Maine Divorce Papers and Forms
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In order to file Maine divorce papers, one or both of the partners must have been a state resident for at least 6 months, and the process can be completed within 12 months.
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How to File For Divorce in Maine
Step 1 – As in most states, one partner takes on the duty of being the filer, or ‘Petitioner’. He or she will first fill-in the following forms (With Minor Children Marked With *);
Step 2 – Make a copy of all the forms and two (2) copies of the Family Matter Summons and Preliminary Injunction, and if there are minor children, the Child Support Affidavit. You must then “serve” your spouse these papers. One way is to have the Sheriff’s Office do it, for which they’ll charge a fee. You can also send them by return receipt certified mail, or you can deliver them yourself and collect the signed Acknowledgment of Receipt from your spouse.
Step 3 – Gather all your previous forms and fill-in the Confidentiality Family Matter Summary Sheet and file them with the court clerk’s office in your area (Find Court by Town). There will be a fee administered that is different for every county. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring a blank check or ask beforehand by contacting the clerk.
Step 4 – Within ten (10) to fourteen (14) days you will be contacted by the court to enter into a Case Management Conference. This is where the assets and debts will be discussed in an effort to end the marriage peacefully and in agreement. It is a good idea to discuss with your partner previously about how things will be separated and even helpful to sign and agree to a Marital Settlement Agreement that puts all of this in writing.
Step 5 – The Defendant, or spouse that did not file for divorce, must complete and file the Answer and Counterclaim for Divorce Form. If not, the court will schedule an uncontested divorce hearing.
If at this time if you and your spouse are in agreement, you may send a letter or let the clerk know that you both are ready for an uncontested hearing at this time. If not, the next steps will be mediation meetings, pre-trial conferences, and court hearings.
Individual Forms
Sources
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