Maine Complex Property Division Lawyers

Divorce is generally a heated and complicated matter. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse need to determine how you will split the life you created together, or let a judge decide for you.

If you have minor children, custody and visitation will need to be worked out. If one spouse makes significantly less than the other or has been a homemaker, there will likely be a need to determine spousal support. A divorce also calls for the division of property.

By hiring a Maine family law attorney to represent you in your divorce, you can be assured that everything possible is being done to make sure your assets are fairly divided under Maine’s divorce laws.

Options for Settling Complex Property Divisions in Maine

Keep in mind that if you take your divorce matters before the court, you are giving up any control you had when it was just between you and your spouse.

Because of this, many couples seeking a divorce involving complex property will opt for some type of alternative dispute resolution. This could involve their Maine family law attorneys and possibly even a mediator.

By not asking the court to decide, both spouses have more control and possibly a better chance of getting at least some of what they ask for.

Whether you attempt an alternate dispute resolution or decide to go before a judge, having the right attorney can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your property and assets. 

Key Steps for Divorce Cases Involving Complex Property Division in Maine

When facing a divorce involving complex property division in Maine, proper planning and legal strategy are essential. Working with an experienced Maine divorce attorney will ensure your interests are protected and that each asset is fairly evaluated and categorized under Maine’s equitable distribution laws.

1. Inventory All Marital and Separate Property

Start by creating a detailed inventory of all assets and debts, including:

Marital property acquired during the marriage

Separate property owned before the marriage or acquired by inheritance or gift

Commingled assets that may blur the line between separate and marital ownership

Pay close attention to how assets have been used or titled. If separate property was never mixed with marital funds, this distinction can play a key role in protecting its classification during division.

2. Document All Debts and Liabilities

In addition to assets, you’ll need to identify shared and individual debts. For example:

If your spouse accrued high personal credit card debt, gather statements or receipts to show this was not for family use.

For secured debts—such as a mortgage or vehicle loan—the spouse who receives the associated asset will typically take on the remaining debt.

3. Include All High-Value and Complex Assets

Ensure your inventory includes all relevant categories of complex assets, such as:

• High-end personal property (jewelry, art, luxury vehicles)
• Real estate holdings (marital home, second homes, rental or investment properties)
• Retirement accounts (401(k)s, pensions, IRAs)
• Business ownership or private company interests
• Stock options, restricted shares, and executive compensation packages
• Brokerage accounts and other investments

These assets may require independent valuation or forensic accounting to determine accurate values for division.

4. Evaluate Priorities and Compromises

Once you understand the full scope of your marital estate, consider what you’re willing to compromise on in order to secure what matters most. Keep in mind that courts are not influenced by emotional attachment to certain items; they will follow equitable distribution principles.

5. Consider Mediation for Complex Property Division

In high-asset divorces, it’s often beneficial to use both an attorney and a neutral mediator. Mediation can help identify fair solutions and clarify what outcomes are realistic under Maine divorce law, helping to avoid prolonged litigation.

Complex Property Division Settlement Vs. Litigation in Maine

In Maine divorce cases involving complex property division, high-value assets such as businesses, investment portfolios, and retirement accounts can be resolved in one of two primary ways: settlement or litigation. Each approach has its own advantages and implications for the divorcing parties.

Settlement in Complex Property Division Cases

A settlement occurs when both spouses reach an agreement on how to divide marital property—typically through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative divorce. This route is often preferred in Maine family law cases because it offers several key benefits:

• Greater control and flexibility over the outcome
• Privacy (settlement agreements are typically kept out of the public record)
• Lower legal costs and faster resolution than courtroom litigation
• A less adversarial process, which can help preserve post-divorce relationships, especially when children are involved

Settlements are ideal for couples who want to work together to resolve the division of complex or sensitive assets—such as family-owned businesses, real estate holdings, stock options, or inherited wealth—in a way that aligns with their financial goals.

Litigation in Complex Property Division Cases

While settlement is often preferable, litigation may be necessary in high-conflict or contested cases where spouses cannot agree on how to divide marital assets. In a litigated divorce, a Maine family court judge will make the final decision on property division based on the state’s equitable distribution laws.

Key features of litigation include:

• A more formal and adversarial process, governed by strict legal rules
• Involvement of expert witnesses such as appraisers, forensic accountants, or business valuation professionals
• A public court record, which may be a concern in high-profile or high-net-worth cases
• Potentially higher costs and a longer timeline due to court procedures and discovery

Once the court issues a judgment, it becomes legally binding and difficult to overturn, so it’s crucial to work with an experienced Maine divorce lawyer if your case is heading toward litigation.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you’re navigating a complex property division in Maine, choosing between settlement and litigation will depend on your unique circumstances, the level of conflict, and the types of assets involved. An experienced family attorney at The Maine Divorce Group can help you explore your options, protect your financial interests, and pursue the most strategic path forward—whether through negotiation or courtroom advocacy.

Contact Our Maine Complex Property Divorce Attorneys Today

We are here to protect the life you have built and what you have earned. Our goal is to make sure it is divided fairly and to ensure you and your family are adequately provided for in the future.

If you have questions or concerns about complex property division in a divorce, the Maine Divorce Group is here to help. Schedule a consultation directly online or call us by phone today with one of our lawyers today by contacting us.