Freeport Maine Divorce Lawyers
Divorce & Family Law Lawyers in Freeport, Maine
Ending a marriage is never easy—especially when you’re facing emotional stress, complex legal questions, and life-changing decisions about your children, finances, or future. At The Maine Divorce Group in Freeport, we understand that every divorce or separation is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your unique situation and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re dealing with a contested divorce, child custody dispute, spousal support, or complex property division involving business or estate assets, our Freeport family lawyers are here to guide you through the process. We offer personalized legal strategies designed to protect your rights, minimize conflict, and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Our firm focuses exclusively on divorce and family law in Maine, including:
Divorce and legal separation
Child custody and parenting plans
Spousal support and alimony
Division of marital and business assets
Post-divorce modifications and enforcement
No matter how difficult your situation may be, we’re here to help you find a practical and compassionate path forward.
Family Law Services in Freeport
We serve all types of family law clients, including traditional divorces, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. The Maine Divorce Group has helped numerous people in a variety of issues, such as:
Divorce
Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage, and it involves far more than simply deciding to separate. When couples in Maine choose to divorce, they must resolve important issues related to property division, child custody, spousal support, and other shared responsibilities.
These decisions can have a lasting impact on your financial stability, parental rights, and future well-being. That’s why many individuals seek guidance from an experienced divorce and family law firm that understands the complexities of Maine divorce law and can help protect their interests every step of the way.
Mediation
There is no such thing as a quick and easy divorce in Maine, but there are ways to make it less stressful and expensive.
Divorce mediation is one of the most successful methods for couples to work through their differences amicably. Because of its success in resolving family law concerns and keeping divorce proceedings out of court, Maine has long encouraged mediation as an alternative dispute resolution approach.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities in Maine
Parents are still responsible for raising their children, providing for their physical, mental, and emotional needs after separation.
The term “child custody” is no longer used in Maine family law and has been replaced with “parental rights and responsibilities”.
The laws might be difficult to understand and get used to for parents, but if you remember to put the child’s best interests first at all times, it will make things a lot easier for everyone involved.
Child support
Child support in Maine is a legal obligation that ensures both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. Under Maine law, this responsibility typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school—whichever occurs later.
When a divorce involves decisions about parental rights and responsibilities, the court will often issue a child support order as part of the final judgment. This order outlines how much financial support one parent must provide to help cover the child’s basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education.
Spousal support
Spousal support may or may not be required in every divorce. The demands of the recipient, the payor’s income and financial status, and the length and duration of the marriage all play a role in determining if and how much spousal support will be paid.
Property Division
Maine considers the policy of “equitable distribution” when dividing property in a Maine divorce. Community property states, like Maine, try to allocate a couple’s property between spouses as evenly as possible.
It is crucial that your property is appropriately classified so that you can keep what is yours, or classified as non- marital property, and that you can receive what is equitable under the law.
Child relocation
Child relocation in Maine can be a complex legal issue—especially if you have custody or shared parental rights. Moving with your child, even for a job opportunity or to be closer to family, may require court approval if it affects the other parent’s rights or parenting time.
Before making any decisions about relocation, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable Maine family law attorney. An attorney can explain your legal obligations, help you understand how Maine courts handle child relocation cases, and ensure you follow the proper legal procedures to avoid jeopardizing your custody rights.
Post-judgment matters
Post-judgment matters in Maine family law refer to legal issues that arise after a final court order has been issued in a divorce or custody case. While Maine courts prefer to maintain stability in family court orders, they do allow modifications under certain circumstances—such as a significant change in income, parenting time, or a parent’s relocation.
It’s important to understand that post-judgment modifications are not automatic. Until a new order is approved by the court, both parties must continue to follow the existing judgment.
At The Maine Divorce Group, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate post-judgment matters, whether you’re seeking to modify an existing court order or enforce the terms of a prior ruling. We’ll guide you through the process and advocate for a resolution that reflects your current circumstances.
What is an uncontested divorce in Freeport, Maine?
A “uncontested divorce” is a divorce in which both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce, such as property division, debt distribution, legal and physical custody, parenting time (visitation), alimony, and child support. If you don’t reach an agreement on any issues, your case will be contested and go to trial.
Maine allows for two distinct types of uncontested divorces: default and settlement. When the plaintiff (the spouse who asks for the divorce) serves divorce papers on the defendant (the other spouse), but the defendant does not file a response, this is known as a default divorce.
Alternatively, a couple may negotiate their differences informally or with the aid of a mediator to resolve all concerns in their situation. The judge may schedule a final uncontested divorce hearing to settle the case once the pair files the divorce settlement agreement with the court and the required time period has elapsed.
What’s the difference between divorce and legal separation in Freeport, Maine?
Although you may believe that the divorce process starts when you and your partner decide to separate, until one spouse files a petition for divorce with the local court, the legal divorce procedure does not begin.
During a divorce, the couple usually negotiates how to resolve important concerns like child custody and visitation, child support, property division, and marital support. If you and your spouse can’t come to an agreement, the court will handle any lingering issues for you according on your state’s specific divorce rules. In the end, the court dissolves the marriage, allowing each spouse to remarry immediately, if they so choose.
In Freeport, Maine, a marital separation (judicial separation) is similar to a divorce in that one spouse must file a complaint with the court, and the couple negotiates over the same divorce-related problems. There is no legal impediment to either spouse living a life free of the other, so you may date, relocate, make contracts for personal belongings, or buy and sell real estate as an unmarried person.
