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How to File for Divorce in Maine

Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in Maine. Requirements, costs, and timelines. Maine follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$120

Median Cost

$8,000–$32,000

Annual Divorces

5,000+

Understanding How to File for Divorce in Maine

To file for divorce in Maine, you must meet Maine’s residency requirement of 6 months. The filing fee is $120. There is a mandatory waiting period of 60 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Maine allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Fault grounds include: Adultery, Cruel treatment, Desertion, Habitual drunkenness, Nonsupport. Filing on fault grounds may affect property division or alimony awards.

An uncontested divorce in Maine typically costs $8,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $32,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 19-A §902.

Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Maine to file for divorce?
Maine requires 6 months of residency before you can file for divorce. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 19-A §902 governs the filing requirements.
Is Maine a community property or equitable distribution state?
Maine follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Maine?
Filing fees in Maine range from $120. The median total cost is approximately $8,000 for uncontested divorces and $32,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Maine?
Maine has a mandatory waiting period of 60 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Maine?
Maine uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about how to file for divorce in Maine and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 19-A §902 or consult a licensed Maine attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.