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Steve and Renee were great to work with! Very professional and realistic. Gave no false expectations or predictions. They communicated everything to us in a timely manner. We will definitely use them again if ever needed! Thank you, Steve and your team!

Kara

For my family law case, Steve Smith had a very strong presence and was dominant in the courtroom. The manner in which he carries out cases is something you see in the movies. He was really animated and passionate about my case. His military background is a big asset, and he really helped me out. I would highly recommend him.

Chad

We hired Leah M. Baldacci for a family law case and she was so extremely helpful and got me through my case. She’s very professional and takes the time to listen to her clients. She’s a wonderful advocate and a fantastic attorney. If you’re looking for a great attorney, I recommend Leah. Thank you so much for your legal help.

Anonymous Client

I’ve hired Steve for two cases, and I am very pleased with my decision. He fights for his clients and strives for the best outcome. His entire staff is pleasant and wonderful to work with.

Amber

I hired Steve for a parental rights case involving my 2 children. He was aggressive but supportive and did not file unnecessary motions that wasted my retainer. I was terrified of court, but with his experience, I felt at ease. The process was explained, and his staff was great as well. I would hire him again if needed and received a great outcome with an order that works for me and my children.

Handled my Parental Rights Case with Ease

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Child Custody Involving Allegations of Physical & Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maine

Child Custody Involving Allegations of Physical & Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maine

If you or your child is experiencing physical or sexual abuse, you will likely want to request a Protection from Abuse Order from the Court, which will provide you with protection while your underlying separate Divorce or Parental Rights & Responsibilities matter is pending.

If you have a Protection from Abuse Hearing and the Court finds that there was abuse present, the  Family Law Court will consider the findings of facts made by the Protection from Abuse Court when determining Parental Rights & Responsibilities, including the residence of the child and visitation with the offending parent.

The Court may only award primary residence of a minor child or parent-child contact to a parent who has committed domestic abuse if the Court finds that contact between the parent and the child is in the best interest of the child and adequate safety provisions for the child and the parent who is a victim of domestic abuse can be made.

The Court may order the following conditions of parent-child contact in cases involving domestic violence:

  • order child exchanges to occur in a protected setting
  • order parent-child contact be supervised by another person or agency
  • order the parent who committed domestic violence to complete a domestic violence intervention program
  • order a parent to abstain from possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs during the parent-child visit and for 24 hours preceding the contact
  • prohibit overnight parent-child contact

In addition, the Court may order security from the parent who has committed domestic abuse for the return and safety of the child, and that the address of the child and the parent victim be kept confidential.

Child-Parent Contact

If the Court allows a family or household member to supervise parent-child contact, the Court may establish the following conditions during said contact:

  • Minimizing circumstances when the family of the parent who has committed domestic abuse would be supervising the visits
  • Ensuring the contact does not damage the relationship between the child and the parent with whom the child has a primary physical residence
  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of the child
  • Requiring that supervision is provided by a person who is physically and mentally capable of supervising a visit and who does not have a criminal history or a history of abuse or neglect

Termination of Parental Rights & Responsibilities in Cases Involving Sexual Assault

If you are the parent of a child who was conceived as a result of a sexual assault in Maine or in another jurisdiction, you may petition the Court to terminate the parental rights of the offending parent. You must demonstrate that the parent was convicted of a crime involving sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child, or that the child was conceived as a result of an act of sexual assault in another jurisdiction by clear and convincing evidence for the Court to terminate the other parent’s parental rights and responsibilities.

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Family law matters are often challenging, and you need a tenacious attorney to protect your best interests. Whether you’re facing a divorce or a custody battle, our lawyers are prepared to safeguard your future.

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steve smith & jack baldacci

“We hired Leah M. Baldacci at Steve Smith for a family law case, and she was so extremely helpful and got me through a difficult time. She’s very professional and takes the time to listen to her clients. She’s a wonderful advocate and a fantastic attorney. If you are looking for a divorce attorney that actually cares, I recommend Leah. Thank you so much for your help.”

– Carlton

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We understand that your priority is to secure a better future, whether that’s through a divorce or by modifying your parenting arrangements. Our skilled attorneys use every resource at our disposal to overcome obstacles. Our full commitment to you drives us to achieve outstanding results.

To learn more about the cases we work with, please view our Practice Areas.

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