Maine Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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
| Method | Estimated 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:
- Complete the Motion to Proceed Without Payment of Fees (Maine District Court form)
- File with the Complaint
- 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
| Item | Estimated 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
| Scenario | Estimated 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
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.