Maine Family Law Lawyers

Family lawyers Helping Families

Compassionately guiding families in Southern Maine

When your family is facing a legal issue, finding the right family lawyer near you isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential. Family law in Maine covers a wide range of deeply personal matters, from divorce and custody to child support, protective orders, and adoption. Each case is unique, and the outcome can shape your life for years to come.

That’s why it’s so important to work with a skilled and compassionate family law attorney who understands both the emotional complexity and the legal strategy needed to protect your rights.

At The Maine Divorce Group, our attorneys are known for delivering thoughtful, practical solutions to even the most difficult family disputes. Whether you’re navigating a contested divorce or negotiating a child custody agreement, we bring a balanced approach—protecting your interests while helping to reduce conflict where possible.

Clients across Maine turn to us when they need responsive, experienced legal counsel they can count on. If you’re searching for one of the best family law firms in Maine, we’re ready to help guide you forward with clarity, compassion, and results.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we are widely known for our work in divorce and separation cases—but our experience in Maine family law extends far beyond that. Whether you’re married, divorced, or never married, we provide trusted legal guidance across a wide range of sensitive family matters.

Our clients turn to us when they need a reliable family lawyer near them—someone who understands the law, listens carefully, and delivers effective solutions with compassion and discretion. If you’re searching for one of the best family law attorneys in Maine, our team is ready to help you navigate complex legal challenges with confidence.

Our Maine Family Law Services Include:

• Divorce and Legal Separation
• Child Support & Post-Divorce Modifications
• College Expenses and Financial Planning for Children of Divorce
• Domestic Violence and Protection from Abuse Proceedings
• Guardian ad Litem Appointments
• Orders of Protection and Safety Planning
• Parental Alienation Claims and Resolution Strategies
• Parental Rights and Responsibilities (Custody and Visitation)
• Relocation with Children After Divorce or Separation
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• Paternity and Fathers’ Rights
• Legal Support for Unmarried Parents and Cohabiting Couples

Each family law case is different—and requires a thoughtful, personalized approach backed by legal knowledge and real-world experience. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent legal issue, we’re here to provide honest advice and strong representation every step of the way.

Legal Support for Unmarried Couples in Maine

Unmarried couples in Maine often face legal challenges when relationships end—especially when children, shared property, or financial entanglements are involved. Unlike married couples, partners in a non-marital relationship don’t automatically receive the same legal protections or rights.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we help individuals in unmarried partnerships address key legal issues such as:

• Paternity and fathers’ rights
• Child custody and parenting arrangements
• Child support orders and enforcement
• Property division and shared asset disputes

Whether you need to establish legal paternity or protect your parental rights, our attorneys can help you navigate the family court system with clarity and confidence. If you’re searching for an experienced family lawyer near you in Maine who understands how to handle these sensitive issues, we’re here to support you.

Protecting Your Future with Prenuptial Agreements in Maine

More couples are choosing to draft prenuptial agreements before marriage—especially those entering with significant assets, children from previous relationships, or business interests. A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can help you avoid future legal disputes and protect what matters most.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we prepare personalized prenups that can address:

• Division of property and assets
• Business or inheritance protections
• Spousal support/alimony provisions
• Debt allocation

While child custody and support cannot be predetermined in a prenuptial agreement, nearly all other financial matters can be addressed. If you’re looking for a respected family law attorney in Maine to draft or review a prenuptial agreement, we offer the experience and insight you need to plan with peace of mind.

Legal Guidance for Marriage in Maine

Marriage remains one of the most important legal relationships you can enter—and while common-law marriage is not recognized in Maine, formal marriage provides a host of legal rights and responsibilities under state law.

Whether you’re planning to get married or need help understanding your legal rights as a spouse, The Maine Divorce Group can assist with:

• Marriage license applications
• Understanding your legal obligations
• Post-marital planning or agreements
• Estate or financial planning as a married couple

From the legal logistics of getting married to long-term planning, our team is here to ensure your relationship is built on a solid legal foundation. If you’re searching for the best family law attorneys in Maine to support your marriage or relationship, we’re just a phone call away.

