Family Law

Hale and Hamlin represents clients in a wide range of family law issues, including:

• Divorce cases
• Motions to modify prior court orders; Protection order cases
• Actions in respect of minor children by the Department of Health and Human Services
• Mediations (both private and compulsory under the court rules)
• Appeals.

Our family law team comprises of four attorneys (Barry Mills, Justin Bennett, Sally Mills and Alison King). Between us, we have more than 50 years of experience in representing clients in family law cases throughout the State of Maine. We are supported by a team of paralegals from this office. We have represented clients in cases of varying complexity. On numerous occasions, we have represented clients in cases in which the marital property has been more than a million dollars. Also, Barry, Justin and Sally have each been prior recipients of the Hancock County Pro Bono attorney of the year award from the Volunteer Lawyer Project of the State of Maine. We have been involved in cases where a guardian and / or counselor is required to resolve complex issues involving parental rights and residency of minor children. We have been involved in briefing and arguing numerous appeal cases on family law cases to the Maine Supreme Court. We have substantial experience in the compulsory mediation process and trial advocacy. Where possible, we use new technology to prepare and present a case. As part of the present Maine court system, the great majority of family law cases are resolved without the need for a full trial. As such, we endeavor to prepare a case thoroughly from the outset and keep a constant review of the cost / benefit of pursuing each claim. The likelihood is that the majority of cases will be resolved via negotiated settlements than at trial.

Typically, we will offer a free initial meeting with a client in an attempt to evaluate the relevant issues and merits of a case; as well as discuss our fees for representing you. Ideally, we like to hold the meeting at our office. However, we recognize that some of our clients do not reside in Hancock County. We are more than willing to have telephone meetings with clients. It is important for you to be as prepared as possible when we speak. We may be asking you to provide copies of various documents soon after the initial meeting.