19-A M.R.S. § 2308 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2308
19-A §2308. Medical support notice
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of notice. The department, on its own behalf, on behalf of a custodial parent who applies for the department's support enforcement services or on behalf of another state's Title IV‑D agency, political subdivision or agent, may issue to a parent's employer or other payor of income a medical support notice to enforce a parent's obligation to obtain or maintain health insurance coverage or other health care services for each dependent child of the parent. The medical support notice must be in the format of the federal National Medical Support Notice as required by the Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, Public Law 105-200, 42 United States Code, Section 666(a)(19)(A) and the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 United States Code, Section 1169(a)(5)(C). The employer or other payor of income shall complete Part A of the National Medical Support Notice and the plan administrator shall complete Part B. [PL 2009, c. 290, §28 (AMD).]

2. Employer notice. A medical support notice must be accompanied by an employer notice that contains the substance of subsections 3 to 16 . [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

3. Duty to enroll. An employer or other payor of income served with a medical support notice shall enroll each dependent child of the employee named in the withholding order as a covered person in a group health insurance plan or other similar plan providing health care services or coverage offered by the employer, without regard to any enrollment season restrictions, if the child is eligible for such coverage under the employer's enrollment provisions, and deduct any required premiums from the employee's earnings to pay for the insurance. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

4. Choice of plan. If more than one plan is offered by the employer, the employer or the plan administrator shall enroll each qualified child prospectively in the insurance plan in which the employee is enrolled or, if the employee is not enrolled, in the least costly plan otherwise available, as long as the plan's services are available where the child resides. If the services of the employee's plan or the least costly plan are not available where the child resides, the employer or the plan administrator shall enroll each qualified child prospectively in the least costly plan that is available where the child resides. If the plan requires that the participant be enrolled in order for the child to be enrolled, and the participant is not currently enrolled, the employer or the plan administrator must enroll both the participant and the child. The enrollments must be made without regard to enrollment season restrictions. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

5. Answer. An employer shall respond to a medical support notice in writing within 20 days of service. The employer shall advise the department of the plan in which each child is enrolled or if a child is ineligible for any plan through the employer. The department shall include preprinted answer forms for the employer's and plan administrator's use and shall include the forms and a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with each medical support notice. The plan administrator must complete and return the Part B response within 40 business days of service. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

6. Mistake of fact; affirmative defenses. A parent may claim a mistake of fact or assert affirmative defenses to contest the issuance of a medical support notice. The department shall establish by rule an administrative process for reviewing claims of mistake and investigating affirmative defenses. [PL 2009, c. 290, §29 (AMD).]

7. Duration of notice. A medical support notice remains in force until the employee terminates employment, the employer or other payor of earnings is released from the order in writing by the department or release is ordered by a court. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

8. Change of plan. After it is initially determined in response to a medical support notice that a child is eligible for coverage, the employer or plan administrator must make subsequent enrollment changes to include the child if the group health insurance plan is changed and provide notices of any changes in coverage to the department. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

9. Fee. The commissioner may establish by rule a fee that an employer may charge an employee for each withholding and for a change of plan. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

10. Failure to honor. Failure of an employer or other payor of earnings or the plan administrator to comply with the requirements of a medical support notice is a civil violation for which the department may recover up to $1,000 in a civil action. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

11. Priority of notice. A medical support notice has priority over any previously filed attachment, execution, garnishment or assignment of earnings that is not for the purpose of enforcing or paying a child support obligation. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

12. Employer protected. The department shall defend and hold harmless any employer or other payor of earnings or plan administrator who honors a medical support notice. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

13. Immunity. The employer or plan administrator may not be held liable for medical expenses incurred on behalf of a dependent child because of the employer's or plan administrator's failure to enroll the dependent child in a health insurance or health care plan after being directed to do so by the department. [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

14. Employee protected. An employer who discharges, refuses to employ or takes disciplinary action against a parent, or who otherwise discriminates against a parent because of the existence of the medical support notice or the obligation the medical support notice imposes upon the employer, is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil action. The employer is also subject to an action by the parent for compensatory and punitive damages, plus attorney's fees and court costs. [PL 2009, c. 290, §30 (AMD).]

