{"id":1512,"date":"2021-09-04T17:01:38","date_gmt":"2021-09-04T21:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/?p=1512"},"modified":"2022-07-28T09:52:29","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T14:52:29","slug":"divorce-in-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divorceanswers.com\/divorce-in-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Complete Guide to Getting a Divorce in Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
What We Cover In This Article<\/strong><\/p>\n Divorce Laws<\/a> | Residency Requirements<\/a> | Grounds for Divorce<\/a> | Divorce Attorney<\/a> | Filing for Divorce<\/a> | Online Divorce<\/a> | How Long?<\/a> | Divorce Costs<\/a> | Custody<\/a> | Child Support<\/a> | Alimony<\/a> | Division of Asset<\/a> | Common-Law Marriage<\/a> | Alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n No matter what, going through a divorce is difficult, confusing, and emotional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, navigating the divorce process in Maine without a proper understanding of the relevant laws and the options available to you makes an already complex process even more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a divorce in Maine isn\u2019t unlike getting a divorce elsewhere in the United States, but there are some specific Maine laws that future divorcees must consider before beginning the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Maine, you can get divorced in either contested or uncontested hearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, uncontested hearings are the ideal option but not everyone will qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Divorcing spouses should always consider using attorneys (but they won\u2019t always need them, and Maine does not require plaintiffs and defendants to be represented) to help them navigate the filing and hearing procedures in the state\u2019s court system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spouses should make considerations for child custody, spousal support, and child support, and should explore their options for financial separation from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, there are alternative legal options for couples who don\u2019t think a divorce is the best course of action to achieve reconciliation in their relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide will help potential divorcees navigate the court system and successfully navigate through getting a divorce in Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Maine, spouses can proceed with their divorce via two major routes: contested divorces and uncontested divorces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The decision to proceed with either type of divorce is largely contingent upon the spouses\u2019 amicability throughout the process, and whether or not they can come to an agreement about the terms of the separation without a judge\u2019s or magistrate\u2019s involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, spouses will be able to come to agreeable terms without needing a contested hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Which is a fancy way of saying going to court and having the legal system decide the terms of your divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An uncontested divorce also significantly accelerates the timeline for divorce proceedings, and if spouses choose to be represented by attorneys, they\u2019ll save money on representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, contested hearings are unavoidable in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be able to get an idea how amicable your spouse will be when you asked for a divorce<\/a> and how the communications has been since then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below we will break down the differences between contested and uncontested divorces in Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A contested divorce<\/a> (the less than ideal option for spouses getting a divorce in Maine) occurs when spouses cannot come to a full agreement during the Case Management Conference or Pre-Trial Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pre-Trial Conference<\/a> (or Case Management Conference, if the divorce case involves minor children) is led by a judge (or magistrate, if a Case Management Conference is required) and takes place after the following steps have been completed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The steps before the Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference will be covered in detail later, but these steps will likely inform a couple\u2019s decision (or necessity) to proceed with a contested or uncontested divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If both parties are in full agreement about the terms of the separation at the time of the Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference, the judge present during the conference may conduct a final uncontested hearing<\/a> before the conference adjourns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If both parties are not in full agreement, the spouses will proceed to the next steps: mediation<\/a> and, if necessary, a contested hearing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During mediation, a trained professional assigned by the court will allow both parties to speak their piece (without showing favor to either side) and assist the spouses in coming to an amicable, complete agreement on the terms of their divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases involving minor children<\/a>, mediation is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In cases of domestic violence<\/a>, or if an active Protection from Abuse<\/a> order or case is at play between the divorcing parties, the court may decide to forgo the mediation phase for the parties\u2019 protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the court determines that mediation is required, the parties can meet with the mediator separately to determine whether or not both parties agree to the terms of the divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If both parties can come to a full agreement during the mediation process, the court will hold an uncontested final hearing<\/a> to conclude the divorce process and ensure that both parties understand the final agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If both parties cannot agree during mediation, the case will proceed to a contested hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During a contested hearing, a judge is present to make some decisions for the divorcing couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the case that the only disagreement after the mediation process is about child support, the contested hearing may be conducted in front of a magistrate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A judge will only discuss and resolve the issues about which the parties are not in full agreement at the time of the contested hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, if the parties have agreed on the child support arrangement, but haven\u2019t agreed to a custody arrangement and the division of assets, only custody and assets will be discussed during the contested hearing, and both parties will simply confirm that they\u2019ve already agreed to the child support terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each party or their legal counsel will be able to provide evidence