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. Your gender marker is the "M", "F", or "X" on many government issued IDs that often reflects a person's sex assigned at birth.
How To: Navigate Your Divorce or Parental Rights Case in Maine
Printable Word Version of this Guide
This guide is here to help you through the Maine Court's family law process. We hope that this will help you feel more confident about dealing with the legal system.
Is this guide for you?
You may use this guide if:
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
Note: This article is about guardian ad litems in the state of Maine. This role, and the process around a guardian ad litem may be different in other states.
A “guardian ad litem” (GAL) is a neutral person the court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the “best interests of a child.” Here, we are talking about a GAL in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case. The GAL will look into the family situation and advise the court on things like:
Maine Zoom Mediation in Family Matters
Posted and up-to-date 8/2022
Starting in June, 2020, Maine courts began allowing video or telephone mediation in Family Matter cases through video or telephone. As of August 2022, some courts have begun in-person mediations again although most mediations will still be over zoom. Check your mediation scheduling notice from the court for information about your mediation. If you are still unsure, call the district court presiding over your case to ask whether your mediation will be in person or online.
How To: Change or Enforce Your Maine Divorce or Parental Rights Order
COVID-19
Is PTLA open? Can I still get help?
To protect our clients and staff, all PTLA offices are closed to the public. If you have a current case, please reach out to our staff by e-mail or phone. If you are looking for legal help, please visit our Contact Us page for information about our up-to-date call in hours. Thank you for your understanding.
Maine Protection Orders and Family Matters during COVID-19 FAQ
Posted and up-to-date on 9/19/2022
Introduction
Many COVID-19 pandemic safety rules have been changed or lifted, but some court meetings are still being held remotely. When in doubt, you should always check the notice you get for your court date. Here are some common things to be aware of as we transition out of the pandemic.
Maine Sample Motion to Waive Adoption Home Study
This is a sample motion to waive a home study for a second-parent adoption. You may need to change this motion to fit your situation, but you can use it as an example to help you create your own motion.
Maine Sample Child Protection Petition
This is a sample Maine Child Protection Petition for a Maine Three Party Child Protection action. Go here to learn more about how Three-Party Child Protection Petitions work in Maine
