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Maine Divorce Property Division: The Complete 2026 Guide

Maine divides property in "just" proportions with no 50/50 presumption, offers 5 distinct types of alimony with a 10-year threshold for general alimony, and uses a weekly per-child support table based on combined annual gross income. This guide covers verified 2026 law.

§953: "Just" Proportions

Maine is an equitable distribution state. Under 19-A MRSA §953, the court divides marital property in "just" proportions — there is no 50/50 presumption.

4 factors: (1) contribution of each spouse including homemaker; (2) value of property set apart to each; (3) economic circumstances at time of division; (4) desirability of awarding family home to custodial parent.

Property acquired during marriage is presumed marital. Pre-marital, gifts, and inheritances are separate but must be traced.

5 Types of Alimony (§951-A)

Maine provides 5 distinct types of alimony under 19-A MRSA §951-A: (1) Interim — during proceedings; (2) General — ongoing; (3) Transitional — short-term; (4) Reimbursement — for career/education contributions; (5) Nominal — preserves right to modify.

10-year threshold: General alimony requires a marriage of 10+ years unless denying it would produce an unjust result. There is no formula — the court has full discretion.

Child Support: DHHS Table (§2006)

Maine child support follows 19-A MRSA §2006, an income shares model using combined annual gross income. The DHHS table gives weekly PER-CHILD amounts from $16,800 to $400,000 combined annual income (closest-row lookup).

The current table has no age split. Above $400,000, the top row is the presumptive floor. Low-income obligors below federal poverty are capped at 10% of weekly gross.

Residency & Grounds

6-month residency required (§901). 60-day waiting period after service before the final hearing.

No-fault ground: irreconcilable marital differences (§902(1)(H)). Filed in District Court.

Maine State Tax (5.80-7.15%)

Maine has a progressive 5.80-7.15% state income tax across 3 brackets. This is on the higher end nationally and affects post-divorce financial planning.

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This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is grounded in publicly available statutes and case law, but laws change and individual situations vary. Always consult a licensed family law attorney in your state before making legal or financial decisions.