Maine Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/maine/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
60 days minimum for uncontested divorces (mandatory waiting period under Title 19-A, §901), typically 3-4 months total including scheduling. Contested cases with children requiring mediation under Section 251 typically take 6-18 months depending on the complexity of custody, property, and support disputes.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Valid Maine Photo ID
- Social Security Numbers for Both Spouses
- Children's Birth Certificates(if applicable)
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Real Estate Deeds(if applicable)
- Vehicle Titles(if applicable)
- Insurance Policies
- Retirement Account Statements
- Business Ownership Documents(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Federal Tax Returns — Last 2 Years
- 3 Most Recent Pay Stubs
- Bank Statements — All Accounts
- Investment and Brokerage Account Statements
- Retirement and Pension Statements
- Real Estate Appraisals or Tax Assessments(if applicable)
- Credit Card Statements — All Accounts
- Mortgage and Loan Documents
- Business Financial Records(if applicable)
- Monthly Expense Documentation
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Determine Grounds for Divorce
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Records
- Assess Safety Concerns and Confidentiality Needs
- Identify the Correct District Court for Filing
2. Filing Process
- Obtain the Family Matter Summons and Preliminary Injunction
- Complete the Complaint for Divorce and Required Forms
- File the Complaint with the District Court or Serve First
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Your Spouse's Response
- Complete and File the Financial Statement
- Attend Mandatory Mediation (Contested Cases with Children)
- Complete Parent Education Program (Cases with Minor Children)
- Attend the Case Management or Pre-Trial Conference
- File Certificate Regarding Real Estate Before Final Hearing
- Attend the Final Hearing and Obtain the Divorce Decree
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Maine, you must meet the residency requirement under Title 19-A, Section 901 — typically 6 months of good-faith residence, though alternatives exist if you married in Maine or if your spouse is a Maine resident. File your Complaint for Divorce (Form FM-004 with children or FM-005 without) at the District Court in the county where either spouse resides, paying a $120.00 filing fee. You must obtain Form FM-038 (Family Matter Summons and Preliminary Injunction) from the clerk's office for $5.00 since it requires an official court seal. Serve your spouse within 90 days of filing. The defendant has 21 days to respond. Both parties must file Form FM-043 (Financial Statement) at least 3 business days before mediation. Maine requires mediation under Section 251 for contested cases with minor children. The mandatory 60-day waiting period runs from the date of service. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 3-4 months; contested cases take 6-18 months. File Form FM-056 (Certificate Regarding Real Estate) at least 7 days before the final hearing.