An action under these Family Division Rules shall be known as a Family Division action, docketed as a Family Matter (FM).
Rule 100A.Form of Action
Last verified July 8, 2026
In one sentenceRule 100A designates every action brought under the Family Division Rules as a Family Division action, docketed as a Family Matter (FM) rather than as an ordinary civil action.
Full Text of Rule 100A
Advisory Committee’s Notes & Reporter’s Notes
Advisory Notes — June 2008
Rule 100A follows Rule 2 but provides that an action under this rule shall be known as a “Family Division action” rather than a “civil action.” The docketing designations of Family Division cases will not change from present practice.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 100A mirrors Rule 2's declaration that Maine has a single form of civil action, but gives Family Division cases their own label: an action under the Family Division Rules is known as a Family Division action, docketed under the Family Matter (FM) designation instead of the general civil docket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Family Division action?
An action brought under the Family Division Rules — divorce, parentage, child support, guardianship, and similar family matters — as opposed to an ordinary civil action.
How is a Family Division case docketed in Maine?
Under the Family Matter (FM) designation, separate from the general civil docket.
Why does the Family Division use its own case label instead of "civil action"?
To distinguish these cases on the docket while keeping the same one-form-of-action principle Rule 2 establishes for civil cases generally.
Source & verification. The rule text and Advisory Committee’s Notes / Reporter’s
Notes are reproduced verbatim from the official Maine Rules of Civil Procedure (Me. R. Civ. P. 100A), prescribed by the
Supreme Judicial Court of Maine (4 M.R.S. § 8, the Rules Enabling Act). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 8, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: Family Matter FM docket MaineFamily Division action defined