Client Reviews
For The Maine Divorce Group
Contacted Attorney Bly for a consultation on a sensitive issue. His staff is wonderful and caring and extremely attentive with their contact.
Attorney Bly was extremely helpful with his guidance and recommendation for my case. He listened to what I had to say and made excellent suggestions for a path to follow. I will definitely be in contact again if the need ever comes up.
Jennifer H.
Every person at this firm was exceptional. I would highly recommend them. They more than exceeded my expectations and made a very stressful situation much easier to handle. I cannot express my gratitude enough!
Kellie B.
Good communication and very knowledgeable.
Mike G.
Excellent Attorney! Highly recommended.
Jenn G.
This team is the best around! Very professional , caring and involved. I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need. Very prompt at answering questions and you’ll allows get a personal experience while calling them. Thank you guys for making our situation a lot easier.
Brian P.
Honest and fair practice. Treated me right, from the first point of contact until completion.
Ken M.
They were very professional and the services provided to me were beyond my expectations. I was able to leave the issues in the hands of Mr. Bly and not only did he provide excellent service, but went above and beyond on my case. The outcome was better than I could have expected. I highly recommend them.
John C.
Thank you for providing the best lawyer services in Maine and achieving the results I wanted. Keep up the great work!
JJ D.
Excellent law firm.
Geri W.
How Our Family Attorneys in Maine Can Help With Your Divorce
Trusted Family Attorneys Guiding You Toward a Better Future After Divorce
Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s a life transition that demands clarity, strategy, and support.
At The Maine Divorce Group, our experienced family law attorneys help you navigate complex decisions around child custody, asset division, and spousal support with skill and compassion.
Whether your divorce is cooperative or contested, we work to protect your rights, reduce stress, and deliver solutions that align with your goals for the future.
Should You Represent Yourself in a Divorce without a family lawyer?
Divorce is complex, and representing yourself often leads to frustration, confusion, and costly mistakes. While online resources may seem helpful, many self-represented individuals quickly find that the legal information available is inconsistent, filled with jargon, and difficult to apply in real life.
Even those who start with a lawyer sometimes leave due to cost or communication issues—only to realize later that experienced legal guidance is essential. At The Maine Divorce Group, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your unique situation, helping you avoid pitfalls and move forward with confidence.
Divorce is legally and emotionally complex—and navigating it alone can quickly become overwhelming. While many begin the process with confidence, that confidence often fades when faced with confusing court procedures, unexpected disputes, or the emotional toll of direct confrontation with an ex.
From completing forms and understanding service rules, to addressing disagreements over marital agreements or dividing assets, self-represented individuals often run into costly roadblocks. The legal system isn’t designed for non-lawyers—and even the best online information can be inconsistent, unclear, or hard to apply.
A skilled family law attorney at The Maine Divorce Group will guide you through every step. We ask the right questions, anticipate challenges, and create a clear strategy tailored to your needs. Divorce is already difficult—don’t carry the legal burden alone. Contact us today for a private consultation and take the first step toward resolution with confidence.
Do I really need a family lawyer for my divorce to go smoothly?
Divorce is more than a legal process—it’s a deeply personal and emotional transition. While some may think they can navigate it alone, the guidance of an experienced family law attorney can make a significant difference in achieving a smoother, more respectful outcome.
Unlike traditional litigators, family lawyers are part of a “helping profession.” At The Maine Divorce Group, we don’t use the law to escalate conflict—we use it to protect your rights, your children, your financial future, and the relationships that still matter. Our goal is to resolve disputes with compassion, not retribution.
A skilled family law attorney understands how to de-escalate tension, identify reasonable outcomes, and prevent harmful behaviors from derailing the separation process. When emotions run high, we offer clarity. When communication breaks down, we provide structure. And if amicable solutions aren’t possible, we’re fully prepared to advocate for you in court.
Our team knows how judges typically view family law issues and what strategies will support your best interests. Within just a few conversations, we can often forecast the likely shape of your case—and if we need more information, we’ll walk you through a proven, step-by-step process designed to protect your well-being and help your family move forward.
Let The Maine Divorce Group be your trusted guide through this life-changing moment. We’re here to make your path forward smoother, safer, and more certain.
