Maine divorce at a glance
Official source: Maine court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Maine: step by step
Maine is no-fault with a 60-day wait between filing and the final hearing. Here is the path to a Divorce Judgment.
- Confirm you can file in Maine
The plaintiff must have lived in Maine 6 months (with alternatives if you married here or your spouse is a Maine resident). Maine is no-fault, with a 60-day wait.Source: 19-A M.R.S. §§ 901, 902 - Generate your forms
Prepare the Complaint for Divorce using the statewide Family Matters (FM) forms.Source: Maine FM forms - File with the District Court
File with the District Court and pay about $120, or file an Application to Proceed Without Payment of Fees.Source: M.R. Civ. P. 91 - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse with the complaint.Source: M.R. Civ. P. 4 - Complete the child-support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, complete the FM-040 Child Support Worksheet + FM-050 Affidavit.Source: 19-A M.R.S. ch. 63 - Attend the final hearing
After the 60-day wait, attend the final hearing; the court enters the Divorce Judgment.Source: Divorce Judgment
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Maine?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Maine
Maine child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Maine’s official guideline, figures effective 2023-02-13. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Maine divorce take?
A 60-day waiting period between filing/service and the final hearing. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Maine divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Low. Statewide FM forms; District Court venue by county but the same forms and fees.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your Maine case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official Maine forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Maine divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Maine?
No lawyer is required: Maine courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official Maine forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Maine to file for divorce?
The plaintiff must have lived in Maine for 6 months (with alternatives if you married in Maine or the other spouse is a Maine resident). (19-A M.R.S. § 901) Confirm the current rule with the official Maine court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Maine?
The court filing fee is about $120 for the filing, plus $25–$40 for service. File an Application to Proceed Without Payment of Fees (indigency). LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.