Divorce, Custody, & Family
How to change your name and gender marker in Maine
This is a guide for adults in the state of Maine who want to change their legal name and/or gender marker. This guide is especially written for trans or gender non-conforming people - but can be used by any adult who needs a name change!
NC-001 Petition for Change of Name (Child)
The Maine Probate court form for a name change for a child. Formerly CN-2, it is now called NC-001.
CN-1 Petition for Change of Name (Adult)
This is the Maine Probate Court form for an adult name change.
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.
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.
Minor Name Changes in Maine
To change your name, or the name of a minor in your care, you will usually need to file a petition with the Probate Court in the county where you live. There are some special procedures for changing your name if you are under 18 years old.