Self Help Tools
Divorce, Custody, & Family
How To: Change or Enforce Your Maine Divorce or Parental Rights Order
If you are trying to modify (change) or enforce a final order from a Parental Rights and Responsibilities or Divorce case, you might find some helpful information here. This guide will walk you through the process for filing these motions.
Maine Protection Orders and Family Matters during COVID-19 FAQ
Posted and up-to-date on 10/1/2020
Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Child Sexual Abuse & Normal Child Sexual Behavior
How do I know if my child’s sexualized behavior is normal or a sign of abuse?
Some child sexualized behavior is normal. Other behavior may be a sign of abuse. Here are some resources that may help you know the difference:
Maine Child Protection: What happens when DHHS investigates a household?
This is the second part of our guide to Child Protection proceedings in Maine. It covers what can happen when DHHS investigates a household because they believe that a child may be at risk of being harmed.
Maine Child Protection: What does DHHS do when they get a complaint of child abuse?
This guide is the first in a series about what happens when DHHS gets involved with families. This guide covers the very first steps in the Maine Child Protection process - our other guides cover later parts of this process. If you are in a situation where DHHS is becoming involved with your family, start here.
Child Abuse and Neglect in Maine: DHHS Substantiation and Indication
About DHHS and Child Abuse and Neglect
DHHS Child Protective Services investigates reports of child abuse. There are 5 different things that DHHS can do:
What Concerned Adults Can Do to Protect an Endangered Child
You can file a Three-Person Petition (also called a Three-Party Petition) in District Court. Under the Maine Child Protection laws, three or more people can file a Child Protection petition, asking the Court to order DHHS or a third party like a relative to take custody of and provide services to a youth...
COVID-19
Last Updated 9/14/2020
Is PTLA open? Can I still get help?
To protect our clients and staff, all PTLA offices are closed to the public. If you have a current case, please reach out to our staff by e-mail or phone.
Maine Sample Child Protection Petition
This is a sample Maine Child Protection Petition for a Maine Three Party Child Protection action. Go here to learn more about how Three-Party Child Protection Petitions work in Maine
Maine Sample Affidavit of Friend
This is a sample Affidavit of Friend for a Maine Three Party Child Protection action. Go here to learn more about how Three-Party Child Protection Petitions work in Maine.