However, the most significant distinction between divorce and separation is that after a legal separation procedure, the couple is still legally married. If one or both spouses want to remarry after the split, they must ask the court to convert the case into a formal divorce.
What to do before filing for divorce in Freeport, Maine
It’s not a light decision to get divorced, but it’s also not the time to go into it with little preparation. There are several things to think about before filing for divorce that may influence your case, as well as your spouse and children if they live at home. You’ll want to consider:
- your shared assets, both physical and digital,
- any property you may have to divide
- if there is a business, how will it be managed after separation,
- if you have children, there may be need to address a parenting plan
- child support
- spousal support
- and the list goes on.
With the help of a competent family attorney, you can enhance the chances of success in your favor by preparing carefully. Before submitting a divorce action, our law firm offers the following suggestions:
- Collect essential records such as financial statements, tax returns, your prenuptial agreement, and insurance policies
- Inventory your physical, real, and investment property to help identify property that is part of the marital estate and property that is not
- Remain in your family home or if you intend to leave, discuss your plans with your Maine family law attorney first
- Think about the needs of your children
- Secure your digital accounts and information so that your spouse cannot find incriminating evidence to use against you
- Open your own financial accounts, however, talk to your lawyer before moving money around from joint accounts
What to Consider Before Filing for Divorce in Freeport, Maine
Divorce is rarely easy—especially when children, shared property, and strong emotions are involved. If you’re preparing to file for divorce in Freeport, Maine, it’s important to slow down and consider the long-term consequences of every decision. Rushed or emotionally driven choices can have lasting effects on your finances, your parental rights, and your peace of mind.
Many people think of divorce as a battle to be won. But the reality is that few spouses walk away with everything they hoped for. Issues like child custody, spousal support, and division of assets are complex and often require compromise. A prolonged court battle can be emotionally draining and financially expensive—and it can be especially hard on children caught in the middle.
Before filing for divorce in Freeport, take time to reflect on your priorities:
- Where will you live?
- How will parenting time be shared?
- What are the long-term financial implications?
Whenever possible, consider alternatives to litigation, such as mediation or collaborative divorce. Working together to resolve issues outside of court can reduce conflict and costs—and support a healthier co-parenting relationship moving forward.
It’s also essential to think about how the divorce will affect your children. Even in amicable divorces, children may struggle to process the changes. Speaking with a child-focused therapist or mental health professional may help your family navigate the transition more smoothly.
Finally, try to shift your focus from the past to the future. Holding onto resentment can cloud your judgment and stall the healing process. Instead, prioritize outcomes that create stability and allow both you and your children to rebuild your lives with confidence.
Why You Shouldn’t Represent Yourself in a Freeport Divorce
Divorce is more than paperwork—it’s a legally complex and emotionally charged process. While it might seem tempting to represent yourself in a Freeport divorce, doing so often leads to costly mistakes, avoidable delays, and outcomes that don’t align with your rights or long-term goals.
Many people begin the process feeling confident that free online resources will guide them through. But self-represented individuals quickly discover that the internet is full of conflicting, outdated, or overly technical information. It’s difficult to know which sources are reliable, let alone how to apply Maine’s divorce laws to your specific situation.
Even tasks that seem simple—such as serving papers, drafting legal documents, or understanding court procedures—can become overwhelming. You may also encounter unexpected issues, such as disputes over assets, questions about a prior agreement, or conflicts with your spouse during the negotiation phase.
Some individuals turn to self-representation after a frustrating experience with a lawyer. They may feel unheard, unsure, or concerned about costs. However, walking away from professional legal support often leads to more stress and legal missteps. A knowledgeable Freeport divorce lawyer will help you:
- Navigate local court procedures with confidence
- Avoid procedural mistakes that can delay or derail your case
- Develop realistic expectations based on Maine law
- Manage emotionally charged situations with professionalism
- Reach a resolution that protects your rights and your future
Divorce is already a difficult journey—don’t add the burden of navigating it alone. If you’re considering divorce in Freeport, Maine, consult with an experienced family law attorney at The Maine Divorce Group. We offer one-on-one, confidential consultations to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
This is why it is important to consult an experienced divorce lawyer. Call us at (207) 571-8146 or contact us directly online. We are here to assist your family.
Where do I file for divorce in Freeport, Maine?
Divorce Court in Cumberland County, Maine
Maine District Court – West Bath, Maine
Clerk Name: Bethany Gagnon
Court Address: 101 New Meadows Road, West Bath, ME 04530
Phone: (207) 442-0200
Email: accessibility@courts.maine.gov
Clerk Hours: 8AM – 4PM
Parking information: Public parking is located to the left of the courthouse.
Call 207-230-6884 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our highly skilled Maine divorce & family lawyers today.
We serve many clients, just like you, across Maine in Cumberland, York, Sagadahoc, & Lincoln Counties.
About William Bly –
Family Law Expertise You Can Trust
William T. Bly is a top-rated divorce and family law attorney serving clients across Maine. Bill has over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate divorce, child custody, support, and other complex family law matters with clarity and compassion.
Known for his practical advice and client-first approach, Bill combines deep legal knowledge with genuine empathy. He listens closely, offers clear options, and prioritizes fair outcomes—helping clients move forward with dignity. When litigation is necessary, Bill is a skilled courtroom advocate who is always prepared to fight for the best result.
If you’re looking for one of the best divorce lawyers in Maine or a trusted family law attorney who truly cares, William T. Bly is ready to help you take the next step.
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