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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Maine

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Maine: A Plain-English Guide

If you’re thinking about ending your marriage in Maine and you and your spouse are mostly on the same page, you may be wondering whether an uncontested divorce in Maine is possible. Many people want a simple divorce that is as low stress and affordable as possible, without spending thousands on lawyers.

This guide explains the Maine uncontested divorce process in plain English: who qualifies, what the steps look like, how long it usually takes, and what it may cost. You’ll also learn the mandatory “hard stop” forms that trip up DIY filers, like the Family Matter Summary Sheet (FM-002) and the Social Security Number Disclosure Form (CV-CR-FM-PC-200).

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm. This guide is legal information only, not legal advice. Court forms, fees, and local practices change. Always confirm current requirements on the Maine Judicial Branch website or with a Maine attorney if you’re unsure.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Maine

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Maine?

When people say “simple divorce in Maine,” they usually mean a no-fault, uncontested divorce based on “irreconcilable marital differences.” In plain English: the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired, and you do not need to prove wrongdoing.

No-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences

Maine allows you to file a divorce case by stating that there are irreconcilable marital differences. This is the most common path for uncontested cases because it keeps the focus on ending the marriage, not blaming either spouse.

Uncontested vs. contested divorce

In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on major issues (children, support, property), and the court may need conferences, hearings, and sometimes a trial.

In an uncontested divorce, either:

  • Both spouses reach a full agreement and present it to the court; or
  • One spouse files and serves the papers, and the other spouse does not fight the case (a “default” path), as long as all required paperwork is completed correctly.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Maine?

To get an uncontested divorce in Maine, you need to meet the legal eligibility rules and also have the practical ability to keep the case uncontested (cooperation and agreement).

Residency requirements (the 6-month rule and other options)

A Maine court can grant you a divorce if any one of these is true:

  • You have lived in Maine for at least 6 months before filing; or
  • You live in Maine now and you and your spouse were married in Maine; or
  • You live in Maine now and you and your spouse lived in Maine when the events that caused the divorce happened; or
  • Your spouse lives in Maine.

You normally file in the District Court (Family Division) serving the area where you or your spouse lives.

Agreement on the big issues

Your case is more likely to stay uncontested if you and your spouse have no major disagreement about:

  • Parental rights and responsibilities and parenting time (if you have children)
  • Child support (if children are involved)
  • Spousal support (alimony), if any
  • Division of property and debts

If you have safety concerns, hidden assets, or major disagreements, talk to a Maine attorney or legal aid before relying on a DIY approach.

3. Maine’s 6-Month Residency vs. the 60-Day Statutory Waiting Period

DIY filers often mix these up because they are both “time rules,” but they are different:

  • 6-month residency rule: affects whether Maine has jurisdiction for your divorce (one way to qualify to file).
  • 60-day statutory waiting period: Maine has a minimum waiting period in divorce cases, so the divorce is not typically finalized immediately even when you agree.

Maine’s 6-Month Residency vs. the 60-Day Waiting Period

Use a split graphic with two labeled lanes:
Lane 1 — “Can I file in Maine?” (Residency / Jurisdiction)
Show a checkbox-style row: Any ONE can qualify → (A) Lived in Maine 6 months, OR (B) Married in Maine + live in Maine now, OR (C) Lived in Maine when the marriage broke down + live in Maine now, OR (D) Spouse lives in Maine.

Lane 2 — “When can it be finalized?” (60-Day Minimum)
Show a simple timeline: File case → Serve spouse (or signed acceptance/acknowledgment filed) → 60-day minimum clock runs → Uncontested hearing or court review → Divorce Judgment entered.

Callout: “These are two different clocks: residency affects eligibility to file; the 60-day period affects the earliest possible finalization.”

4. Step-by-Step Overview of the Uncontested Divorce Process in Maine

Most Maine uncontested divorces follow the same basic roadmap. The key is understanding what the court expects, especially the mandatory cover sheet and disclosure forms that can delay “simple” cases when they are missing or incomplete.

Step 1 – Confirm you qualify and choose the correct packet

Maine provides different packets depending on whether you have minor children. Start by confirming:

  • You meet one of Maine’s residency/jurisdiction rules.
  • You are using the no-fault ground of irreconcilable marital differences.
  • You have a workable agreement on children (if any), support, and property and debts.

Step 2 – Gather the “hard stop” forms (do not skip these)

Even in an uncontested case, Maine courts require specific forms that DIY filers often underestimate. Common “blockers” include:

  • Complaint for Divorce (there are versions depending on whether minor children are involved).
  • Family Matter Summary Sheet (FM-002) (mandatory cover sheet).
  • Social Security Number Disclosure Form (CV-CR-FM-PC-200) (filed separately so Social Security numbers are not in the public file).
  • Financial Statement (FM-043) (financial disclosure listing income, assets, and debts).
  • Certificate of Absolute Divorce (VS-300) (vital records reporting form, often obtained from the clerk if it is not available to download).
  • If you have minor children: Child Support Affidavit (FM-050) (commonly required in child support cases).

Important service detail: In Maine, the Summons is often a clerk issued form that requires a signature and court seal. If your packet instructs you to get it from the clerk, do not try to print a random version from the internet. Some courts charge a small fee for issuing clerk signed forms like a Summons.