15. Service. A medical support notice must be served on the parent's employer or other payor of earnings. Service must be made in the manner provided for service of summons by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4. For purposes of this subsection, this service must be deemed to be an action pursuant to Chapter XIII of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Personal service within the State of a copy of the notice may be made by an authorized representative of the commissioner. The department shall send a copy of the medical support notice to the parent at the parent's most recent address of record. [PL 2009, c. 290, §31 (AMD).]

16. Withholding order and support notice combined. The department may combine a medical support notice with a child support income withholding order issued under section 2306 . [PL 2001, c. 554, §14 (AMD).]

17. Rules. The department shall adopt rules to implement and enforce the requirements of this section. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3102 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3102
19-A §3102. Administrative enforcement of orders
Status: in_force

1. Documents to state information agency. A party residing in another state or a support enforcement agency seeking to enforce a support order or an income-withholding order, or both, issued in another state or a foreign support order shall send the documents required for registering the order to the department. [PL 2009, c. 95, §59 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Consider and enforce. Upon receipt of the documents, the department, without initially seeking to register the order, shall consider and, if appropriate, use any administrative procedure authorized by the law of this State to enforce a support order or an income-withholding order, or both. If the obligor does not contest administrative enforcement, the order need not be registered. If the obligor contests the validity or administrative enforcement of the order, the support enforcement agency shall register the order pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2009, c. 95, §59 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1872 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1872
19-A §1872. Release of information
Status: in_force

The State Registrar of Vital Statistics may release information relating to an acknowledgment of parentage under section 1861 as provided in Title 22, section 2706 . [PL 2021, c. 141, §17 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3261 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3261
19-A §3261. Jurisdiction to modify child support order of foreign country
Status: in_force

1. Assumption of jurisdiction. Except as otherwise provided in section 3321 , if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of this State may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual pursuant to section 3253 has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this State or of the foreign country. [PL 2009, c. 95, §81 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Controlling order. An order issued by a tribunal of this State modifying a foreign child support order pursuant to this section is the controlling order. [PL 2009, c. 95, §81 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 802 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 25 / Section 802
19-A §802. Spouse's separate property
Status: in_force

A person having property is not deprived of any part of that property by marriage, and a person acquires no right to any property of that person's spouse. A married person may release to that person's spouse the right to control that person's property or any part of it and to dispose of the income of the property for their mutual benefit, and may in writing revoke that right of control or disposal. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2005 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 63 / Section 2005
19-A §2005. Rebuttable presumption
Status: in_force

In a proceeding to establish or modify child support or to establish an award for past support, there is a rebuttable presumption that the parental support obligation derived from the support guidelines is the amount ordered to be paid, unless support is established under section 2006, subsection 5 or section 2007 . The court or hearing officer shall review the adequacy of a child support amount agreed to by the parties with reference to the parental support obligation. [PL 2003, c. 415, §6 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2451 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2451
19-A §2451. Administrative review
Status: in_force

Within 30 days of receiving notice of any action under this article, including an administrative decision establishing an obligation to provide health insurance and payment for other medical expenses, the responsible parent or the department may move for a review of any action under this article by serving a request for review, together with an affidavit stating the grounds upon which the request is based, upon the other party. The department may review any action under this article without proceeding under this section. The department acting on behalf of another state or its instrumentality or a person residing in another state constitutes good cause within the meaning of Title 5, section 9057, subsection 5 . [PL 2005, c. 352, §11 (AMD).]