Annulments, Legal Separation, and Divorce in Maine

Not every relationship ends the same way, and in Maine, there are multiple legal options for couples who are ready to part ways. Whether you’re seeking to dissolve a marriage, separate while remaining legally married, or challenge the validity of a marriage entirely, The Maine Divorce Group offers compassionate, results-driven legal guidance.

We help clients across Maine understand their options and make informed decisions about which legal path is right for them.

Annulment in Maine

An annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was never valid in the first place. Unlike divorce, which ends a legally recognized marriage, an annulment erases it as though it never occurred.

To be granted an annulment in Maine, one of the following legal grounds must be proven:

• Fraud or misrepresentation
• One or both parties were underage
• One party was already legally married
• The marriage involved close blood relatives
• Impotence or inability to consummate the marriage
• Temporary insanity or lack of capacity at the time of marriage

Annulments can be complex and require experienced legal counsel. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a family law attorney near you can help assess your case.

Legal Separation in Maine

A legal separation allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married. This option may be preferable for couples who have religious, financial, or personal reasons to avoid divorce—but still need court-ordered arrangements for property, finances, or child custody.

During a legal separation, Maine courts can issue binding decisions regarding:

• Division of marital assets and debts
• Child custody and parenting time
• Child support or spousal support (alimony)

Our attorneys can help draft a comprehensive separation agreement that protects your rights and sets clear expectations for both parties.

Divorce Representation in Maine: Guidance Through Every Step

Divorce is one of the most common—and emotionally charged—legal matters within family law. In Maine, a divorce formally ends a marriage, but before it can be finalized, several important issues must be resolved, including:

• Division of marital property and debts
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Child custody and parental responsibilities
• Child support and parenting time schedules

At The Maine Divorce Group, we guide individuals and families through every phase of the divorce process, from initial filing to final judgment. Whether your case is straightforward or involves high-conflict disputes, our attorneys are committed to protecting your interests and helping you move forward with confidence.

No-Fault and Fault-Based Divorce in Maine

While Maine does allow fault-based divorces—based on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or substance abuse—the vast majority of divorces are filed as no-fault, citing “irreconcilable marital differences.” This allows spouses to end their marriage without having to prove wrongdoing, reducing tension and helping to preserve civility.

That said, fault may still be considered by the court when determining alimony, custody, or property division in certain cases.

If you’re searching for a divorce lawyer near you in Maine who can provide honest advice and strong legal representation, our team is here to help you make informed decisions and work toward the best possible outcome for your future.

Family law issues in Maine

In Maine, most family law disputes—including divorce, custody, and support—are resolved outside of the courtroom. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or attorney-led collaboration, resolving these matters amicably can save both time and emotional energy.

Litigated divorce trials are now the exception, not the rule. However, when necessary, our experienced Maine family lawyers are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in court. At The Maine Divorce Group, we guide you through every legal step, whether you’re seeking resolution through mutual agreement or need strategic representation in contested matters.

Property Division in a Maine Divorce

One of the most significant issues in any divorce is the division of the marital estate. In Maine, property is divided according to principles of equitable distribution—which doesn’t always mean equal.

Many couples are unsure what counts as marital vs. separate property, and some assets (like retirement accounts, real estate, or business interests) can be difficult to value or split fairly.

Our attorneys help clients:

• Identify and classify marital and non-marital assets
• Value and divide property equitably
• Navigate complex financial holdings and debt
• Protect their financial future during and after divorce

If you’re looking for a divorce lawyer near you who can explain your rights and protect your financial interests, we’re here to help.

