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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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Maine Foreign Custody & Jurisdiction Lawyers

Maine Foreign Custody & Jurisdiction Lawyers

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (“UCCJEA”) covers child custody proceedings regarding legal custody, physical custody, and visitation with respect to a child when more than one state is involved. This Act provides the Court with guidance when a parent or both parents have moved from one state to another and are looking to enforce a Parental Rights & Responsibilities or Child Support Order or Judgment. 

The UCCJEA provides four bases to determine jurisdiction in child custody matters:

  1. Home State
  2. Significant Connection
  3. More Appropriate Forum and
  4. No Other State Jurisdiction

Home State

The “Home State” of a child is the state where the child has lived with a parent for at least 6 months immediately before the custody matter was filed.

Significant Connection

A “Significant Connection” with a state is created when the child and at least one parent have a significant connection with the state, demonstrated by the presence of the child’s care, school, and personal relationships.

More Appropriate Forum

A “More Appropriate Forum” in an alternate state may exist if the home state or the state with the significant connection decline to exercise jurisdiction because another forum is more appropriate.

No Other State Jurisdiction

This type of jurisdiction exists when no other court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the home state, significant connection, or more appropriate forum tests.

Moving to Maine

When a custody determination has been issued by another state, it can be registered in the state of Maine through a filing with the appropriate Court.  A Family Law Trial Lawyer will help you prepare a letter requesting such registration and will collect the necessary certified copies of the prior Order or Judgment from the other state. These documents must be served upon the other parent, as in typical custody matters, in order to provide the other parent with the opportunity to contest the validity of the registration. 

If you are looking to enforce an out-of-state Order or Judgment in the state of Maine, you may have to first register that prior Order or Judgment with the appropriate Maine Court.  

A Family Law Trial Lawyer can help you navigate through this complex legal landscape.

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On Your Side

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.

Proven Success

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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Advocating For Your Family

To Protect What’s Important

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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STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers

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