An Act to Establish Guidance for Awarding General Spousal Support
Sponsored By: Anne M. Carney (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New support rules for divorcing spouses
Maine's new rules apply to divorce actions pending on or after January 1, 2027. Marriage length runs from the wedding date to the divorce filing date. For marriages under 10 years, courts presume no general spousal support. For marriages lasting 10 through 20 years, support is presumed to last no longer than half the marriage. For marriages over 20 years, support is presumed to last indefinitely. After at least 10 years, support is presumed warranted when one spouse's support income is no more than 65% of the other's. The presumed annual amount equals the spouses' support-income difference multiplied by 0.015 per marriage year, capped at 0.3. Support income starts with gross income and subtracts direct support for minor children shown on the child-support worksheet. For child-support recipients, the deduction covers amounts actually spent; for payers, it covers amounts they are obligated to pay. Courts can reject unfair presumptions with written findings based on required factors and other relevant facts. They can award support despite a presumption against it to prevent substantial injustice. For awards issued before January 1, 2027, the new income-based presumption alone cannot establish a substantial financial change. After that change is established on other grounds, courts may consider the presumption when setting a modified amount if justice requires.
Parents' spousal support after child support
Beginning January 1, 2027, Maine courts can set a separate general spousal-support award to start when child support ends. This option applies to child support for the divorcing spouses' minor children. Child support must be expected to end within 3 years of the expected final judgment awarding general support. Courts are not required to make this award. An award provides payments to one spouse and creates a payment obligation for the other.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anne M. Carney
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 571
3/19/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
3/12/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/10/2026HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-517).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/5/2026HouseCOMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-517)Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
3/3/2026SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-517) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
2/26/2026SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/7/2026HouseCommittee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
1/7/2026Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-517), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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