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Maine

Spousal support—commonly referred to as alimony—may be awarded in a Maine divorce to help one spouse transition financially after separation. The court may award support based on several factors, including:

• The length of the marriage
• The financial need and ability of each spouse
• Each party’s income, education, and future earning potential
• Contributions made during the marriage (career, homemaking, etc.)

Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay it, our family law attorneys can help you calculate fair amounts, prepare the proper documentation, and advocate for a just result.

Child Custody, Visitation, and Child Support in Maine

When children are involved in a separation or divorce, Maine law prioritizes the best interests of the child above all else. That includes decisions about:

• Legal and physical custody
• Parenting time and visitation
• Parental responsibilities
• Child support obligations

Parents are encouraged to develop a parenting plan that reflects their unique family needs—subject to court approval. But if an agreement isn’t possible, the court will step in to make these determinations.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we help parents:

• Create and negotiate parenting plans
• Resolve custody disputes efficiently
• Ensure child support is calculated correctly and fairly
• Modify or enforce existing orders when necessary

Our attorneys are here to ensure your rights—and your child’s well-being—are protected every step of the way.

Establishing Paternity in Maine

When a child is born to unmarried parents in Maine, paternity must be legally established before custody, visitation, or child support can be addressed.

Paternity can be established in two ways:

1. By mutual consent – when both parents sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)
2. By court order – typically through a paternity suit and DNA testing

Paternity cases often arise when:

• Parents separate after having a child together
• A parent seeks to establish legal rights or responsibilities
• The Maine Office for Family Independence (DSER) initiates action in public assistance cases

Our family law attorneys help clients file, respond to, and resolve paternity actions—so you can move forward with confidence in your parental rights and obligations.

Domestic Violence and Protection from Abuse in Maine

Family law isn’t always about separation and support—it’s also about protecting the safety and well-being of those at risk. Unfortunately, domestic violence can occur within intimate relationships or family households, requiring immediate legal intervention.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we help individuals facing domestic abuse or threats of violence obtain court-ordered protection. If you’re searching for a trusted family lawyer near you in Maine to help you stay safe, we’re ready to act quickly and effectively on your behalf.

Domestic Violence: Your Safety Comes First

Domestic violence is a serious offense in Maine, and the courts have clear procedures to protect victims of abuse. Whether it involves physical violence, verbal threats, stalking, emotional abuse, or coercive control, help is available—and fast legal action may be necessary to prevent further harm.

Our Maine family law attorneys are experienced in working with individuals in high-stress, high-risk situations. We handle these cases with urgency, compassion, and discretion, and can help you:

• File for emergency protection
• Gather the documentation and evidence needed
• Represent you in court for a protection order hearing
• Navigate custody and support issues related to domestic abuse

If you’re unsure where to turn, our team is here to stand beside you and prioritize your safety.

Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders in Maine

A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is a legal tool issued by Maine courts to protect individuals from harassment, threats, or violence by a family member, partner, or former partner.

This court order may prohibit the abuser from:

• Contacting or approaching the protected person
• Entering the home, workplace, or school
• Possessing firearms
• Harassing, stalking, or causing harm

Violating a PFA order is a criminal offense and can lead to arrest, fines, or jail time.

To obtain a PFA, you typically file in the District Court where you or the alleged abuser resides. Our attorneys can help you with every step of the process—from filing the petition to appearing at the final hearing. If you’re facing false accusations or need to respond to a PFA petition, we also represent clients in contested proceedings to protect their rights.

Speak with a Maine Family Law Attorney Near You

No matter what your family is facing—whether you’re navigating divorce, seeking custody, preparing for remarriage, or escaping an abusive situation—you don’t have to face it alone. At The Maine Divorce Group, our experienced family law attorneys provide the compassionate, strategic legal support you need to move forward with confidence.

If you’re searching for a reliable family lawyer near you in Maine, we’re here to help. From your first consultation to the final resolution, we work to protect your rights, your children, and your future.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential case evaluation and learn how we can help with your unique family law matter.