Full question:
My husband and I live in Maine. We are married for seven years. We are on the verge of parting ways. I would like to know the laws in Maine regarding institution of civil actions against the spouse.
- Category: Husband and Wife
- Subcategory: Right to Sue
- Date:
- State: Maine
Answer:
In Maine, a wife may bring a civil action against her husband for the recovery, conveyance, transfer, payment or delivery to her of any property, real or personal or both that is exceeding $100 in value. The property should be in the husband’s name or he should have a legal title over it or it should be in his possession or under his control, that in equity, good conscience belongs to the wife. The wife upon proper proof can maintain an action if the husband neglects or refuses to convert, transfer, pay over or deliver to her. The law also allows the husband the same right to bring and maintain a civil action against the wife for the same purposes , subject to the same limitations.This is provided in 19-A M. R. S. § 806 which states proceedings between husband and wife. It reads:
“1. Civil action against spouse.
A wife may bring a civil action against her husband for the recovery, conveyance, transfer, payment or delivery to her of any property, real or personal or both, exceeding $ 100 in value, standing in his name, or to which he has legal title, or that is in his possession or under his control, that in equity and good conscience belongs to her and that he neglects or refuses to convey, transfer, pay over or deliver to her, and upon proper proof may maintain this action. A husband has the same right to bring and maintain a civil action against his wife for the same purposes, subject to the same limitations.
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A wife may bring a civil action against her husband for the recovery, conveyance, transfer, payment or delivery to her of any property, real or personal or both, exceeding $ 100 in value, standing in his name, or to which he has legal title, or that is in his possession or under his control, that in equity and good conscience belongs to her and that he neglects or refuses to convey, transfer, pay over or deliver to her, and upon proper proof may maintain this action. A husband has the same right to bring and maintain a civil action against his wife for the same purposes, subject to the same limitations.
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This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