1. Notice of hearing. If the responsible parent moves for a review, within 7 days of receipt of the request for review the department shall send, by registered or certified mail, the responsible parent a notice of hearing setting a hearing date not less than 15 nor more than 30 days from the date of service of the request for review. If the department moves for a review, the department shall serve along with the request for review a notice of hearing, setting a date not less than 15 nor more than 30 days from the date of service of the notice. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Hearing. The conduct of the hearing and rendering of any decision is as follows. A. The hearing must be conducted according to rules adopted by the commissioner. Except as provided by section 2304, subsection 4, paragraph F , the rules must provide both the moving and responding parties at least the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, to present witnesses, to be represented by an attorney or other person and to be notified of these rights in writing. The decision must be limited to evidence presented at the hearing. [PL 2005, c. 352, §12 (AMD).] B. If the hearing is on a notice of debt issued under section 2352 , only the following issues may be considered: (1) The receipt of public assistance by the responsible parent; (2) Uncredited cash payments; (3) The amount of the debt accrued and accruing; (4) The accuracy of the terms of the court or administrative order as stated in the notice of debt; and (5) The maintenance of any required medical or dental insurance coverage. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. The hearing officer shall render a decision within 30 days of the date on which the hearing was held. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Within 10 days of the decision being rendered, a copy of the decision together with a notice of the right to a judicial review must be sent to the responsible parent by ordinary mail. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 352, §12 (AMD).]

3. Stay. If a pleading is filed in any court that requests modification of an order for support after a final administrative decision under this section is served on the responsible parent, the department's collection action may not be stayed. If a pleading is filed for judicial review of agency action, the collection action may be stayed as provided in Title 5, section 11004 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4104 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4104
19-A §4104. Commencement of a proceeding
Status: in_force

1. Venue and jurisdiction. Proceedings under this chapter must be filed, heard and determined in the District Court of the division: A. In which the plaintiff or defendant resides; or [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] B. If the plaintiff has left the plaintiff's residence to avoid abuse, of the plaintiff's previous residence or new residence. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] If a District Court Judge is not available in the division in which a complaint requesting a temporary order is to be filed, the complaint may be presented to another District Court Judge or to any Superior Court Justice. A Superior Court Justice has the same authority as a District Court Judge to grant or deny the temporary order. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

2. Filing. A person may seek relief by filing a complaint alleging the abuse or conduct that makes the plaintiff eligible to seek protection pursuant to section 4103 . The complaint need only include a short and plain statement showing that the plaintiff is entitled to relief. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 751 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 751
19-A §751. Certain marriages void without process
Status: in_force

The following marriages are void and dissolved without legal process: [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Solemnized in State. A marriage prohibited in section 701 , if solemnized in this State. [PL 2009, c. 96, §1 (AMD).]

2. Final judgment. [PL 2009, c. 96, §1 (RP).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3151 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3151
19-A §3151. Procedure to register order for enforcement
Status: in_force

1. Required documents and information. Except as otherwise provided in section 3316 , a support order or an income-withholding order of another state or a foreign support order may be registered in this State by sending the following records to the appropriate tribunal in this State: A. A letter of transmittal to the tribunal requesting registration and enforcement; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Two copies, including one certified copy, of the order to be registered, including any modification of an order; [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (AMD).] C. A sworn statement by the person requesting registration or a certified statement by the custodian of the records showing the amount of any arrearages; [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (AMD).] D. The name of the obligor and, if known: (1) The obligor's address and social security number; (2) The name and address of the obligor's employer and any other source of income of the obligor; and (3) A description and the location of property of the obligor in this State not exempt from execution; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. Except as otherwise provided in section 3012 , the name and address of the obligee and, if applicable, the agency or person to whom support payments are to be remitted. [PL 2009, c. 95, §61 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §61 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. File as foreign judgment. On receipt of a request for registration, the registering tribunal shall cause the order to be filed as an order of another state or foreign country, together with one copy of the documents and information, regardless of their form. [PL 2009, c. 95, §62 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Additional petition filed at same time. A petition or comparable pleading seeking a remedy that must be affirmatively sought under other law of this State may be filed at the same time as the request for registration, or later. The pleading must specify the grounds for the remedy sought. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Two or more orders in effect. If 2 or more orders are in effect, the person requesting registration shall: A. Furnish to the tribunal a copy of every support order asserted to be in effect in addition to the documents specified in this section; [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (NEW).] B. Specify the order alleged to be the controlling order, if any; and [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (NEW).] C. Specify the amount of consolidated arrears, if any. [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (NEW).]