and call witnesses as needed during a contested hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These will inform the judge\u2019s decision-making during the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the contested hearing, the judge will issue a final, legally binding order<\/a> to complete the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a contested hearing, a judge may also take the case \u201cunder advisement,\u201d<\/a> giving them more time to decide the final order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a case is taken under advisement, the judge may perform additional legal research, and the final order will be issued to both parties by mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pros of the contested divorce process include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the potential advantages of contested divorces, they\u2019re not the ideal option in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cons of the contested divorce process include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contested divorces are, on the whole, the worst-case scenario for divorcing couples but unfortunately are the most common type of divorce in Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontested divorces<\/a> in Maine are generally simpler, less time-consuming, and cheaper for both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an uncontested divorce, both parties are in agreement regarding all of the terms of the divorce presented during the Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If both parties are in agreement during the first conference, a judge or magistrate may conduct an uncontested hearing during the conference, completing the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is in the best interest of both parties to agree either at the first conference or by the end of the mediation process to avoid a contested hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that, even if the parties are in agreement before they start the legal divorce process, the plaintiff must still fill out the required court forms<\/a>, serve those forms to the defendant, file the forms and a proof of service to the court, and participate in the Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In cases involving minor children, both parties will likely be required to complete mediation, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FURTHER READING:<\/strong> How To Get a Cheap and Quick Divorce<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To proceed with an uncontested divorce in Maine, the parties must complete all required legal proceedings before the Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference and complete the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The parties must verbally confirm that they agree to all matters of the separation agreement during the first conference, and if the judge orders the parties to participate in mediation<\/a>, both parties must agree to and complete the mediation session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the only requirements to complete an uncontested divorce in Maine are<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontested divorces are significantly simpler and much less expensive than contested divorces in Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pros of uncontested divorces are significant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The financial and emotional toll of an uncontested divorce is significantly lower than those of a contested divorce and will result in a quicker separation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ease of the uncontested divorce process may not sway some couples to pursue that route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cons of uncontested divorces are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a spouse is ready for a divorce, they should thoroughly review all of their options to ensure the best outcome for their separation.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you qualify for an uncontested divorce, using an online divorce service is a great way to save a lot of money. Keep in mind in Maine, it can cost over $9,000 in fees if you file for divorce with an attorney.<\/p> We reviewed, rated, and ranked the best online divorce services available and our #1 choice is 3StepDivorce.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit 3StepDivorce\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Our Review\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t To file for divorce in Maine, parties must meet some basic requirements<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be considered a Maine resident, your primary residence<\/a> must be within the state (whether you rent or own your home).<\/p>\n\n\n\n That primary residence must be one to which you intend to return<\/a>, even if you temporarily leave the state for travel, work, or to live elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can prove Maine residency<\/a> by presenting one of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When filing for a divorce in Maine, the plaintiff must complete and file a series of forms, including form FM-004, a Complaint for Divorce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This form requires plaintiffs to specify the reason they\u2019re seeking a divorce, and includes two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the plaintiff chooses \u201cOther,\u201d they must list their grounds for divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maine state statutes provide the following grounds for divorce<\/a> in the state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that, when gathering the necessary documents for filing for divorce, the plaintiff may need evidence to prove that their justification is valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence to support these grounds can be various, but will likely be easier for some grounds than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, if irreconcilable differences<\/a> are cited as the grounds for divorce, and the defendant denies that the differences are irreconcilable, a judge could order the plaintiff and defendant to attend mandatory counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After participating in counseling, the counselor will prepare a report to determine whether or not the couple\u2019s differences are, in fact, irreconcilable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if the defendant claims that there are reconcilable differences, but refuses to participate in counseling for any reason, the court will determine that the marriage is irreconcilable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a plaintiff expects that the defendant will contest irreconcilable differences and agree to counseling, the plaintiff should cite other grounds if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re seeking a divorce and are unsure what grounds you should cite in your Complaint for Divorce form, consider seeking legal counsel to ensure the best possible outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a Maine divorce attorney is never a bad idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you and your spouse intend to pursue an uncontested divorce, you may not think that retaining legal counsel is necessary (and it may not be).