Description
GENERAL SUMMARY
Family Law Magistrates (Magistrates) perform work of a highly responsible nature in compliance with the provisions of 4 M.R.S.A. §183 and rules promulgated by the Supreme Judicial Court.
Salary: $124,758.40 annually (3% increase 7/1/26)
What We Offer:
At the Maine Judicial Branch, we value our employees, which is why we offer great benefits. In addition to competitive pay, we provide:
- Work-life balance: 13 paid holidays, 5 weeks of vacation leave, and paid sick days every year.
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave (FMLA)
- Gym membership and childcare reimbursement programs
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Health insurance coverage (85%-100% employer-paid for employee-only plan)
- Health insurance premium credit (5% decrease in employee premiums)
- Dental insurance (100% employer-paid for employee-only plan)
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Defined Benefit Pension plan contributions
- Voluntary deferred compensation (retirement savings 457 Plan)
- Employer-paid life insurance (1x annual salary)
- Continuing education
- Additional wellness benefits
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS *
In all proceedings on the domestic relations calendar involving minor children, Magistrates may:
- Conduct case management conferences or hearings;
- Issue case management and pre-trial orders;
- Issue interim child support orders;
- Issue final orders establishing or modifying child support;
- Issue orders in child support enforcement actions.
In uncontested proceedings or when the parties have reached agreement, Magistrates may:
- Issue divorce judgments;
- Issue paternity judgments;
- Issue judicial separation decrees;
- Issue interim and final orders establishing parental rights and responsibilities;
- Hear, dispose of, and enter orders on all motions, except as prohibited by statute, rule or administrative order.
- Ensure the provision of effective case management for family cases involving children.
- Facilitate parenting arrangements in the best interest of children at an early stage in the proceedings.
- Promote education for parties about parenting issues and inform litigants about community services available to help address family problems.
- Provide court users with information about court processes.
- Identify domestic relations cases in which there is domestic abuse or a power imbalance in order to protect children and adults and to ensure a fair
- resolution of cases.
- Make referrals to alternative dispute resolution services.
Requirements
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, EDUCATION
- Current member of the Maine Bar.
- Substantial experience, knowledge, and training in family law preferred.
- Substantial experience, knowledge, and training in domestic violence, child development, and family dynamics preferred.
- Substantial experience, knowledge, and training in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution techniques preferred.
- Substantial experience, knowledge, and training in the principles of case management preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the general public both orally and in writing.
- Excellent writing and listening skills.
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others within the Judicial Branch including judges, clerks, and Family Division staff.
- Strong decision making skills. In particular, the ability to expeditiously decide cases and to determine the proper case management technique.
- Skill in managing a large and diverse workload.
- Ability to treat parties and counsel impartially and respectfully while maintaining control over proceedings
TRAVEL
In-state travel required and may include overnights. Travel is required throughout Aroostook, Washington, and Northern Penobscot counties.
How to Apply:
This position will remain open until filled.
Cover letter, resume, and online application must be submitted online at https://maine.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Judicial/details/Family-Law-Magistrate---424-_R26-01536
The Judicial Branch is an EEO/AA employer.
