Portland Divorce Attorneys

Helping You Through the Divorce Process

Divorce is a difficult process, and it can be made even more difficult when you don’t have the right legal representation. At Zerillo Law Firm, we understand the complexities of divorce and are here to help you through it. Our Portland divorce lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Call (207) 618-6555or contact us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Portland, ME divorce lawyer today.

What Is Divorce?

Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage. It is also known as “dissolution of marriage.”

Divorce laws vary from state to state, but all states have some form of no-fault divorce. In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse is required to prove that the other spouse did something wrong. Instead, the spouses must simply state that they are no longer compatible and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

There are two types of divorce:

• Contested divorce: In a contested divorce, the spouses cannot agree on how to resolve their issues, such as property division, child custody, and alimony. The court will then decide these issues for them.
• Uncontested divorce: In an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on how to resolve their issues and can submit a written agreement to the court. The court will then review the agreement and, if it is fair, approve it.

How to File for Divorce in Maine

In Maine, you can file for divorce if you or your spouse has lived in the state for at least six months. You can file for divorce in the county where you live or in the county where your spouse lives.

To file for divorce, you must take the following steps:

• Complete the necessary forms: You must complete a Complaint for Divorce and a Summons. You must also complete a Certificate of Divorce and a Family Matter Summary Sheet. If you have children, you must also complete a Child Support Affidavit and a Child Care Expense Verification.
• File the forms with the court: You must file the forms with the court and pay a filing fee. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it.
• Serve your spouse: You must serve your spouse with a copy of the forms. You can do this by having a sheriff or a professional process server deliver the forms to your spouse. You can also ask your spouse to sign an Acceptance of Service form.
• Wait for your spouse to respond: Your spouse has 21 days to respond to the divorce papers. If your spouse does not respond, you can ask the court to grant you a default judgment.
• Attend a hearing: If your spouse responds to the divorce papers, you will need to attend a hearing. At the hearing, the judge will ask you questions about your marriage and your divorce agreement. If the judge approves your agreement, he or she will sign a Decree of Divorce.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Maine?

In Maine, the divorce process typically takes at least 60 days. However, the process can take longer if the spouses cannot agree on how to resolve their issues.

If the spouses cannot agree on how to resolve their issues, the court will schedule a final hearing. The final hearing is typically scheduled within 90 days of the date that the divorce was filed. However, the hearing can be scheduled sooner if there is an emergency, such as domestic violence.

After the final hearing, the court will issue a final divorce decree. The divorce is not final until the decree is issued.