Filing for divorce in Maine without an attorney costs $120 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Maine (or marriage in Maine). Maine is a equitable distribution state with a 60 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Maine-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $120 (The filing fee is $120 statewide. Maine has one of the lowest filing fees in the country.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Maine (or marriage in Maine) |
| Waiting Period | 60 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable marital differences (no-fault), Adultery, Impotence, Extreme cruelty, Desertion for 3+ years, Alcohol/drug abuse, Mental illness, Cruel and abusive treatment |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Maine, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Maine (or marriage in Maine).
Either the petitioner must have resided in Maine for 6 months before filing, or the marriage must have been performed in Maine and the petitioner has resided there since the marriage.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Maine's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Maine without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
Either the petitioner must have resided in Maine for 6 months before filing, or the marriage must have been performed in Maine and the petitioner has resided there since the marriage.
Download the official Maine divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Child Support Affidavit. All forms are available from the Maine courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (FM-002) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Maine court and pay the filing fee of $120. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Maine rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Maine law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Maine has a 60-day waiting period from the date of service on the defendant. The court cannot enter a judgment until this period expires.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Maine, this typically takes 2-3 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Maine. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
If children
Financial disclosure
The filing fee to start a divorce in Maine is $120. The filing fee is $120 statewide. Maine has one of the lowest filing fees in the country.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $120 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $200-$800 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Maine offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Maine, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Maine courts are strict about service requirements.
Maine is a equitable distribution state.
Maine divides marital property equitably. The court considers contribution to acquisition, value of property, and economic circumstances. Separate property (owned before marriage, gifts, inheritance) is not divided.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Maine law applies to your specific property.
Maine uses the Income shares model per Maine Child Support Guidelines.
Maine uses income shares guidelines. Combined gross incomes of both parents determine the basic support, allocated based on income percentages with adjustments for childcare and health insurance.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Maine divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $120 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
60 days - Maine has a 60-day waiting period from the date of service on the defendant. The court cannot enter a judgment until this period expires.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Very low filing fee ($120)
Both fault and no-fault grounds
60-day waiting period
Strong self-help court resources
Mediation available
Common questions about filing for divorce in Maine without an attorney.
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Maine-specific forms
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Maine divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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