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We make the adoption process in Maine simple, fast and affordable.
Maine Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Maine without having to pay high attorney fees. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced Maine adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Maine handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Maine adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Maine court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Maine adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Maine.
When we prepare your Maine adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Maine. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Maine Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to the Maine Revised Statutes (M.R.S.), Title 18-C, Article 9
Adopting a stepchild or an adult in Maine can be a rewarding and relatively straightforward process—if you understand the legal requirements set forth in Title 18-C of the Maine Revised Statutes (M.R.S.), Article 9. Below is an overview of key steps, consent rules, and timelines to help you navigate your Maine adoption smoothly.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: While Maine law (generally found under M.R.S. Title 18-C, §9-302 and related sections) does not always mandate a strict residency period, most courts expect that you or the adoptee reside in Maine at the time of filing. Check with your county Probate Court to confirm any local duration requirements (often six months of residence is a safe benchmark).
- Where to File: Adoption petitions in Maine are typically filed in the Probate Court of the county where you or the adoptee lives.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Maine
Stepparent adoption in Maine creates a legal parent-child relationship between the stepparent and the child, granting all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. It generally terminates the legal rights of the absent parent if they have abandoned the child or cannot be located.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Requirement: Under 18-C M.R.S. §9-302 and related provisions, both legal parents ordinarily must consent to the adoption.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has provided no support or no meaningful contact for a significant period (commonly 6–12 months), the court may determine abandonment, thus waiving the need for that parent’s consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts or Identity: If the absent parent cannot be located after a diligent search, you may petition the court for notice by publication before proceeding without their direct consent.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children Aged 14 and Older: According to 18-C M.R.S. §9-302(1)(C), a child who is 14 or older must typically consent in writing to the adoption, unless the court finds reason to waive this requirement.
- Younger Children: While not legally required to consent, younger children’s preferences may still be considered by the court in some situations.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Complete a Stepparent Adoption Petition and submit it to the county Probate Court.
- Service & Notice: Serve the absent parent if their location is known. If unknown, request permission for notice by publication.
- Possible Investigation: Some stepparent adoptions may require a background check or brief investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or a court-appointed investigator to ensure the adoption is in the child’s best interest.
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the hearing is usually brief. Stepparent adoptions in Maine often finalize within 3–6 months, depending on the court’s schedule and any complications.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
Once the adoption is granted, 18-C M.R.S. §9-308 allows for the issuance of a new birth certificate through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records. The amended certificate lists the adoptive parent and reflects any legal name change for the child. The original record is sealed and accessible only by court order.
3. Adult Adoption in Maine
Adult adoptions in Maine are generally simpler because they do not involve terminating another parent’s rights, and the adult adoptee can give direct consent.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: Under 18-C M.R.S. §9-301 et seq., the adult adoptee must voluntarily consent. No consent is required from biological parents.
- Petition Filing: File an Adult Adoption Petition in the Probate Court of the county where either the adopter or adoptee resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Faster Finalization: Adult adoptions typically conclude in 45–90 days, assuming all paperwork is complete and uncontested.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee may opt for a name change as part of the adoption decree.
- New Birth Certificate: If desired, an amended birth certificate can be issued listing the adoptive parent. Some adult adoptees choose not to amend their original record unless needed for inheritance or other legal purposes.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent still owe child support after the adoption?
- Once the adoption is finalized, the absent parent’s rights and responsibilities—including child support—are terminated (unless otherwise specified by a prior court order).
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to assess whether the absent parent has maintained a meaningful relationship with the child. If abandonment is proven, the adoption can proceed despite objections.
- Are home studies mandatory for every stepparent adoption?
- Many stepparent adoptions require only minimal review, but some probate judges may request a brief background check or limited investigation to confirm the child’s best interests.
5. How We Can Help
We specialize in preparing professionally drafted, court-ready documents that comply with Maine’s adoption laws (Title 18-C, Article 9). Our services include:
- Customized Forms: Each set of adoption documents is tailored to your unique situation.
- Guidance Throughout: We offer step-by-step support, from serving notice to requesting a new birth certificate.
- Time & Cost Efficiency: Our streamlined process can save you significant expenses and minimize delays.
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THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN MAINE
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
Maine Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in Maine to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your Maine adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your Maine adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN MAINE
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in Maine.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR MAINE ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Maine adoption forms. Our experienced Maine adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Maine adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your Maine adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Maine adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
Court Guarantee
You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