Maine Family Lawyers
Compassionate Guidance Through Divorce & Family Transitions
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences—but it can also be the first step toward a more stable and fulfilling future. At The Maine Divorce Group, our dedicated family law lawyers help clients across Maine navigate separation, divorce, and related family matters with clarity and care.
We’re here to protect your rights, preserve what matters most, and help you make confident decisions during this difficult time. Whether your case involves complex property division, custody arrangements, or simply the need for guidance, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
Steps in the Maine Divorce Process
Click on each step to learn about the typical Maine divorce process and how an attorney can assist you at each step.
How Will The Maine Divorce Group Advocate for Me?
Skilled, Trusted Representation For All Your Legal Needs
Divorce is a highly emotional and stressful experience for most people. But you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Having a strong divorce attorney in your corner can help ensure that you and your children walk away from this process with the best opportunities available for future success and happiness.
Getting a Divorce in Maine
If you are separating or getting divorced in Maine, it can be challenging to think clearly, get the right advice, and take the right steps so that you (and your children) are in the best possible position to move forward with your lives.
Maine has some of the highest divorce rates in the U.S., so what is happening to you has unfortunately happened to many others before you.
There are many decisions to make – and most are not easy. It helps to have trusted and dependable lawyers fighting for your best interests so that you can plan ahead with the peace of mind that the legal matters are taken care of.
At The Maine Divorce Group, we help separating or divorcing couples move forward without the expense, delays, and stress of a courtroom battle.
What does a family lawyer do?
Family law attorneys handle more than just divorce—they provide legal guidance and protection during some of life’s most personal and difficult transitions. At The Maine Divorce Group, our experienced family law lawyers help individuals and families across Maine resolve a wide range of legal issues with clarity and care.
In addition to representing clients in divorce and separation cases, we regularly assist with:
- Domestic violence and protection orders
- Child custody and parenting disputes
- Parental alienation and child neglect matters
- Adoption and guardian ad litem cases
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
When it comes to divorce, we help resolve key issues such as:
- Marital property division
- Parental rights and responsibilities (custody)
- Child support
- Alimony (spousal support)
While many family law disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court if litigation becomes necessary. Our goal is always to protect your rights and help you move forward with strength and stability.
Questions to Ask Your Family Law Lawyer
Choosing the right family law attorney can have a major impact on your future—especially when it comes to divorce, custody, or property division. To ensure you’re working with someone who understands your needs and can navigate Maine’s legal system effectively, consider asking the following questions during your consultation:
- What is your experience with Maine divorce and family law cases similar to mine?
Understanding their track record can help you gauge their familiarity with the issues you’re facing—whether it’s a high-conflict divorce, shared custody arrangement, or complex asset division. - How do you typically approach family law matters—do you prioritize settlement or prepare for trial?
This shows whether they lean toward resolution-focused strategies like mediation or are prepared to advocate strongly in court when needed. - What’s your process for keeping clients informed and involved?
Communication is key. Ask how often you’ll receive updates and how decisions will be made throughout the process. - How do you assess what’s in the best interest of children during custody disputes?
This question is essential if parenting time or decision-making rights are at stake. - What are some possible outcomes I should realistically prepare for?
A skilled family law attorney will provide candid insight—not just ideal scenarios—so you can plan accordingly.
At The Maine Divorce Group, we focus exclusively on family law. We’re here to provide clear answers, honest guidance, and strong advocacy tailored to your goals. From your first consultation to the final resolution, we’re committed to helping you make informed, confident decisions about your future.
Divorce vs. Legal Separation in Maine
In Maine, if you are legally separated, you will receive a decree of judicial separation. You are still legally married but bear in mind that the Internal Revenue Service considers you “unmarried”.
In Maine, couples can choose legal separation instead of divorce—allowing them to live apart and resolve key issues like custody, support, and property division without formally ending the marriage.
Legal separation (also called “judicial separation”) may be preferred for religious, ethical, or financial reasons, such as retaining health insurance or testing the waters before a final divorce. Unlike informal separation, legal separation requires a court order and addresses many of the same matters as a divorce.
