Spousal Support in Maine
State-specific overview · Family Law
Maine courts award spousal support based on need and ability to pay, with guidelines considering income and marital duration.
How Maine treats Spousal Support
Maine law allows courts to order spousal support when one spouse lacks sufficient income or property to meet reasonable needs. The court considers factors including each spouse's income, earning capacity, age, health, and the length of the marriage. Maine provides guidelines that suggest support amounts based on the paying spouse's income and the length of the marriage, though courts retain discretion to deviate from guidelines. Support may be temporary or permanent, and either party may request modification if circumstances change significantly.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support 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.