Gavel Insight

Understanding Paternity in Maine Establishing paternity, or legal fatherhood, is a critical step in securing rights and responsibilities for fathers in Maine. It affects not only the father-child relationship but also child support, custody, and inheritance rights. This article provides essential guidance for navigating paternity laws in Maine, drawing on insights from family law expertise. Why Establish Paternity? Establishing paternity provides significant benefits for both the child and the father. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For the Child: Ensures access to financial support from both parents, including health insurance and potential inheritance. It also provides a sense of identity and connection to both sides of their family, and access to medical history. 🧔 For the Father: Grants legal rights to seek custody and visitation, allowing for active participation in the child's life. It also establishes legal recognition of the father-child relationship. Methods of...

Understanding Sibling Custody Rights in Maine In Maine, custody laws primarily focus on parental rights, but sibling relationships are also considered in certain situations. Courts prioritize the child's best interests, and siblings can sometimes seek custody or visitation if it's in the child's well-being. 🔹 Best Interests Standard – Maine courts use a “best interests of the child” standard when making custody decisions. This includes stability, emotional bonds, and the ability to provide care. 🔹 Sibling Preference – Courts recognize that maintaining sibling relationships is beneficial for emotional development. Judges may consider keeping siblings together when determining custody. 🔹 Third-Party Custody Rights – Siblings, grandparents, or other close relatives may seek custody under “third-party custody” claims if parental care is insufficient. Legal Grounds for Sibling Custody Claims To seek sibling custody or visitation in Maine, a petitioner must demonstr...