The main difference? Divorce ends the marriage. Legal separation does not—you remain legally married, even though the IRS may still treat you as “unmarried” for tax purposes.
Grounds for divorce in Maine
Grounds for divorce are the legal reasons that you state for seeking a divorce. If you cannot state a valid reason, you will not be granted a divorce in Maine.
Unlike in the majority of states in the U.S., Maine retains two main categories of grounds for divorce:
- No-fault divorce
- Fault-based
No-fault divorce
This is the most common category. With this type of ground for divorce, no proof of fault, misconduct or wrongdoing is required. The couple agrees to part because of “irreconcilable differences” in the marriage.
This is left deliberately vague, but it is not enough to be unhappy in the marriage. You must state that you and your partner are unable to get along and there is no reasonable prospect of the situation changing. That usually involves a communication breakdown and regular disagreements.
If one spouse does not agree that the differences in the marriage are irreconcilable, the court can order both spouses to attend counseling.
Fault-based divorce
Many states do not now allow fault-based divorce because it is seen as encouraging blame, disputes, and increasing the potential for litigation and court time being wasted.
Wrongdoing must be proven in court, and may include the following:
- Adultery
- Impotence
- Extreme cruelty or abusive treatment
- Desertion (for three consecutive years)
- Habitual intoxication (liquor or drug usage)
- Nonsupport (failing to provide suitable support for a spouse, despite having the capability of doing so)
- Incapacitation of one spouse, when a permanent guardian has been appointed by the court for that spouse
Which grounds for divorce should you choose?
The fault-based grounds for divorce outlined above could also lead to the “irreconcilable differences” that are the basis of a no-fault divorce.
If you have specific reasons for proving misconduct of your spouse, you may opt for the fault-based option, but the vast majority of people in Maine choose a no-fault divorce.
It is considered less time-consuming, expensive and stressful for all parties involved, including the children.
Fault-based divorces are now effectively discouraged by the court system in Maine, as a spouse’s misconduct is not a factor if a judge needs to decide on issues concerning alimony, division of marital property, etc.
Does Maine Follow a 50/50 Property Division Rule in Divorce?
The division of property and debts in the marital estate is nearly always an area of intense discussion and dispute in a divorce or judicial separation in Maine. It helps to receive legal advice and to understand the legal rules when negotiating with your partner.
Bear in mind that Maine, unlike some states in the U.S., is NOT a community property state. This means that in a divorce, marital property is NOT automatically divided equally (50/50) between spouses.
Instead, the standard of equitable distribution is applied by the Maine courts. This means that property must be divided fairly between the spouses. “Fairly” is a subjective term that allows a high degree of discretion from the judge, who will consider many factors before deciding on the division.
In particular, each individual’s contributions to the marriage, earning ability, and needs will be assessed before a determination is made. If one spouse has been guilty of wasting marital assets or other financial misconduct, this will also be taken into account.
As an example, the Maine courts may award approximately two-thirds of the marital assets to the higher-earning spouse and one-third to the lower-earning spouse but this varies greatly depending on your specific circumstances.
Our Past Clients
Case Results
We are committed to helping Maine residents improve their lives by resolving tough family and divorce challenges in a fair and efficient manner. We treat every client with deep respect and personalized attention because we know they deserve the best legal guidance available, every time.
Our Maine Family Lawyers Will Help Get Your Life Back
If you are separating or getting divorced in Maine, it can be challenging to think clearly, get the right advice, and take the right steps so that you (and your children) are in the best possible position to move forward with your lives.
Maine has some of the highest divorce rates in the U.S., so what is happening to you has unfortunately happened to many others before you.
There are many decisions to make – and most are not easy. It helps to have trusted and dependable lawyers fighting for your best interests so that you can plan ahead with the peace of mind that the legal matters are taken care of.
At The Maine Divorce Group, we help separating or divorcing couples move forward without the expense, delays, and stress of a courtroom battle.
Meet the Team
The team at The Maine Divorce Group assists clients in all areas of family law, from high-asset divorces to paternity disputes. We also have attorneys with extensive experience in criminal law and personal injury practice, allowing us to offer comprehensive representation for all your legal needs.
