In Maine, courts decide child custody based on the child’s best interests, alimony on factors like marriage length and earning capacity, and property division equitably without a strict 50/50 split.​
Child Custody Decisions
Maine prioritizes the child’s best interests, considering parental fitness, child’s adjustment to home/school/community, each parent’s ability to provide love and stability, child’s relationship with siblings/parents, evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse, and parental cooperation. Courts favor shared parental rights and responsibilities unless harm is shown, with sole custody rare and requiring proof of unfitness; temporary orders issue early, and guardians ad litem investigate disputes. Mediation is encouraged before trials, with final awards modifiable only on substantial change in circumstances.​
Alimony (Spousal Support)
Alimony lasts up to half the marriage length (shorter for under 10 years), awarded if one spouse lacks means to maintain pre-divorce standard via employment or property. Factors include marriage duration, ages/health, property division, child custody/support, each party’s contributions, post-divorce employability (education, skills, job history), and economic misconduct like dissipation. Types cover general (ongoing), transitional (adjustment), incapacity-based, and reimbursement; courts may order lump sums or payments via income withholding.​
Residency and Process Basics
File after 6 months residency (or spouse resident/marriage/grounds in Maine), citing irreconcilable differences (no-fault) or fault like adultery/cruelty; 60-day waiting applies. Uncontested divorces proceed faster via agreement; contested require hearings, with $120 fee waivable. Equitable distribution divides marital property (acquired during marriage) fairly, excluding gifts/inheritances unless commingled.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.themainedivorcegroup.com/maine-divorce-laws-guide/)
[2](https://www.survivedivorce.com/divorce-laws-in-maine)
[3](https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/me/divorce/basic-info/what-are-grounds-divorce-maine)
[4](https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/me/divorce/all)
[5](https://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/19-a/title19-Ach29sec0.html)
