
Divorce, Custody, & Family
A Guide for Parents in Maine: How can I protect my children when I can’t care for them myself?
This guide is for parents in the state of Maine who need someone else to take care of their children if they cannot. You might need someone to take care of your children if you know you’ll be unable to care for them because you need to leave the country, have medical issues, or are facing a jail sentence.
Probate Jurisdictional Affidavit - AF-101
The Maine court form for determining the jurisdiction for certain family law and name change cases
PB-003 Jurisdictional Affidavit for Adoption, Minor Guardianship, and Minor Name Change
A fill-able .pdf of Maine court form PB-03, the Jurisdictional Affidavit that must be filed in District court with any adoption, minor guardianship, or minor name change case.
Sample Motion to Waive Adoption Home Study
This is a fillable template of a motion to waive a home study for a second-parent adoption.
Adoption, Guardianship of a Minor, Child Name Change and Maine's Home Court Act: When, where and how to file the Jurisdictional Affidavit
What is the Maine Home Court Act?
The Home Court Act is a Maine law passed in 2016. It is meant to prevent more than one case about the same child from happening in different courts. Courts use a “Jurisdictional Affidavit” to find out about all of the cases involving a child and determine where your case should be addressed.
Military Retirement Pay and the Collection of Child and Spousal Support
Federal and State Law
Federal and state law allow money from military retirement pay to be withheld to meet most child support and spousal support (alimony) obligations.
Parents on Active Duty: Legal Considerations
Your rights as a parent do not stop when you are in the military and called to active duty. There are many things to consider and plan for, especially if you are separated from your child’s other parent. This is a summary of some of the relevant Maine laws that may help you understand your rights.
Military Search for Service by Alternative Means
If you are starting a family law case (such as a divorce or setting parental rights and responsibilities), you must tell the other party that you are bringing a court action against them. You do this by "serving" the other party. This means that you give copies of your court papers to the other party. Court rules tell you how this must be done.
Guardianship of a Minor
How can a family member or other responsible adult become the legal guardian of a child whose parents are unable or unwilling to care for them?
Guía para padres de Maine ¿Cómo puedo proteger a mis hijos si no puedo ocuparme de su cuidado?
Esta guía es para los padres del estado de Maine que necesitan que otra persona cuide de sus hijos cuando ellos no pueden hacerlo. Es posible que necesite a alguien que cuide de sus hijos en caso de que no pueda ocuparse de ellos porque necesita salir del país, tiene problemas médicos o enfrenta una sentencia de prisión.