Maine Divorce Law

Important Maine Divorce Guidelines to File for a Divorce

Maine Residency Requirements For Divorce

To file Maine divorce forms, either spouse must have been a resident for at least six months, or the grounds for divorce must have occurred in Maine.

Grounds For Divorce In Maine

The no-fault grounds for divorce in Maine is:

• irreconcilable marital differences.

The following are some of the fault grounds for divorce in Maine:

• adultery;
• impotence;
• alcoholism/substance abuse;
• cruel and inhuman treatment;
• desertion for 3 years.

Maine Child Custody

Maine recognizes legal custody as the right of a parent to have input in the important decisions concerning a child’s development. Maine divorce courts favor awarding joint legal custody.

The following are some factors the courts consider when ruling on child custody:

• age of the child;
• bond between child and parent;
• wishes of the child;
• duration and adequacy of child’s current living arrangements;
• motivations of the parties;
• child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.

Maine Child Support Guidelines

Unless special circumstances are present, the courts calculate child support based on the official child support guidelines. Child support will continue until the child reaches adulthood, and may be extended through his or her secondary education.

Venue

Maine divorce forms may be filed either in the respondent’s or the petitioner’s county of residence.

Mediation

Mediation is mandatory in contested divorces, and divorces with children involved. Before or after Maine divorce papers are filed, the either party may request mediation to resolve for any disputed issue.