<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, ensuring that you\u2019ll have a legal advocate during the process will provide peace of mind, even if an uncontested divorce proceeds smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it will add an additional expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you predict that your divorce will be contested, or if the divorce will be messy in any way, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An attorney can help you complete and file the necessary court paperwork, can advise on serving the paperwork to the defendant, and represent your best interests during the court and mediation proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you feel you\u2019ll need someone to fight for you or you\u2019re taking extra precautions to protect yourself, hiring a divorce attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you imagine that your divorce will proceed via an uncontested hearing, hiring an attorney will provide a safety net if things don\u2019t go to plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you\u2019re absolutely certain that you and your spouse will agree on all aspects of the separation and remain amicable throughout the process, seeking legal counsel is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s especially important to retain an attorney if you expect a contested divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you and your spouse haven\u2019t been amicable for some time, an attorney can help you achieve your desired outcomes and take the best possible actions on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can help during the filing process, help you gather documents to support your forms, and advocate for you during the Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference, mediation, and the contested hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two cases when hiring an attorney is integral<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRO TIP:<\/strong> If you\u2019re a victim of physical or emotional abuse at the hands of your spouse, your safety could be in jeopardy during the divorce process. An attorney can help you seek safety and act on an escape plan, and advocate for both your safety and best interests during the divorce.<\/p> If you\u2019re experiencing abuse at the hands of your spouse, seeking counsel should be the first step in your divorce plan.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n A good divorce attorney meets the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good divorce attorney should exceed your expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel like someone is committed to your case after your first consultation, and they provide satisfactory answers to your interview questions, trust your gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find a good divorce attorney in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since you should always seek references from past clients before hiring an attorney, reach out to divorcees that you know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your closest friend is divorced, and they also live in Maine, ask for their attorney\u2019s contact information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The internet is also a useful tool for searching for an attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use the internet to compile a shortlist of attorneys whom you think would be compatible with you and your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a close look at their online biographies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How long have they been with their firm?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When and where were they educated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do they have any specialties outside of divorce and family law?<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are all questions that should inform your decision-making process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve developed a shortlist, request a consultation appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The consultation will allow you to explain the details of your case, and you can gauge potential attorneys\u2019 interest based on how they respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do they ask you compelling questions about the case?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do they seem invested?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are they prioritizing conversations about their compensation instead of prioritizing your case?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask yourself these questions during and after the interview process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a variety of valuable questions to ask potential attorneys that will give you additional information to determine if they\u2019re a good fit for your divorce case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While these are only some general examples, your potential attorney\u2019s answers will give you a feel for how they\u2019ll speak to you throughout your entire case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The treatment that you get during a consultation is a window into what their representation will look like throughout the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the interview time to your advantage, and make sure that you leave with the information that you intended to get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most reputable and professional attorneys in Maine are offering free consultations for divorce cases in the current industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today\u2019s divorce attorneys understand that you have a variety of options for representation (especially if you\u2019re only securing an attorney as a safety net for an uncontested case), and they know that the consultation is your chance to interview them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If an attorney on your shortlist charges for a consultation session, consider striking them from the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you\u2019ve received good feedback from past clients about someone, and they charge for a consultation, consider taking the appointment if it won\u2019t break the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good representation is worth every penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any meeting with an attorney in Maine, even an initial consultation (and even if that consultation is free), is one hundred percent confidential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The initial consultation should take place either in a closed-door, in-person meeting or via a password-protected online meeting platform over a secure internet connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any attorney worth their salt will ensure that your privacy is protected, and asking about privacy and confidentiality during the interview process is an excellent way to gauge your potential attorney\u2019s commitment to privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can ask about their firm\u2019s client confidentiality policy, if phone calls with clients are ever recorded, or if they have a secure email server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned about your confidentiality and can't risk being seen walking into the attorney's office, ask them to meet you where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The priorities that you have for the first consultation, and