Maine · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Maine

How spousal support works in a Maine divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, recent changes, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

Quick answer

In Maine, alimony is called spousal support (general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal or interim). For general support there are presumptions: usually none if married under 10 years; no longer than half the marriage if married 10-20 years; and indefinite if married over 20 years.

What Maine calls it
spousal support
Property division
Equitable distribution

When Maine courts can order alimony

  • Called spousal support (general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal or interim).
  • Judges can depart with written findings. 19-A M.R.S. 951-A (am. P.L. 2025, c. 571).

Amount, limits and length

  • For general support there are presumptions: usually none if married under 10 years; no longer than half the marriage if married 10-20 years; and indefinite if married over 20 years.
  • A 2025 law added a presumptive formula: a spouse married 10+ years whose income is 65% or less of the other's is presumed entitled, and the yearly amount = the income difference x (years married x 0.015), capped at 0.3.

Recent changes in Maine

P.L. 2025, c. 571 amended 19-A M.R.S. 951-A, adding definitions, a 65%-income presumption of entitlement, and a duration-based formula for general spousal support. The court fee schedule was revised effective March 9, 2026.

Good to know

Maine adopted a presumptive spousal support formula in 2025 for marriages of 10+ years (19-A M.R.S. 951-A, P.L. 2025, c. 571).

Alimony and property in Maine

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property (owned before marriage, gifts, inheritances). Marital property is divided in proportions the court finds just, considering each spouse's contribution (including as homemaker), the value of property set apart to each, and each spouse's economic circumstances.

How to ask for alimony in Maine

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Maine courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $120 to file a family matter (divorce) case (Maine Judicial Branch fee schedule, A.O. JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026). Can't afford it? If you qualify because of your finances, the court may waive your filing fees; ask the clerk for the fee waiver application.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Common.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Maine

How does alimony work in Maine?

Called spousal support (general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal or interim). For general support there are presumptions: usually none if married under 10 years; no longer than half the marriage if married 10-20 years; and indefinite if married over 20 years. A 2025 law added a presumptive formula: a spouse married 10+ years whose income is 65% or less of the other's is presumed entitled, and the yearly amount = the income difference x (years married x 0.015), capped at 0.3. Judges can depart with written findings. 19-A M.R.S. 951-A (am. P.L. 2025, c. 571).

How much alimony is paid in Maine, and for how long?

For general support there are presumptions: usually none if married under 10 years; no longer than half the marriage if married 10-20 years; and indefinite if married over 20 years. A 2025 law added a presumptive formula: a spouse married 10+ years whose income is 65% or less of the other's is presumed entitled, and the yearly amount = the income difference x (years married x 0.015), capped at 0.3.

Has alimony law in Maine changed recently?

P.L. 2025, c. 571 amended 19-A M.R.S. 951-A, adding definitions, a 65%-income presumption of entitlement, and a duration-based formula for general spousal support. The court fee schedule was revised effective March 9, 2026.

Is Maine a community property state?

No. Maine uses equitable distribution. Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property (owned before marriage, gifts, inheritances). Marital property is divided in proportions the court finds just, considering each spouse's contribution (including as homemaker), the value of property set apart to each, and each spouse's economic circumstances.

More about divorce in Maine

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.