Child Custody & Divorce Lawyer in the Lewiston Portland, ME Area

DIVORCE

Divorce (or the dissolution of marriage) is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties. Divorce laws vary considerably around the world but in most countries it requires the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process. The legal process for divorce may also involve issues of spousal support, child custody, child support, distribution of property and division of debt

Most divorces in Maine are granted on the grounds of "irreconcilable differences." Maine statute includes nine different grounds for divorce, including adultery and extreme cruelty. But you do not have to show fault to get a divorce in Maine. If you want to get a divorce based on fault (extreme cruelty, for example), you should hire an experienced divorce lawyer. If you list this as the only grounds and you do not prove "extreme cruelty," the court may not grant the divorce. If either spouse tells the court that there are "irreconcilable differences," the court can order a divorce. So, as a practical matter, this is the grounds the court almost always uses, even when a party is at fault.

Steps to take to obtain a divorce
Step 1 - Get the Court Forms
Step 2 - Fill Out The Forms – This may require the assistance of a divorce lawyer
Step 3 - Serve and File the Forms
Step 4  - Attend Case Management conference
Step 5 – Mediation
Step 6 - Status Conference
Step 7 - Interim Divorce Hearing (or Final Parental Rights Hearing)
Step 8 - Second Mediation
Step 9 - Status or Pre-Trial Conference
Step 10 - Final Hearing

An experienced child custody lawyer & divorce lawyer is invaluable during this trying time. Contact Henry W Griffin. He has experience handling cases like this & he will handle yours with the care & attention it deserves.