Maine Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Maine using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Maine divorces typically cost 46% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Maine
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $120
- Waiting period
- 60 days
- Residency requirement
- 180 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,500 - $4,000
- Attorney hourly rate
- $200/hr - $375/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Maine: What You Should Know
Maine is an affordable, relatively quick state. The filing fee is $120, attorney rates run $200 to $375 per hour, and the 60-day waiting period keeps uncontested cases moving, typically finishing for $1,500 to $4,000 in about 90 days. Contested cases run $10,000 to $32,000. Maine divides property under equitable distribution and gives courts discretion over alimony, so the contested end of the range is driven mostly by support and custody disagreements. Rural counties tend to move faster and cost less than the Portland area.
Key point: Maine's $120 filing fee and 60-day waiting period make it one of the lower-cost New England states, with uncontested divorces often done in about 90 days.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Maine on this page.
Divorce Cost in Maine - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Maine?
An uncontested divorce in Maine typically runs $1,500 - $4,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $10,000 - $32,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Maine?
The court filing fee for divorce in Maine is $120. Add about $50 for serving papers on your spouse. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Maine?
An uncontested divorce in Maine usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 11 months. Maine requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 180 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Maine?
No, Maine allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Maine attorneys typically charge $200/hr - $375/hr.
How is property divided in a Maine divorce?
Maine follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $400 to $1,200 in Maine.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.