Cost of Divorce in Maine
The court costs for a Maine divorce are straightforward once you know which fees apply to your case. Attorney fees are where costs vary wildly — but the administrative costs are fixed and predictable. Here's every fee you'll encounter.
Mandatory Court Fees
Every Maine divorce requires these baseline costs:
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $120 | Paid when you file the complaint with the District Court clerk |
| Summons (FM-038) | $5 in person, $10 by mail | Must be purchased from the clerk — can't be downloaded |
These two fees are unavoidable unless you qualify for a fee waiver (more on that below).
Service of Process Costs
How you serve your spouse determines this cost:
- Acknowledgment of service (FM-036): Cost of postage only — roughly $2–$3 with a self-addressed stamped envelope. This is the cheapest option when your spouse will cooperate.
- Certified mail, restricted delivery: Around $8–$12 through USPS.
- Sheriff or process server: $25–$50, depending on the county. This is the most reliable method if your spouse might avoid service.
Conditional Fees (Not Every Case)
These apply only in specific circumstances:
| Fee | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| CADRES mediation | $160 ($80 per party) | Required when any issue is contested — property, support, or custody |
| Kids First Center co-parenting class | ~$150 | Required for cases involving minor children |
| Real estate recording fees | Varies by county | When real estate transfers as part of the divorce settlement |
| FM-171 court certification | $10 | To record an Abstract of Divorce Decree at the Registry of Deeds |
| QDRO filing (MainePERS) | $250 | When dividing state retirement benefits |
The mediation fee is the one that catches people off guard. Even relatively amicable divorces can hit a contested issue that triggers a CADRES referral, adding $80 to each spouse's tab.
Free Download
Get the Maine — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
Total Cost for a Self-Represented Divorce
For an uncontested divorce with no children and no real estate, the minimum out-of-pocket cost is roughly $127–$135: the $120 filing fee, $5 summons, and a few dollars for postage.
An uncontested divorce with children runs closer to $280–$300 once you add the co-parenting class, before any CADRES mediation. If mediation is required, add $160.
A contested divorce with attorney representation can range from $5,000 to $15,000+ depending on the complexity. Hourly rates for Maine family law attorneys typically run $200–$500 per hour.
The Fee Waiver Option
If you can't afford the filing fee, Maine offers a fee waiver process. You'll file:
- Form CV-067 — Application to Proceed Without Payment of Fees
- Form CV-191 — Supporting Financial Affidavit
The court uses federal poverty guidelines to evaluate eligibility. If you receive public assistance (TANF, SNAP, MaineCare) or your household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level, you'll generally qualify.
A granted fee waiver covers the filing fee, summons cost, and can extend to mediation and service fees. If the waiver is denied, you have seven days to pay the filing fee or the case gets dismissed.
Where the Real Cost Savings Are
The biggest cost variable in a Maine divorce isn't the court fees — it's whether you hire an attorney. A fully contested divorce with two attorneys can easily cost $10,000–$30,000 in legal fees alone. A self-represented uncontested filing costs under $300 in court fees.
The gap between those numbers is why the filing process itself matters so much. Missing a deadline or filing in the wrong venue doesn't just waste time — it can trigger additional fees, transferred cases, or a contested track you didn't need to be on.
The Maine Divorce Filing Process Guide includes a cost breakdown worksheet that tallies every fee for your specific case type, so you know exactly what you'll owe before you walk into the courthouse.
Get Your Free Maine — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist
Download the Maine — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.