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Maine Family Law Attorneys

STANDING UP FOR YOU

Steve is no-nonsense with a lot of experience who tells you like it is and does not waste time or your money. John H.

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Family law disputes typically involve emotional and complex issues that may make your future seem uncertain. However, rest assured that there are several methods to reaching a settlement that put your best interests at the forefront. Our skilled attorneys represent clients in divorce, child custody disputes and other highly contested family law matters.

Divorce is one of life’s toughest transitions, but it’s often a gateway to a happier life. Prepare for divorce alongside an attorney who defends your rights and prioritizes your goals. We guide you through property division, child custody agreements and other vital decisions.

When children are involved in a divorce, your concern for your child’s future is paramount to the case’s resolution. Our attorneys work hard to help parents secure a fair amount of rights and responsibilities to maintain their bond with their children.

Child custody is a highly contentious issue in divorce, and parents may fear for their place in their child’s life. But divorce doesn’t mean never seeing your child again. Our attorneys put your child’s best interests first.

Child support payments are made by the noncustodial parent to fulfill the child’s financial needs. These payments are determined by several key factors, such as both spouses’ incomes. Our team can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Adopting a child is one of the most exciting decisions your family will ever make. Since adoption can be a long and difficult process, you’ll need a knowledgeable attorney who can help you file the petition and complete all of the necessary documentation.

Divorce is often complicated, especially if you and your spouse own a business. The court determines the value of commercial assets, which are then distributed equitably between each party. Protect your rightful assets alongside a skilled attorney who can build a strategy in your favor.

If you or your child are experiencing sexual or physical abuse, you may be feeling scared and alone. Our attorneys can help you file a protection order or a petition to terminate the parental rights of the offending parent.

Your family’s lifestyle changes as the years pass, so modifying a child custody decree is sometimes necessary to address your ongoing needs. An attorney makes the process simpler by providing comprehensive answers.

When a parent owns a marijuana-related business, it can be difficult to determine how much money they earn since these dispensaries aren’t well moderated. As a result, you’ll need a knowledgeable attorney to determine the proper amount of child support payments.

During the property division phase of a divorce, the courts may have trouble determining the value of a small business formed as an LLC in Maine. A trial lawyer can help you determine if you may need a forensic accountant to determine its value.

After child abuse allegations, the DHHS will perform an investigation to determine the truth of these claims. Learn how you can prepare and how an attorney can protect your rights to visit your child.

Domestic violence accusations can make a divorce even more complex. These claims should not be taken lightly since they can impact your future. Defend your rights and learn how you can settle the divorce while protecting what’s important to you.

Divorce is difficult enough, but when your spouse refuses to compromise, you may encounter significant obstacles throughout the process. If you’re facing a high conflict divorce, you will need a tenacious legal advocate who defends your rightful assets and parental responsibilities.

In Maine, the equitable distribution of property intends to allocate assets as fairly as possible. The judge determines what is fair on an individual case basis. An attorney can help you understand what this may mean for your circumstances.

I Need Legal Help WHAT SHOULD

I DO NOW ?

Legal challenges can be stressful and frightening. Our team is here for you at every step.

Previous Case Outcomes

Steps of the DIVORCE PROCESS

  • 01
    File or Receive Complaint

    A divorce legally begins when one spouse files the necessary forms, including a Complaint for Divorce, with the appropriate district court. The spouse filing will be known as the plaintiff.

  • 02
    Financial Disclosure

    To assist in dividing property and debts, each spouse must provide certain financial disclosures to the court and the other spouse during a divorce. This is generally a routine process.

  • 03
    Initial Conference

    The next step is for both parties to appear in court together. This is known as a Case Management Conference when minor children are involved in the relationship. For cases without children, the first court appearance is called a Pre-Trial Conference.

  • 04
    Mediation

    In many contested divorce cases, mediation is used to attempt to resolve conflicts. For divorces involving children in Maine, mediation is often required. But it’s important to note that while attending mediation may be required, you cannot be ordered to accept an agreement or compromise reached during mediation.

  • 05
    Interim Orders

    Some matters need to be addressed before the divorce is finalized, like where your children will live or who may access funds in joint bank accounts. If these issues are not settled during mediation or need to be decided sooner, your attorney can request an interim order from the court.

