One of the first questions people ask when they consider divorce is: how long will this actually take? The answer depends on several factors — including whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, how quickly both parties can reach agreements, and how busy your local court is. This guide walks through what to expect at each stage of the Maine divorce process.
Maine’s Divorce Waiting Period
Maine law requires a minimum waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. For uncontested divorces (called ‘uncontested’ or ‘by agreement’), the court generally cannot enter a final divorce decree until at least 60 days after the complaint is filed. For divorces involving minor children, the court also requires time to address parental rights and responsibilities and child support.
In practice, even the simplest uncontested divorces typically take 3–4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorces — where spouses disagree on major issues — can take significantly longer.
Step 1: Filing the Divorce Complaint (Week 1–2)
The process begins when one spouse (the plaintiff) files a Complaint for Divorce with the Maine District Court in the county where either spouse lives. The filing fee in Maine is currently $120. The complaint sets out the grounds for divorce and what the filing spouse is requesting regarding property, finances, and, if applicable, parental rights and responsibilities.
Maine is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing. Most people file on the grounds of irreconcilable marital differences.
Step 2: Serving the Other Spouse (Week 2–4)
After filing, the complaint must be formally served on the other spouse (the defendant). Service is typically accomplished by a sheriff’s deputy or, in some cases, by certified mail. The defendant then has 21 days to file a formal answer.
If both spouses are in agreement and working cooperatively, this stage often moves quickly. If service is difficult — for example, if a spouse cannot be located — it can cause delays.
Step 3: Case management conference and Discovery (Month 1–3)
Once the complaint is answered, the court will schedule a case management conference. At the case management conference, the court will schedule a mediation if the parties haven’t mediated. If they have an agreement, the court can use that time to finalize the divorce.
Many cases settle without ever going to trial. Settlement can happen through direct negotiation, attorney-to-attorney negotiation, or mediation. Maine courts frequently encourage — and sometimes require — mediation before scheduling a contested hearing.
Step 4: Mediation (Month 2–6)
If the parties cannot resolve all issues on their own, the court may refer the case to mediation. A neutral mediator helps both spouses work toward agreement on disputed issues such as the division of marital property, spousal support, and parental rights and responsibilities.
Mediation is often faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going to trial. At Dirigo Divorce, we place significant emphasis on mediation as a path to resolution that preserves the well-being of all family members — especially children.
Step 5: Final Hearing or Agreement (Month 3–18+)
Uncontested divorces with a signed agreement can often be finalized at a brief final hearing — sometimes as short as 15–30 minutes. The judge will review the agreement, ask a few questions, and if satisfied, enter the Judgment of Divorce.
Contested divorces that proceed to trial involve more preparation, witness testimony, and argument. A contested divorce trial in Maine can take half a day to several days depending on complexity, and scheduling a trial date may add months to the process.
Typical Maine Divorce Timelines at a Glance
- Uncontested divorce, no children: 2–4 months
- Uncontested divorce, minor children: 3–6 months
- Contested divorce, resolved at mediation: 4–8 months
- Contested divorce, resolved pre-trial: 6–12 months
- Fully contested divorce requiring trial: 12–24+ months
What Slows a Divorce Down in Maine?
Several factors can extend your timeline beyond the minimums:
- Disputes over parental rights and responsibilities or primary residence
- Business valuation or complex asset division
- Retirement account division requiring a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)
- One spouse being uncooperative or difficult to locate
- Court scheduling backlogs
Can You Speed Things Up?
Yes. The most effective way to shorten a Maine divorce is to resolve as much as possible before filing, or to commit to a cooperative process like mediation early on. Working with an attorney who focuses exclusively on family law — and who understands the court processes in Androscoggin County, Cumberland County, and York County— can make a meaningful difference in how quickly your case moves.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Dirigo Divorce PLLC for a confidential consultation. Dirigo Dvorce serves clients throughout Androscoggin County, Cumberland County, and York County, Maine, and southern New Hampshire. Call or contact us online today.