If you are new to the divorce process, you might be wondering what options are available for you. For example, if finances are tight, getting a divorce without a lawyer might be an easier option.

How do you do this, though? Is filing for divorce without a lawyer even possible in Maine?

Yes, it is possible and surprisingly easy. Even if your heart feels as if it’s breaking, your budget doesn’t have to.

Here is how.

Why an uncontested divorce is important if you don’t want to hire a lawyer.

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse can agree on how to divide your property, your debt, your assets, and even on child custody.

In an ideal world, an uncontested divorce would be the best option if you don’t want to hire a lawyer.

Why?

Mainly because you and your partner can agree on things amicably; You don’t need a lawyer to fight for you or a mediator to get your spouse to buckle down on what you would like out of the divorce process. You both just agree, and this makes life so much easier.

In fact, it opens a whole door of opportunities when it comes to choosing divorce without a lawyer.

You could use online divorce services or get divorce papers over the internet and complete the process on your own.

When you need to hire a lawyer

You DO NEED to hire a lawyer if you can’t agree on the terms of your divorce. For example, if you are fighting over child custody, having a lawyer specializing in family law would be the best option because this will ensure that your children’s best interests are being met.

Hiring a lawyer ensures that your financial future, as well as your children’s well-being, will be handled in the best possible way going forward. This is especially true if your divorce is exceptionally turbulent.

If you have concluded that you and your spouse don’t need to hire a lawyer because you agree on how to divide your assets and so forth, you can then file for a divorce in the following way:

The easiest way to file for a divorce in Maine without a lawyer

Use an online divorce service. By far, the easiest way to file for a divorce in Maine without the help of a lawyer is to get a divorce over the internet. It’s important to note that you can only apply for a web divorce if the dissolution of marriage is uncontested.

The reason for this is that these specialist companies prepare your documents for you. You will need to provide specific information regarding your unique case.

Once you have provided all the relevant information, your paperwork will be prepared and emailed to you within 2 business days.

One of the most significant reasons couples use online divorce services is because it’s inexpensive and fast.

Hiring a lawyer in Maine will cost you on average $230 per hour. Whereas if you choose not to hire a lawyer, you can get away with a relatively low cost of divorce.

For example, many online divorce companies start their packages from as little as $139.

In these packages, you will receive:

• Ready to file divorce documents
• Customer support every step of the way
• State-specific filing instructions (This is incredibly helpful because it can be difficult to navigate the laws of your state on your own.)
• One flat fee for both spouses – This is much cheaper than paying a lawyer per hour.

Once you receive your paperwork, you can then file the documentation at your local clerk’s office.  At the municipal clerk’s office, you will need to pay a filing fee, and in Maine, it’s quite affordable. You can expect to pay $120 and an additional $20 -$50 if you need a professional server to serve your spouse.

Are there alternatives to a web divorce?

If you feel that you could file your own dissolution of marriage without a divorce company, you can do so by downloading divorce papers off Maine’s state website. 

But be wary. If you aren’t good at keeping track of admin or aren’t tech-savvy, you might just be creating more stress for yourself.

You have the option to download a “Complaint of Divorce with Children” and a “Complaint of Divorce without Children.” Some forms are not included in these packages and need to be obtained in person from the clerk at an additional fee of $5.

These forms are free, but it would be wise to have a lawyer read through the documents to ensure everything has been done correctly. (You wouldn’t want to have to start the whole process from the beginning and pay the filing fee all over again.)

In Conclusion

You have two options if you would like to file for a divorce in Maine without hiring a lawyer. You could either make use of an online divorce service, which is inexpensive and fast or have a DIY divorce where you collect all your own documentation from the state’s website.

Emotionally you might feel like you are deep in the ocean, but financially you don’t have to be. You will be one step closer to a new life and a fresh start by making the right choice for you.

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