While a small portion of federal laws govern some aspects of a divorce, Maine state law provides the key legislation for divorcing couples.
Even seemingly straightforward divorces can become complex as emotions take over and disputes arise.
The needs of the children and financial considerations mean that the potential for conflict is high. It helps to be familiar with the fundamentals of getting divorced in Maine.
Knowing what to expect from the divorce process from the beginning can eliminate much of the potential stress that accompanies it.
Table of ContentsUnlike many other states, in Maine, you can file for divorce either based upon irreconcilable differences between you and your spouse (“no-fault” divorce) or based upon adultery, desertion or cruelty (“fault-based” divorce).
Irreconcilable differences are most commonly cited in contested and uncontested divorce cases: no blame or fault is apportioned.
There are two main prerequisites to meet before filing for divorce in Maine:
When a couple divorces in Maine, there are generally three main financial aspects to consider:
Assets and debts are divided equitably (“equitable distribution”). This does not mean that they are split down the middle equally but according to multiple factors that the court will take into account when considering if the distribution is fair.
Alimony may be a lump-sum payment but is more commonly granted as a regular monthly payment. It depends on the circumstances of your case.
Child support orders take into account the incomes of both parents, where the child lives most of the time, and many other factors. Unlike spousal support (alimony), child support is set by a strict formula and guideline table. There are no “factors” for the court to consider outside of what is dictated by the child support guidelines.
More detailed information about each of these key elements of a divorce settlement follows.
As you might expect with important issues like property division, debts, custody of the children, child support, and alimony, disputes are common. What starts amicably can easily become complicated as emotions take hold.
For this reason, it is usually advisable to receive legal guidance even if your divorce is uncontested at first. The divorce process can be managed without legal assistance but if issues arise it is much easier to resolve them with the collaboration of lawyers or a mediator.
Your lawyer will often identify issues that you have overlooked and can ensure that your interests are looked after.
With an uncontested divorce, the divorce settlement agreement is submitted to the court and the judge may schedule a divorce hearing to finalize the case.
If it is impossible to agree on all of the main divorce issues, it becomes contested and may proceed to trial.
As an “equitable distribution” state, Maine divides property according to a common law system of marital property.
Both assets and debts must be divided fairly but that does not mean 50/50 down the middle.
It will be divided according to the following factors:
Marital property must be separated from other property that was either brought into the marriage or acquired separately outside of the marriage. All marital property is considered jointly owned even if it is not in both spouse’s names.
Everything acquired during the marriage is generally regarded as marital property with some notable exceptions. The following property may be regarded as separate from the marriage:
Bank accounts with assets deposited during the marriage, like with all marital property, must be divided equitably according to Maine divorce law.
Bank accounts that were separate before the marriage and kept separate may be regarded as non-marital property if you can provide adequate proof. Any gifts you receive (normally regarded as separate property) that are paid into a joint bank account held in your spouse’s name become marital property. These funds will need to then be split.
Pensions should not be overlooked in a divorce. Often, considerable marital assets are tied up in vested and unvested pensions and retirement accounts, which are considered marital property in Maine.
To accurately divide a pension plan, its value needs to be calculated. This can be challenging and the services of a financial analyst or actuary may be required. Your divorce attorney can prepare a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) to detail how a pension will be split and this will need to be approved by the court and the plan administrator.
Debts are treated no differently than property in a divorce in Maine. They must be shared equitably between spouses.
Some couples negotiate an agreement that one spouse settles the debt even though debts are considered “community property” by creditors, who can recover the debt from either partner or both.
Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other to aid the transition to single life. In Maine, the amount and duration of alimony depend on many factors, including:
While alimony is treated separately from child custody and child support, these may be a consideration when determining the amount of alimony. However, unless there is some kind of significant economic misconduct by one spouse, marital fault is not considered.
Unlike some states, no set formula is used to calculate alimony. The type and amount of alimony awarded is at the discretion of the judge, based on the facts at hand.
The four main options when granting alimony in Maine are the following:
Alimony payments must be made until ordered to cease by the court or until the receiving spouse remarries, starts cohabiting with another person, or dies.
The interests of the children of a marriage take precedence over the interests of the parents in Maine.
Child custody is often one of the most hotly disputed aspects of a divorce and may require mediation, arbitration or litigation to reach an agreement.
The main factors that the courts in Maine consider when determining custody include:
Parents should bear in mind that two types of custody must be considered for each case:
The preference is for joint legal custody as the child benefits from loving contact with both parents. However, the child will naturally spend more time with one parent than the other so physical custody will be granted for one parent and visitation rights agreed upon. These arrangements will need to be detailed in a parenting plan.
Child support may be awarded until a child turns 18 or 19.
For calculating the amount of support, Maine uses the Income Shares Model. The court will consider the following factors when deciding:
An estimation of the amount of support due can be made by completing a Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligation (Court Form FM 84). However, the judge may request additional support on top of this amount for other expenses, depending on circumstances.
How long does a divorce take in Maine?
There is a mandatory waiting period for the final divorce hearing of 60 days after divorce paperwork is served.
Even if you and your spouse have agreed on all of the major aspects and are prepared to sign a final agreement, you will need to be patient.
A case management conference will be scheduled in front of a family law magistrate and if the divorce is uncontested, the magistrate may be able to sign the order.
If mediation is required to resolve outstanding issues and further hearings or even a trial is required, you may need to wait many months for the final divorce decree.
Call 207-230-6884 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled family law attorneys today.
We serve many clients, just like you, across Maine in Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, & Lincoln Counties.
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Divorce is a highly emotional and stressful experience for most people. But you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Having a strong divorce attorney in your corner can help ensure that you and your children walk away from this process with the best opportunities available for future success and happiness.
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