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.
Maine Family Law Services:
Divorce, Custody, Support & More
Maine families facing divorce, separation, or custody disputes need more than a lawyer — they need a trusted guide. At The Maine Divorce Group, our Maine family law lawyers handle the full spectrum of family legal matters.
With offices located in Portland, Kennebunk, Brunswick, we serve clients all across Maine in all areas of Maine family law, including:
- child custody,
- parental rights and responsibilities,
- child support,
- spousal support,
- property division, and
- post-judgment modifications
Every case is different, which is why we take the time to understand your unique situation and build a legal strategy tailored to your goals.
Whether your path forward involves negotiation, mediation, or courtroom advocacy, we’re fully prepared to protect your rights and your family’s future. When you work with The Maine Divorce Group, you’re working with family law lawyers who know Maine’s family courts, understand what judges look for, and are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children.
Why Maine Families Choose The Maine Divorce Group?
When facing family law issues, you need more than just legal knowledge—you need an advocate who understands the personal and emotional weight behind every decision. At The Maine Divorce Group, we combine decades of experience with compassion, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of Maine’s family law system.
Why clients choose us:
- We are one of Maine’s premier law firms focused exclusively on family law.
- Our family attorneys offer personalized, one-on-one guidance from start to finish.
- We treat our clients with the same respect and care we would offer our own families.
- Your interests and your children’s well-being are always our top priority.
- We offer personal phone consultations to help you get started with confidence.
When you retain our firm, a skilled Maine family lawyer will work closely with you every step of the way. If you’re looking for experienced, compassionate, and results-driven representation, The Maine Divorce Group is here to help.
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.
Experienced Maine Divorce & Family Law Attorneys
Serving Portland, Kennebunk, Brunswick & Surrounding Communities
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences — but it can also be the first step toward a more stable future.
Our dedicated Maine family law lawyers help clients across Portland, Kennebunk, Brunswick, and surrounding communities navigate separation, divorce, child custody, and related matters with clarity and care. We’re here to protect your rights and help you make confident decisions.
The Maine Divorce Process:
Step by Step
Click on each step to learn about the typical Maine divorce process and how an attorney can assist you at each step.
How Our Maine Divorce Lawyers Fight for You
Divorce is stressful — but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team provides steady guidance, personalized legal strategy, and strong representation at every stage.
We protect your rights, prioritize your children’s well-being, and pursue outcomes that support your long-term stability.
With The Maine Divorce Group by your side, you’ll never navigate Maine’s family court system without an experienced advocate.
Divorce in Maine: What To Know
Maine has one of the higher divorce rates in the U.S., and navigating the process without guidance can leave you, and your children, at a significant disadvantage.
Maine is an equitable distribution state, which means marital assets are divided fairly, not automatically 50/50. Custody, support, and property decisions will shape the rest of your life.
The Maine divorce lawyers at The Maine Divorce Group help clients across Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln Counties move forward without unnecessary delays, expense, or courtroom battles.
Do You Need a Maine Divorce Lawyer?
Divorce is more than a legal process. Divorce is one of the most personal transitions you’ll ever navigate. At The Maine Divorce Group, our Maine divorce lawyers don’t use the law to escalate conflict. We use it to protect your rights, your children, and your financial future.
A skilled family law attorney knows how to de-escalate tension, identify realistic outcomes, and keep the process from derailing. When emotions run high, we bring clarity. When communication breaks down, we provide structure. And when an amicable resolution isn’t possible, we advocate forcefully in court. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
Divorce vs. Legal Separation in Maine: Key Differences
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.
Not sure which path is right for your situation? Our Maine family law attorneys can help you evaluate your options and choose the approach that best protects your interests.
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
Maine Property Division: Is It Always 50/50?
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 family law attorneys at The Maine Divorce Group assists clients in all areas of family law, from high-asset divorces to paternity disputes. Our Maine family law attorneys have extensive experience helping families with parental rights & responsibilities and complex child & spousal support cases, allowing us to offer comprehensive representation for all your family law legal needs.
