Please note: local and state laws change constantly. This information is for educational purposes only. We do our best to keep this up-to-date, but please contact us to discuss your unique situation.

Getting Divorced in Maine

A divorce may be granted for one of the following causes:

  • Adultery;
  • Impotence;
  • Extreme cruelty;
  • Utter desertion continued for 3 consecutive years prior to filing for divorce;
  • Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication from the use of liquor or drugs;
  • Nonsupport, when one spouse has sufficient ability to provide for the other spouse and grossly, wantonly or cruelly refuses or neglects to do so;
  • Cruel and abusive treatment;
  • Irreconcilable marital differences; or
  • A judicial determination has been made that one of the parties is an incapacitated person.

Residency Requirements

A person seeking a divorce may file a complaint for divorce in the District Court if:

  • The plaintiff has resided in good faith in Maine for 6 months prior to filing for divorce;
  • The plaintiff is a resident of Maine and the parties were married in Maine;
  • The plaintiff is a resident of Maine and the parties resided in Maine when the cause of divorce accrued; or
  • The defendant is a resident of Maine.

Same Sex Marriage

In the state of Maine, marriage is the legally recognized union of 2 people.

Waiting Period

The dissolution of marriage may be granted once the married couple live apart, or desire to live apart, for 60 continuous days.

Maine Divorce Laws and Marriage Laws

You can find a complete listing of the Maine divorce laws by searching “divorce” here.