Maine Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Maine family law attorneys who can navigate Maine’s equitable distribution and parental rights and responsibilities framework. Whether you’re in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Augusta, or anywhere in the state, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Uncontested divorces in Maine typically finalize 60–90 days after filing. Contested cases generally take 6–12 months. Maine requires a 60-day waiting period from service before a final contested hearing.

Yes. Maine recognizes irreconcilable marital differences as a no-fault ground under 19-A M.R.S. § 902. Fault grounds (adultery, impotence, extreme cruelty, desertion for 3 consecutive years, drug or alcohol addiction, nonsupport, cruel and abusive treatment, mental illness, conviction of a felony) remain available.

No pre-filing separation is required. Maine only requires the 60-day waiting period from service before a contested final hearing.

Maine is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided in just proportions under 19-A M.R.S. § 953 considering contributions, value of separate property, and economic circumstances. Non-marital property (premarital, gifts, inheritance, in exchange for non-marital property) is set aside to the owner.

Maine uses parental rights and responsibilities (PR&R) under 19-A M.R.S. § 1653 — replacing custody terminology. Courts consider 18 best-interests factors and can allocate shared, sole, or split PR&R. Maine has no presumption for or against any particular allocation.

Maine uses the Income Shares model under 19-A M.R.S. § 2001 et seq. Both parents’ gross incomes are applied to the schedule, with adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and the number of overnights with each parent.

Yes. PR&R can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances. Child support requires a 15%+ change. Spousal support modification depends on the type and the decree. Property division is final.

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Maine?

Maine allows divorce on irreconcilable marital differences (no-fault) under 19-A M.R.S. § 902, plus fault grounds. Residency is 6 months in Maine (19-A M.R.S. § 901) if the cause of divorce arose outside Maine; if the cause arose in Maine, residency at the time of filing is enough. Maine imposes a 60-day waiting period from service before a contested final hearing. Maine is an equitable distribution state under 19-A M.R.S. § 953 — marital property is divided in just proportions. Custody is called parental rights and responsibilities under 19-A M.R.S. § 1653 — focused on best interests of the child. Maine uses Income Shares under 19-A M.R.S. § 2001 et seq.

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Maine?

Our network includes Maine family law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Family Law Cases in Maine

From the moment you connect with a Maine family law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Underestimating spousal support — Maine has five distinct types with different rules

Hiding assets — Maine equitable distribution and disclosure rules sanction nondisclosure

Posting on social media — Maine Family Division admits it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Maine when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under 19-A M.R.S. § 901 (when the cause arose outside Maine)

Underestimating spousal support — Maine has five distinct types with different rules

Hiding assets — Maine equitable distribution and disclosure rules sanction nondisclosure

Posting on social media — Maine Family Division admits it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Maine when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under 19-A M.R.S. § 901 (when the cause arose outside Maine)

Common Maine Family Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Maine Family Law Attorneys Cost?

Flat Fee

Most matters are billed as a flat fee per petition or filing — fee depends on case complexity.

Family law cases in Maine are not handled on contingency. Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Maine family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under 19-A M.R.S. § 952(3).

What Can Your Maine Family Law Compensation Include?

Property Division

Equitable distribution in just proportions under 19-A M.R.S. § 953. Non-marital property set aside to the owner.

Spousal Support

Five types under 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A — general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal, interim. General support presumed inappropriate for marriages under 10 years.

Child Support

19-A M.R.S. § 2001 Income Shares with overnight adjustments.

Custody and Parenting Time

Parental rights and responsibilities (shared, sole, split) under 19-A M.R.S. § 1653’s 18 best-interests factors.

Attorney’s Fees

Maine courts award fees under 19-A M.R.S. § 952(3) and § 1653(7) based on financial resources and litigation conduct.

Protective Orders

Protection from Abuse orders under 19-A M.R.S. § 4001 et seq. — ex parte and 2-year orders.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Maine Family Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Maine?

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Maine?

Types of Family Law Cases in Maine

Common Maine Family Law Mistakes

How Much Do Maine Family Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Maine Family Law Compensation Include?

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