Maine Parental Rights & Responsibilities Lawyers

Maine law provides parents with certain rights and responsibilities regarding their children. When parents divorce or separate, they need to decide how they will share these rights and responsibilities. This is similar to child custody determinations in other states.

If your relationship with your child is at risk, you need to seek help from an experienced Maine parental rights lawyer right away. We can inform you of your rights and what to expect in your parenting case.

Compassionate, No-nonsense Representation 

Family law matters can be highly emotional for the people involved, and it is critical that you do not allow your emotions to cloud your judgment. Attorney Steve Smith understands the unique combination of support and straightforward answers that is required to win parental rights cases. He represents parents in a wide range of legal situations, including helping a client get a protective order dismissed and allowing them to maintain parental rights following allegations of neglect.

No matter how complex your case may seem, we can handle it. Reach out today to learn more and get started.

Dividing Parental Rights And Responsibilities In Maine 

Maine law grants that, if no court order is in place, parents have equal rights and responsibilities regarding their children. When married parents divorce, the division of parental rights and obligations is included in the divorce judgment. Unmarried parents who wish to establish parenting orders will need to file a Parental Rights & Responsibilities (PR&R) case. 

Parental rights orders must include clear guidelines for spending physical time with a child, providing financial support, decision-making authority, and providing support for the child’s well-being. Parents can have many different arrangements, including: 

• Shared parental rights and responsibilities – Parents with this type of plan will share equal physical time and equal rights to make important decisions for their child’s life. Parents must communicate and co-parent effectively regarding the child, following guidelines set out in the parenting plan.
• Allocated rights and responsibilities – While parents might share decision-making responsibilities, this arrangement divides their authority by the type of decision being made. For example, one parent might make decisions regarding religion, while the other makes education-related decisions. This is an uncommon arrangement in Maine.
• Sole parental rights and responsibilities – The court can award sole rights and responsibilities to one parent if the other parent is unable or unwilling to care for the child. The parent without rights will still need to provide financial support for the child.

Maine law favors shared parenting whenever possible, as both parents are presumed to have equal parental rights and responsibilities. However, some situations might require other types of arrangements, especially if there are concerns about abuse or domestic violence within the relationship. Our attorneys can help you determine which arrangement is best for you and your child. 

Consult With A Maine Parental Rights And Responsibilities Attorney 

Some parents accept shared rights and responsibilities and can reach an agreement on their own or with help from their attorneys. However, when parents cannot agree on a parenting arrangement, our firm can help negotiate a resolution or represent you during mediation. If you still cannot agree with the other parent, our experienced trial attorneys can represent you in court.

Your parental rights are far too important to gamble on by hiring an inexperienced lawyer. The legal team at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers has successfully resolved many tough parental rights and responsibilities cases, and we can help you, too. Contact us to discuss your situation.