whether or not a potential attorney acknowledges those priorities, can serve as an indicator of how they\u2019ll manage your priorities during your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are numerous benefits to using an attorney, and legal representation should always be considered during divorce cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros of using a divorce attorney in Maine include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using an attorney can offer your protection or, at the very least, a security net during your divorce case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While using an attorney is highly recommended for divorce cases, representation certainly has drawbacks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons of using a divorce attorney in Maine include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider these drawbacks before you hire an attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Better yet, ask them how they confront these drawbacks in their practice when you interview them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have well-founded reservations about hiring representation, let your potential attorney know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they respond to your qualms honestly, they\u2019re likely a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing for divorce in Maine is not a simple process for most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of documents to search for and prepare, significant paperwork to fill out, and multiple options for serving your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you have an attorney to help you navigate the process, it can be overwhelming, especially if a divorce is your first experience with the court system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take care when preparing your divorce forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that they\u2019re filled out completed and accurately, as any mistakes or omissions could result in processing delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n File the divorce forms promptly, and make sure to keep copies of filing receipts for future follow-up calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serving your spouse their divorce papers, while not complicated, could be intimidating or even unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there are options for service in Maine that will protect you and your spouse during the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, ensuring that your financial disclosures are in order is integral to your case, and documents should be accurate and verifiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The information below will take you through the process step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> The information below is perfect for you to get an overview of the divorce filing process and also use as a guide if you will be filing for divorce on your own. However, if you are using an attorney, their team will typically be taking care of these steps as part of their proper representation of you as a client.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Preparing divorce forms is one of the most tedious parts of the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, the Maine court system offers numerous online resources<\/a> to help you complete everything accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several required forms to fill out during the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the divorce process in Maine requires numerous forms, the court system offers a guide<\/a> to completing and filing each required form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or you can consider using an online divorce website to guide you through this process if you will be filing an uncontested divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve completed the required forms, you will need to serve them to your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you and your spouse continue living together during the divorce, and you have an amicable relationship, this can be simple as asking your spouse to sign<\/a> in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you can also send the papers via certified mail<\/a> with restricted delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To send documents via certified mail, visit your local post office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll receive a green card in the mail, showing proof of receipt that your spouse received the documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need to file this green card proving that you served your spouse, so keep it in a safe place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also pay a sheriff<\/a> to deliver the documents to your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While each Maine County Sheriff\u2019s office will require a different fee for this service, most county fees are nominal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re living amicably with your spouse during the divorce process, serving them yourself is likely the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your spouse has moved out of the home, and you\u2019re not on speaking terms, certified mail is an affordable and effective option to make sure you can submit a proof of service to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paying a county sheriff\u2019s department to deliver your documents to the defendant is an extreme option that should only be used in cases where the plaintiff is in danger of the defendant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a plaintiff has minor children who are still in the house with the defendant, and the defendant is at risk of harming the children upon being served, arrangements should be made to remove the children from the home before divorce forms are served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Maine\u2019s court system offers versatile options for victims of abuse filing for divorce, victims should ensure their safety and the safety of their minor children before serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want assistance with preparing your divorce forms appropriately and instructions on how to file them correctly, using an online divorce service is a great idea to save a lot of money and hassle.<\/p> We reviewed, rated, and ranked the best online divorce services available and our #1 choice is 3StepDivorce.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit 3StepDivorce\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Our Review\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t Once you\u2019ve received confirmation that your spouse has been served, you can file the forms with a local district court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many courts serve Maine\u2019s cities, and the court system\u2019s website offers a comprehensive directory<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing for divorce in Maine requires paying a filing fee of $120.00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaintiffs who cannot afford this fee should fill out the Application to Proceed without Fee (CV-067)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you file this, you\u2019ll also have to provide evidence of financial need (including a financial affidavit) to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to keep thorough documentation during the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep at least one copy of all documents and forms filed with the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After filing, you should receive a filing receipt (and a payment receipt, if you pay the filing fee).