Child support generally may be changed or modified by filing a motion to modify and demonstrating to the court that the circumstances of the child or one or both parents have materially and substantially changed, or that some period of time (3 years, for example) has passed since the court’s last child support order. And if there has been a material and substantial change in the custody of the child—if, for example, the noncustodial parent who was paying child support has become the custodial parent—the court may change or eliminate the child support obligation based on the change in the custody arrangement.

In Maine, child support orders can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was issued. This could include significant changes in either parent's income, changes in the needs of the child, or a change in custody arrangements. For instance, if the noncustodial parent who was paying child support becomes the custodial parent, this would likely be considered a substantial change in circumstances that could lead to a modification of the child support order. Additionally, Maine law provides that a child support order may be reviewed every three years for a possible modification, regardless of whether there has been a change in circumstances. To initiate a modification, a motion to modify must be filed with the court, and the requesting party must demonstrate the material and substantial changes that justify the modification.