  • 06
    Hearing

    Negotiations between you and your ex-spouse will continue if no agreement is reached in mediation. Our team will make every reasonable effort to settle your case through negotiations.

  • 07
    Final Order

    After the hearing, the court will issue a final order. The court may issue the order right away, or take the case “under advisement” and issue a ruling to each side and their attorney(s) by mail.

Experienced Attorneys Here for You

Divorce, child custody disputes and other family law matters can be difficult to navigate, especially when you’re dealing with an uncooperative spouse. When you need assistance negotiating your case and filing legal documents, all while managing your own emotions, our team at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers is ready to answer the call.

We begin by reviewing all facets of your case to produce a clear-cut, solid legal defense that protects your best interests. We pave the way forward through comprehensive legal guidance and tenacious representation, helping you secure child support payments, protect your parental rights and reach a settlement in a highly contested case and other relevant matters. We are your greatest allies in overcoming unexpected challenges that arise each step of the way.

Move confidently towards a brighter future. Contact our attorneys now by phone or using our online contact form to request a consultation.

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Meet Our Lawyers

What Our Clients Say

Advocating For Your Family

To Protect What’s Important

We understand that your priority is to secure a better future, whether that’s through a divorce or by modifying your parenting arrangements. Our skilled attorneys use every resource at our disposal to overcome obstacles. Our full commitment to you drives us to achieve outstanding results.

To learn more about the cases we work with, please view our Practice Areas.

Information FAQ | NEWS

Should I Choose A Fault-Based Or No-Fault Divorce?

The majority of divorces in Maine are considered no-fault. This means that either spouse can file for divorce and there is no need to prove one spouse was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. In a no-fault divorce, the spouse that files for divorce only has to state that there were irreconcilable differences and that there is very little chance that the spouses will resolve their issues and get back together.

Maine does also allow for filing an at-fault divorce in which one spouse accuses the other of misconduct that resulted in the breakdown of the marriage. There are some limited instances in which filing on grounds of fault is advantageous. It is important to discuss this decision with a qualified divorce attorney before filing.

What Is Considered Grounds For An At-Fault Divorce in Maine?

In addition to irreconcilable differences, there are eight recognized grounds for divorce in Maine. These include:

  • Adultery
  • Impotence
  • Extreme cruelty
  • Desertion for a minimum of 3 years prior to filing
  • Confirmed and habitual abuse of drugs or alcohol
  • Treatment that is cruel and abusive
  • Refusal to provide support when the spouse has adequate means to do so
  • Mental illness or incapacitation that requires a court-appointed guardian
Are There Benefits To An Uncontested Divorce?

When both spouses agree to all of the terms of the divorce, including property division, parenting time, child support, and more, this is known as an uncontested divorce. The spouses may come to an agreement on their own, or they may undergo a collaborative divorce or mediation process. When the couple disagrees on any term, it then becomes a contested divorce.

Uncontested divorces are often quicker and less costly than contested divorces. This can make them a good choice for some couples. However, there are also times when litigating a contested divorce is the only way to adequately protect your rights and your future. Even in an uncontested divorce, your proposed settlement should be reviewed by an attorney prior to submitting it to the court.

What Are The Residency Requirements For Divorce In Maine?

One or both spouses must meet certain residency guidelines to file for divorce in Maine. To file for divorce, one of the following must be true:

  • You have lived in Maine for at least six months.
  • You are a resident of Maine, and you were married in Maine.
  • You are a resident of Maine, and both spouses resided in Maine when the grounds for divorce occurred.
  • Your spouse is a resident of Maine.

We’re Here TO HELP

You deserve outstanding legal guidance in your family law case, and you need someone who knows how to overcome a range of challenges and doesn’t back down when your future is at risk.

STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers knows first-hand how emotional a family law case can be. There’s a lot to contend with, and our attorneys are your greatest advocates as you set out to achieve the results that your family needs. We know that legal matters can be difficult to understand, especially when you are already dealing with the mounting stress of an impending divorce, so we aim to reduce that confusion by providing in-depth advice.

Your goals are ours: we work to understand your hopes and determine the steps needed to make the future you envision a reality. We negotiate but do not compromise your goals in a settlement. We have what it takes to help you progress towards a happier life.

We’re ready to listen to your concerns and devise an effective legal strategy to solve them.

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STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers

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