Maine Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Maine family law attorneys who can navigate Maine’s equitable distribution and parental rights and responsibilities framework.

Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
Matched with a Maine attorney in 24 hours
30,000+ plaintiffs served nationwide

Free Maine family law case review

A Maine attorney will take a look. Or call 1-833-WELEGAL.

How we match your Maine family law case

When you submit a Maine family law matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A family law matter needs someone who handles family law work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Maine law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Maine who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

Get started How DearLegal works

DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.

Exhibit A

What happens with a family law claim in Maine

Day 0
You decide to act.
Separation, custody, support or a modification. Gather financials, the children’s schedules and any agreements or orders that already exist.
Within 24 hours
Tell us what happened.
Two minutes on this page. A Maine family law attorney reviews it for free and, if it’s a fit, you’re matched within 24 hours.
Weeks 1–4
Filing and disclosures.
The petition is filed and both sides exchange financial disclosures. Temporary orders for custody or support can be requested early in Maine.
Months 1–6
Negotiation or mediation.
Most cases settle here — parenting plans, division of property, support. Your attorney negotiates from the disclosures, not from guesses.
If it doesn’t settle
Hearing or trial.
Contested issues go before a judge. Preparation matters more than argument; your attorney builds the file for it from day one.
Resolution
Final order.
Fees are quoted before you commit — hourly or a retainer, spelled out in writing at the free consultation.

Residency Requirement: 6 months
6 months if cause arose elsewhere; resident if cause arose in Maine (19-A M.R.S. § 901)
Property Division System: Equitable distribution
Equitable distribution — just proportions (19-A M.R.S. § 953)
Custody Standard: Parental rights
Parental rights and responsibilities under best-interests factors (19-A M.R.S. § 1653)
Child Support Guidelines: Income Shares
Income Shares model — 19-A M.R.S. § 2001 et seq.
Spousal Support Framework: Five types
Five types of spousal support under 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A — general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal, interim
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Maine allows divorce on irreconcilable marital differences (no-fault) under 19-A M.R.S. § 902, plus fault grounds. Residency is 6 months in Maine (19-A M.R.S. § 901) if the cause of divorce arose outside Maine; if the cause arose in Maine, residency at the time of filing is enough. Maine imposes a 60-day waiting period from service before a contested final hearing. Maine is an equitable distribution state under 19-A M.R.S. § 953 — marital property is divided in just proportions. Custody is called parental rights and responsibilities under 19-A M.R.S. § 1653 — focused on best interests of the child. Maine uses Income Shares under 19-A M.R.S. § 2001 et seq.

Exhibit B

When to call a family law attorney in Maine

Does any of this sound like you? Tap what applies.

Exhibit C

Family Law cases we take in Maine

Which one is closest to yours?

Uncontested divorce

When both spouses agree, Maine allows finalization quickly via stipulation. Limited-scope representation is common.

Sound like yours? A Maine attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.

Start my free review

Exhibit D

How much do Maine family law attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Maine · Family Law

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Family Law matters in Maine are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Family law cases in Maine are not handled on contingency. Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Maine family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under 19-A M.R.S. § 952(3).

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

Get startedTakes about two minutes. No obligation.

Exhibit E

What your Maine family law compensation can include

A Maine family law recovery is built from several parts. Tap one to see what it covers.

Property Division

Equitable distribution in just proportions under 19-A M.R.S. § 953. Non-marital property set aside to the owner.

DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Exhibit F

Maine family law questions, answered

Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Maine attorney will review it for free.

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Uncontested divorces in Maine typically finalize 60–90 days after filing. Contested cases generally take 6–12 months. Maine requires a 60-day waiting period from service before a final contested hearing.

Yes. Maine recognizes irreconcilable marital differences as a no-fault ground under 19-A M.R.S. § 902. Fault grounds (adultery, impotence, extreme cruelty, desertion for 3 consecutive years, drug or alcohol addiction, nonsupport, cruel and abusive treatment, mental illness, conviction of a felony) remain available.

No pre-filing separation is required. Maine only requires the 60-day waiting period from service before a contested final hearing.

Maine is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided in just proportions under 19-A M.R.S. § 953 considering contributions, value of separate property, and economic circumstances. Non-marital property (premarital, gifts, inheritance, in exchange for non-marital property) is set aside to the owner.

Maine uses parental rights and responsibilities (PR&R) under 19-A M.R.S. § 1653 — replacing custody terminology. Courts consider 18 best-interests factors and can allocate shared, sole, or split PR&R. Maine has no presumption for or against any particular allocation.

Maine uses the Income Shares model under 19-A M.R.S. § 2001 et seq. Both parents’ gross incomes are applied to the schedule, with adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and the number of overnights with each parent.

Yes. PR&R can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances. Child support requires a 15%+ change. Spousal support modification depends on the type and the decree. Property division is final.