation is $160 for two sessions unless you qualify for a waiver. Tell the court if you have safety concerns: https://www.courts.maine.gov/programs/adr/index.html

Parenting class in Maine

The court may require a 4-hour co-parent education class; classes are run by community organizations for a fee: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/divorce-separation/parent-education.html

Child support in Maine

Children in a Maine divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Maine's term for custody: parental rights and responsibilities (allocated or shared) and contact.

  2. Parenting class

    The court may require a 4-hour co-parent education class; classes are run by community organizations for a fee: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/divorce-separation/parent-education.html.

  3. Mediation

    Common.

  4. The child support agency

    Maine's child support agency: Maine DHHS, Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery

Questions about custody and child support in Maine

What is child custody called in Maine?

Maine uses the term “parental rights and responsibilities (allocated or shared) and contact”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Maine divorce?

The court may require a 4-hour co-parent education class; classes are run by community organizations for a fee: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/divorce-separation/parent-education.html

Which agency handles child support in Maine?

Maine DHHS, Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery.

Is mediation required for custody in Maine?

Common. If your case is contested (especially with minor children), the court will usually schedule mediation at the courthouse or on Zoom. The fee for initial mediation is $160 for two sessions unless you qualify for a waiver. Tell the court if you have safety concerns: https://www.courts.maine.gov/programs/adr/index.html

More about divorce in Maine

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.