Divorce, Custody, & Family
Maine Zoom Mediation in Family Matters
Posted and up-to-date 8/2022
Maine Protection Orders and Family Matters during COVID-19 FAQ
Posted and up-to-date on 9/19/2022
Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Child Sexual Abuse & Normal Child Sexual Behavior
How do I know if my child’s sexual behavior is normal or a sign of abuse?
As a caregiver, you may be worried about a child if they start displaying sexualized behaviors. Your instinct may be to think something has happened to the child, but that is not always the case. Some child sexualized behavior is healthy.
Maine Child Protection: What happens when DHHS investigates a household?
This is the second part of our guide to Child Protection proceedings in Maine. It covers what can happen when DHHS investigates a household because they believe that a child may be at risk of being harmed.
Maine Child Protection: What does DHHS do when they get a complaint of child abuse?
This guide is the first in a series about what happens when DHHS gets involved with families. This guide covers the very first steps in the Maine Child Protection process - our other guides cover later parts of this process. If you are in a situation where DHHS is becoming involved with your family, start here.
Child Abuse and Neglect in Maine: DHHS Substantiation and Indication
About DHHS and Child Abuse and Neglect
DHHS Child Protective Services investigates reports of child abuse. There are 5 different things that DHHS can do:
What Concerned Adults Can Do to Protect an Endangered Child
You can file a Three-Person Petition (also called a Three-Party Petition) in District Court. Under the Maine Child Protection laws, three or more people can file a Child Protection petition, asking the Court to order DHHS or a third party like a relative to take custody of and provide services to a youth...
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.
Maine DHHS is trying to get me to pay child support, but I don't know if I'm a parent
Introduction
This information is for possible parents who are being pursued by DHHS for payment of child support. We also have pages on these related topics:
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.