Alimony in Maine
State-specific overview · Family Law
Maine awards "alimony" based on need and ability to pay, with duration typically limited to half the marriage length for marriages under twenty years.
How Maine treats Alimony
Maine courts consider income, property, earning capacity, age, health, and the standard of living during marriage. For marriages under twenty years, alimony duration generally does not exceed half the marriage length; for marriages twenty years or longer, indefinite alimony is possible. Awards end upon remarriage of the recipient, cohabitation for twelve consecutive months, or death. Maine allows modification if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maine.