Navigating Through Divorce in Maine: What You Need to Know

Navigating through divorce in Maine can be challenging. This page aims to shed light on key information about Maine’s divorce laws. For those needing deeper insights, we’ve included links to detailed resources.

Divorce Laws in Maine

Maine offers both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. In a no-fault divorce, you don’t need to blame your spouse for the breakdown of the marriage. For a fault-based divorce, reasons like adultery or cruelty can be cited.

To file for divorce in Maine, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months. Unlike some states, Maine has a 60-day waiting period from filing to finalization.

Process of Filing for Divorce

To start a divorce in Maine, you file a “Complaint for Divorce” at your local courthouse. If you have children, you’ll also need to file a “Child Custody Affidavit.”

After filing, you must serve these papers to your spouse, usually through a sheriff or a process server. Maine’s process is straightforward, but each county might have its own little twists.

For a more in-depth look at the process, check out, How to File for Divorce in Maine

Child Custody and Support

In Maine, child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests. Factors like the child’s age, relationship with each parent, and the parents’ ability to care for the child are considered. Support calculations follow state guidelines, focusing on both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs. Maine’s approach is thoughtful, aiming to balance fairness and the child’s welfare.

Alimony/Spousal Support

In Maine, alimony decisions consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, and their ability to pay. Courts look at the lifestyle during the marriage and each spouse’s need for support to maintain a somewhat similar standard of living.

Property Division

Maine follows the principle of “equitable distribution” in dividing marital property. This means property is divided fairly, but not always equally. Factors like each spouse’s contribution to the marriage and future financial needs are considered.

Maine Divorce Resources

For more detailed information on divorce in Maine, please explore these links. They offer valuable insights into family law courts, official government resources, and legal aid options in Maine.

Article: How Much Does Divorce Cost in Maine

Maine Divorce Forms:

Divorce with Children:

• Complaint for Divorce with Children: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/index.html
• Affidavit of Domicile: https://mjbportal.courts.maine.gov/CourtForms/Home/Index
• Child Support Addendum: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/divorce-separation/child-support.html
• Parental Rights and Responsibilities Addendum: https://mjbportal.courts.maine.gov/CourtForms/FormsLists/DownloadForm?strFormNumber=FM-082
• Financial Affidavit: https://mjbportal.courts.maine.gov/CourtForms/Home/Index

Divorce without Children:

• Complaint for Divorce without Children: https://courts.maine.gov/forms/index.html

Additional Forms:

• Motion to Waive Fees: https://www.courts.maine.gov/adminorders/jb-05-26.pdf
• Motion to Extend Waiting Period: https://mjbportal.courts.maine.gov/CourtForms/FormsLists/DownloadForm?strFormNumber=MJBVB-010
• Request for Hearing Date: https://mjbportal.courts.maine.gov/CourtForms/FormsLists/DownloadForm?strFormNumber=FM-090

For more information:

• Maine Judicial Branch – Divorce and Family Separation: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/family/divorce-separation/divorce.html
• Maine Justice Foundation: https://justicemaine.org/about/providers/

Disclaimer

This page offers general guidance on divorce in Maine and should not be considered legal advice.