Maine has a relatively low divorce rate compared to most U.S. states. When measured per 1,000 married women, the state reports about 10 divorces, placing it among the lowest in the nation. Data for divorces per 1,000 residents is less consistent, but Maine generally falls near the national average. Overall, marriages in Maine appear to be more stable than in many other states. So apparently, in Maine, love lasts – unless you count the occasional paperwork hiccup.
In Maine, the median length of marriage is about 21.8 years. This makes it one of the states where couples tend to stay together the longest. So, apparently, Mainers really know how to stick it out – at least until the twenty-first anniversary party.
| Age Metric / Group | Maine Trend & Context | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 25–39 (Spouses) | Majority of Divorces | This age range accounts for the highest volume of divorces nationally, reflecting dissolution in the early-to-middle years of marriage (often years 5–15). |
| Ages Under 25 at Marriage | Highest Risk Factor | Marrying before age 25 carries the highest statistical risk of divorce due to factors like immaturity and financial instability, consistent in Maine. |
| Median Age at First Marriage (Women) | 30.1 years | Maine women marry at one of the oldest median ages in the U.S., a factor strongly correlated with lower long-term divorce risk across all age cohorts. |
| Median Age at First Divorce (National) | ~30 years old | The most common period for divorce typically involves spouses in their late 20s to early 40s. |
| Ages 50 and Older | “Gray Divorce” Trend | Maine has a large aging population. The national divorce rate for this group has doubled since 1990, making it a significant and rising demographic for divorce in the state. |
Divorce Rate in Maine in 2025
- Lowest Rates Nationally. Maine’s refined divorce rate (divorces per 1,000 married women) was the lowest in the U.S. in 2024, at approximately 10.0, placing it well below the national average.
- Older Population Factor. Maine has one of the oldest median populations in the country. Many residents have been married longer, contributing to higher “gray divorce” rates (divorces over age 50). Nothing says “marital bliss” like finally divorcing at 60.
- Mixed Divorce System. Maine allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Fault grounds include adultery, extreme cruelty, desertion (3 years), and habitual intoxication.
- Financial Impact of Fault. Proving fault is rare but can affect property division and alimony. Sure, proving your spouse is terrible can actually pay off—lucky you.
- Residency Requirement. At least one spouse must have lived in Maine for six months prior to filing for divorce.
- Equitable Distribution. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court considers contributions (including homemaking) and economic circumstances. Because fairness is subjective, but hey, at least it’s not a coin toss… maybe.
- Margarine Correlation (Spurious Fact). A humorous correlation exists between Maine’s divorce rate and per capita margarine consumption. Statistically near-perfect, but obviously meaningless.
Divorce Rate in Maine in 2024
- Lowest Refined Divorce Rate. Maine had the lowest refined divorce rate in the U.S., about 10 divorces per 1,000 married women, marking it as one of the most maritally stable states.
- Low Crude Divorce Rate. The crude divorce rate (divorces per 1,000 residents) was also well below the national average of ~2.5. Because nothing says “romance forever” like statistical manipulation.
- Residency Requirement. At least one spouse must have lived in Maine for six months before filing for divorce.
- Mandatory Waiting Period. After filing, the court imposes a waiting period:
- No-fault: 60 days
- Fault-based: 30 days. Just enough time to rethink your life choices… or not.
- Hybrid Grounds State. Maine recognizes no-fault divorces for irreconcilable differences, but also allows fault-based grounds like adultery, extreme cruelty, and habitual intoxication.
- Equitable Distribution. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Because “fair” is in the eye of the judge.
- Alimony Types. Maine law defines four types of spousal support:
- General Support (often up to half the marriage length)
- Transitional
- Reimbursement
- Nominal
Divorce Rate in Maine in 2023
- Among the Lowest Divorce Rates. Maine consistently ranks among the states with the lowest divorce rates. Provisional 2023 data show a crude divorce rate of about 2.5 per 1,000 residents, with the refined rate (per 1,000 married women) in the bottom U.S. quartile.
- Mandatory 60-Day Waiting Period. Divorce cannot be finalized until 60 days after the complaint is served, even if uncontested. Because rushing your breakup is just too mainstream.
- No-Fault Standard. Maine only requires irreconcilable differences as grounds; no prior separation is needed.
- Alimony Linked to Marriage Duration
General Support duration depends on the length of the marriage:- Typically not granted for marriages under 10 years
- Usually lasts up to half the marriage for marriages of 10–20 years. The longer you stayed, the longer you pay – or get paid.
- Five Types of Alimony. Recognized categories: Interim, General, Transitional, Reimbursement, and Nominal support.
- Equitable Distribution. Marital property and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Justice is served… according to the judge’s mood.
- Judicial Separation Option. Couples can obtain a Judicial Separation to address property, custody, and support while remaining legally married if separated for over 60 continuous days.