How Long Does Spousal Support Last in Maine?
Last reviewed: March 2026
Maine uses advisory guidelines to determine spousal support duration. 10-20yr marriage: max half the marriage length. 20+yr: court discretion. Rule of thumb: 1yr per 3yr of marriage. (Source: 19-A M.R.S. s.951-A)
How Maine determines spousal support duration
Maine is an equitable distribution state. Maine refers to spousal support as “spousal support”. Maine has advisory guidelines for spousal support duration, though judges are not strictly bound by them.
Source: 19-A M.R.S. s.951-A
General support limited to half the length of marriage.
Estimated spousal support duration by marriage length
The table below shows estimated maximum spousal support duration for different marriage lengths in Maine. These are based on advisory guidelines. Actual awards may differ.
| Marriage length | Est. max spousal support duration |
|---|---|
| 5 years | 1.7 years |
| 10 years | 5 years |
| 15 years | 7.5 years |
| 20 years | 10 years |
| 25 years | Indefinite (court discretion) |
When does spousal support end in Maine?
Spousal Support in Maine typically ends when:
- The court-ordered term expires
- The recipient spouse remarries
- Either party dies
- A court modifies or terminates the order due to a significant change in circumstances
In some cases, cohabitation with a new partner may also be grounds for modification or termination of spousal support in Maine.
Is spousal support taxable in Maine?
For divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not deductible by the payer and not taxable to the recipient under federal tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). This applies in Maine and all other states.
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