A Guide to a Stress-Free Divorce in Maine
Are you thinking about ending your marriage? Getting a divorce is no easy task, but having the right information can make the process run more smoothly.
In this article, you’ll learn all about filing for divorce in Maine—from collecting the necessary divorce papers to attending the hearing. If you need a divorce settlement agreement, we’ll provide one for you. All you have to do is sign up for DoNotPay—we will do the grunt work!
Divorce Laws in Maine
Every state has its laws regarding the dissolution of marriage. In Maine, you can get a divorce if one of the following is true:
- You are married and have been living in Maine for at least six months
- Your spouse is a Maine resident
- You got married in Maine, and you are a Maine resident
- You were a Maine resident when the grounds for divorce occurred
Maine is one of the states that has a mandatory waiting period for getting a divorce—you have to wait at least 60 days from filing the paperwork to attending the final hearing.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Maine?
In Maine, you can get divorced based on either no-fault or fault-based grounds. Filing for marriage dissolution based on no-fault grounds is an easier and quicker option. All you have to do is claim that your marriage failed because of irreconcilable differences.
If one of you is responsible for the marriage breakdown, you should choose the fault-based option. In case of fault-based divorce, the judge will consider the fault when deciding on matters such as children and property.
Maine recognizes eight fault-based legal reasons for divorce:
- Adultery
- Impotence during the marriage
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Desertion for at least three years before filing the petition
- Cruelty
- Nonsupport (failure to support the spouse financially)
- Domestic violence
- Incapacitation
Can You Get a Divorce in Maine Without a Lawyer?
Yes, you can get a divorce in Maine without a lawyer. If you and your spouse agree on every important matter and can reach an out-of-court settlement, you don’t need attorneys or other help, such as mediation (unless the state specifies otherwise).
Ending a marriage on amicable terms enables you to file for an uncontested divorce. This marriage dissolution method has many perks, such as:
- Lower expenses
- Faster process
- Finalization without going to court
- Preservation of the relationship with your spouse (especially important in marriages with children)
Who Can Get an Uncontested Divorce in Maine?
Uncontested divorces are not available to everyone. To get an uncontested divorce in Maine, you have to agree with your spouse on all of the following matters:
- Alimony
- Legal and physical custody
- Visitation time (parenting plan)
- Child support
- Division of assets and real property
- Allocation of debts
You and your spouse also need to agree on the no-fault grounds of divorce.
How To File for Divorce in Maine
Getting a divorce without a lawyer may seem like a demanding task, but it doesn’t have to be. With DoNotPay’s simplified guide, the marriage dissolution process can run swimmingly. Consult the following table to learn how to file for an uncontested divorce in Maine:
| Steps | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Getting divorce forms | The State of Maine Judicial Branch website offers packets of divorce forms—while you can download many required documents for free, you have to pay a $5 fee for some Maine divorce forms |
| Serving divorce papers | There are several ways to serve your spouse:
|
| Filing the paperwork with the court | Fill out, sign, and get your uncontested divorce papers notarized. Visit your local county clerk’s office and submit the original documents after paying the mandatory $120 filing fee |
| Attending the final uncontested hearing | If you and your soon-to-be-ex agree on everything and have a divorce settlement agreement, you won’t have to attend numerous trials. The only time you’ll have to appear at court is for the final hearing, where the judge will examine your case and issue a divorce decree |
Simplify Your Maine Divorce With DoNotPay’s Help!
In Maine, there are two ways to get an uncontested divorce—by default and with an agreement. A default divorce happens if the spouse doesn’t respond after being served with papers.
Having a divorce settlement agreement is a quick and straightforward option. This legal document should contain all the terms you and your spouse have agreed on during the negotiations.
If you don’t know how to write this document on your own, DoNotPay has the perfect feature for you! Here’s how to use our inexpensive and easy-to-use service to get a personalized settlement agreement:
- Open DoNotPay
- Choose the Divorce Settlement Agreement feature
- Provide details about your assets, spouse, and children
- Specify if you’d like us to connect you with a notary public
DoNotPay will draw up a rock-solid divorce settlement agreement for you in no time! Thanks to our comprehensive database and your information, the document will abide by your state’s laws and cover the specifics of your case!
If there’s anything else you’d like to know about divorces, you should visit our learning center. We can help you find out:
- How much a divorce costs
- What divorce mediation is
- How to get an online divorce
- What to expect in a divorce
- How to get a divorce with no money
- What happens to a house in a divorce
- How to protect yourself in a divorce
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