Step 3 – File your papers with the District Court (Family Division)

Once your forms are completed and signed:

  • Make copies for yourself and for your spouse.
  • File the originals with the District Court (Family Division) serving the correct location.
  • Pay the filing fee, or file the paperwork to request a fee waiver if eligible.

The clerk will stamp your forms, assign a docket number, and provide next step instructions.

Step 4 – Serve your spouse (or use the correct service acceptance form)

If you file first, you generally must serve your spouse with the court stamped papers. Maine allows service methods such as sheriff service and, in some situations, certified mail with return receipt, but you must follow court instructions precisely.

If your spouse is cooperative, Maine may allow an Acknowledgment of Receipt of Summons and Complaint or similar acceptance form. If you use this path, make sure it is completed and filed exactly as the packet instructs so your case does not stall.

Step 5 – Complete the 60-day statutory waiting period

Maine has a 60-day statutory waiting period in divorce cases. In practice, this timing is usually tied to when service is completed (or when an acknowledgment/acceptance of service is signed and filed), not just when you drop paperwork off at the clerk’s office. Missing forms can also restart delays.

Step 6 – Final uncontested hearing (if required) and the divorce judgment

Many uncontested cases end with a short final hearing. The judge may confirm eligibility, review any agreement, and then issue the final divorce judgment.

After the judgment is entered, you can request certified copies if you need proof for a name change, benefits, or remarriage.

Step 7 – If you own real estate, do not skip the Abstract (FM-171)

If you and your spouse own a house or land, ask about recording the Abstract of Divorce Decree (FM-171) at the Registry of Deeds. This is the document commonly used to put the Registry on notice of the divorce judgment and protect the chain of title. Skipping this can cause headaches later when you refinance or sell.

5. Special Issues When You Have Children

Having children does not prevent an uncontested divorce in Maine, but it adds court review and mandatory paperwork.

In cases with minor children, the court typically expects:

  • A clear parenting plan addressing parental rights and responsibilities and parenting time.
  • Child support addressed under Maine’s guidelines.
  • The Child Support Affidavit (FM-050) completed properly.

If anything about children or support feels uncertain, consider at least a one time consult with a Maine family lawyer or legal aid clinic before submitting final documents.

6. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Maine?

Even in an uncontested case, Maine has a minimum 60-day statutory waiting period. Many cases take longer than 60 days in practice due to:

  • How quickly you complete required forms (especially FM-002, CV-CR-FM-PC-200, and FM-043).
  • How quickly service is completed (or an acceptance form is properly signed and filed).
  • Whether there are children and the court requires additional steps.
  • Court scheduling and backlog.

A smooth uncontested case is often completed in a few months, but timelines vary by location and case details.

7. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Maine?

Even a DIY divorce has unavoidable costs. Typical expenses may include:

  • Filing fee: commonly about $120 for a family matter action.
  • Summons fee: commonly about $5 for a clerk signed Summons (if your packet requires a clerk issued Summons).
  • Service costs: vary depending on the method used.
  • Mediation fee: if mediation is required or requested, it is commonly about $80 per party.
  • Certified copies: optional, but commonly needed after the judgment.
  • Registry of Deeds recording fees: may apply if you record the FM-171 Abstract of Divorce Decree.

Fee waivers: If your income is low, you may be able to ask to proceed without payment of fees. Use the court’s current forms and follow instructions carefully.

8. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

Consider getting legal help if:

  • There is domestic abuse, stalking, or serious safety concerns.
  • One spouse is hiding assets or refusing financial disclosure.
  • You do not understand the long term impact of support or property terms.
  • Your assets or debts are complex (business interests, large retirement accounts, multiple properties).

PlainDivorce cannot advise you on what you should accept. That is legal advice, and only a lawyer representing you can provide it.

9. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

If your case truly is uncontested (or likely to become uncontested), a Maine self help divorce kit can make the process more manageable by:

  • Walking you through the process in plain English (filing → service/acceptance → waiting period → final hearing or review).
  • Helping you avoid common paperwork mistakes on required forms like FM-002 and CV-CR-FM-PC-200.
  • Providing checklists and timelines so you do not miss key steps.
  • Reminding you about real estate follow ups like FM-171 when applicable.

Download Our Maine Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Maine?

An uncontested (or “simple”) divorce in Maine is usually a no fault divorce where you and your spouse agree on the major issues (or the other spouse does not contest), and you complete the required Maine court forms so the judge can issue the divorce judgment.

What are the biggest “hard stop” forms in Maine?

DIY cases often stall when required administrative forms are missing, especially FM-002 (cover sheet) and the separate CV-CR-FM-PC-200 Social Security number disclosure form. If you have children, FM-050 is another common stumbling block.

If we own a house, what should we watch for after the divorce?

Ask whether you should record the FM-171 Abstract of Divorce Decree with the Registry of Deeds. This can help avoid title problems later when refinancing or selling.

11. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Starting an uncontested divorce in Maine can feel overwhelming mostly because of paperwork details, not because the idea is complicated. The best way to reduce stress is to confirm residency eligibility, plan your agreements, and make sure the court’s mandatory forms are complete, especially FM-002, CV-CR-FM-PC-200, FM-043, and the VS-300 vital records form.

If you want the lowest conflict path forward, use the Maine Judicial Branch’s current packets, follow service rules carefully (or use the correct acceptance form when allowed), and remember the 60-day waiting period is a real legal requirement. If your case involves safety risks, major disagreements, or complex finances, consider professional legal help before signing anything.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.