Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.
In Maine, individuals contemplating the end of their marriage have several options to consider. Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court, which is available when irreconcilable differences between the spouses are established. Before filing for divorce, Maine law requires parties to attend a Case Management Conference, which may include discussions about the possibility of reconciliation or marriage counseling. Marriage counseling is a non-legal option that couples may pursue to attempt to resolve their differences and save their marriage. Legal separation is another option recognized in Maine, which allows couples to live apart and settle issues such as property division and child custody without formally ending the marriage. Annulment is a legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void from the beginning, but it is only available under limited circumstances, such as fraud, bigamy, or coercion. Each of these alternatives has different financial and legal consequences, and individuals should consider consulting with an attorney to understand the implications of each choice.