Maine Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)


Court Filing Fee

FeeAmount
Complaint for Divorce$120
Certified copies of Final Judgment$1–$5 per page

Maine's $120 filing fee is one of the lowest in the United States.


Service Costs

MethodEstimated Cost
Acceptance of Service (spouse signs)Free
Sheriff's service$20–$50
Process server$50–$100

Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship

Maine waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the Motion to Proceed Without Payment of Fees (Maine District Court form)
  2. File with the Complaint
  3. Court approves; fee waived

Forms: courts.maine.gov

Pine Tree Legal Assistance: ptla.org — free legal help, forms, and guides for qualifying individuals.

Maine Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE): mainelse.org — for clients 60+.


Parent Education Program Cost

Maine parent education programs for divorcing families typically cost $30–$60 per parent. In-person and online options are available.

Contact your District Court for a list of approved programs in your county.


Ancillary Costs

ItemEstimated Cost
Divorce Agreement drafting (attorney)$500–$2,500
QDRO for retirement plan$500–$2,000 per plan
Real estate appraisal$400–$750
Maine Registry of Deeds deed recording~$20 per page
Business valuation$3,000–$15,000
Mediator$150–$400/hour
Parent education program$30–$60 per parent

Total Cost Estimates

ScenarioEstimated Total (self-represented)
Agreed, no children, no real estate$125–$400
Agreed, with children (parent education)$200–$600
With real estate and retirement accounts$600–$3,000
Contested divorce$5,000–$50,000+

Last reviewed: March 2026 | $120 filing fee — one of lowest in US | Acceptance of Service saves service cost | Fee waiver available | Parent education $30–$60 | Maine Registry of Deeds for deed recording | ptla.org | courts.maine.gov

SL

SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team

Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.