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep this receipt in a secure location, and write down your case number if you\u2019re given one upon filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining documentation of the divorce process is essential if you need to provide evidence of filing or serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your attorney offers to keep these records for you, ask for copies of everything as an extra security measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both the plaintiff and the defendant have to provide certain financial documents during the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you and your spouse disagree on the division of property, spousal support, or attorney fees, you\u2019ll both need to complete and file the Financial Statement (FM-043).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have any disagreements about these items, you can complete and file the Certificate in Lieu of Financial Statement (FM-042) instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contested hearings involving real estate, both parties must complete and file the Certificate Regarding Real Estate (FM-056) at least seven days before the final hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The information in this form (including property address, the date of the Deed and whose name is on the Deed, the date of the parties\u2019 marriage, and whether or not the property was gifted or inherited) will assist a judge in their decision regarding the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these forms are available on the Maine court system\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the Maine court system does not offer any completely online divorce services, Maine residents seeking a divorce can use a variety of 3rd party online services to assist them with the divorce process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some online service providers will guide users through the completion of Maine divorce forms, and users will receive a digital copy of their completed documents to print and file upon completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some service providers, in addition to forms guidance, will serve divorce papers to the defendant and file them for additional fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to look at reviews for each specific online service provider to ensure that their services are worth the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To take advantage of an online divorce service when filing in Maine, it is required that plaintiffs meet certain criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most providers, plaintiffs must be able to locate their spouse, and plaintiffs and defendants must already agree on the division of property and assets, spousal support, and child-related matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, if you imagine that your divorce will be uncontested and that you and your spouse will remain amicable and agree on all of your terms right away, using an online service to complete and file forms could provide an added convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, online service providers that assist with forms, servicing the defendant, and filing are not law firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can\u2019t provide legal advice, and they\u2019re not liable for any mistakes on forms, court processing delays, or service mishaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However a good online divorce service will guarantee that the forms they produce will be accepted by the courts or they will help you resolve any issues or process a refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online divorce services can be very useful for straightforward uncontested divorce cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, complicated or contested cases do not qualify to use an online divorce service in Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you choose an online divorce provider that prints your forms, files them with the court, and serves them to your spouse, you\u2019ll still need to attend court to complete your divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no option in Maine for completing a divorce entirely online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After filing, you\u2019ll receive a phone call, letter, or email from the court providing the date of your Pre-Trial Conference or Case Management Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re confident that your divorce will be uncontested, you must still attend and participate in the first conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the judge requires mediation, or if your divorce becomes contested after mediation and requires a contested hearing, you must attend all court dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that any online service provider who promises that they can complete your divorce without any court visits in Maine is likely a scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of Divorce Laws in Maine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mediation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Contested Hearing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Advantages to Contested Divorces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Drawbacks of Contested Divorces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Uncontested Divorce<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Uncontested Divorce Requirements in Maine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Uncontested Divorces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Disadvantages of Uncontested Divorces<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Residency Requirements in Maine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grounds for Divorce in Maine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Using a Maine Divorce Attorney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to Use an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Makes a Good Divorce Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Find a Good Divorce Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview Questions for Divorce Attorneys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Initial Consultation Free?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the Meeting Confidential?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Using an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Drawbacks of Using an Attorney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Filing for Divorce in Maine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preparing Your Divorce Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Serving Your Spouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Filing Your Divorce Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Financial Disclosures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Online Divorce in Maine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Qualify for an Online Divorce in Maine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do You Still Need to Go to Court?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n