5. Request for determination of controlling order. A request for a determination of which order is the controlling order may be filed separately or with a request for registration and enforcement or for registration and modification. The person requesting registration shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination. [PL 2003, c. 436, §36 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2663 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2663
19-A §2663. Payor fee
Status: in_force

The commissioner may establish by rule a fee for the administrative cost of each withholding that a payor may deduct in addition to the amount withheld for support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2965 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 2965
19-A §2965. Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support order
Status: in_force

1. Tribunal has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. A tribunal of this State that has issued a support order consistent with the laws of this State has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order and: A. At the time of the filing of a request for modification this State is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] B. Even if this State is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this State may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

2. Tribunal may not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. A tribunal of this State that has issued a child support order consistent with the laws of this State may not exercise its continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if: A. All of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this State that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] B. The tribunal's order is not the controlling order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

3. Recognition of jurisdiction of another state's tribunal. If a tribunal of another state that has issued a child support order pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act or a law substantially similar to this chapter that modifies a child support order of a tribunal of this State, tribunals of this State shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

4. Initiating tribunal to request modification. A tribunal of this State that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

5. Temporary support order. A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2151 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2151
19-A §2151. Locating those liable for support of dependents
Status: in_force

To assist in locating parents who have deserted their children and other persons liable for support of dependents, the department may request information from the records of all departments, boards, bureaus and other agencies of this State and those departments, boards, bureaus and other agencies shall provide the necessary information. Only information directly bearing on the identity and whereabouts of a person owing or asserted to be owing an obligation of support may be requested and used or transmitted by the department pursuant to the authority conferred by this section. The department may make such information available only to public officials and agencies of this State, other states and the political subdivisions of this State and other states seeking to locate parents who have deserted their children and other persons liable for support of dependents for the purpose of enforcing their liability for support. The department may make information available to federal agencies conducting activities under 42 United States Code, Chapter 7, Subchapter IV, Part D (1996). The department must be provided automated access to records it is permitted access to under this section if the records are maintained in an automated data base. [PL 1997, c. 537, §30 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 660 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 660
19-A §660. Delayed marriage registration
Status: in_force

In order to provide an official record of statements concerning marriages that have occurred in this State, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics must accept a registration of any marriage for which no record can be found in either the files of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the clerk of the municipality where the marriage license was issued or in the municipality where the marriage occurred, as long as such registration is filed in accordance with this section. [PL 2025, c. 130, §8 (NEW).]

1. Application. The parties, or the legal representatives of the parties, to a marriage that occurred more than one year previously may apply for a certificate of marriage under this section by submitting to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics the following: A. The license and certification statement completed in accordance with section 656 ; [PL 2015, c. 193, §1 (NEW).] B. The required filing fee; and [PL 2015, c. 193, §1 (NEW).] C. An application for a certificate of marriage, which must include, if available, a copy of the marriage intentions obtained from the clerk of the municipality where the intentions were filed and other documents specified in rules adopted by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics. [PL 2015, c. 193, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 193, §1 (NEW).]

2. Indication of date of filing. The certificate of marriage issued under this section must be marked "delayed" and must indicate the date that the certificate of marriage was filed. [PL 2015, c. 193, §1 (NEW).]

3. Rules. The State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [PL 2015, c. 193, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 650 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 650
19-A §650. Findings and purposes
Status: in_force

All municipal clerks, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics and courts of this State have a duty and are legally required to construe the provisions of Maine's marriage laws in accordance with the following findings and purposes: [PL 2019, c. 340, §1 (AMD).]

1. Findings. The people of the State of Maine find that: A. The union of 2 people joined in a monogamous marriage is of inestimable value to society; the State has a compelling interest to nurture and promote the unique institution of monogamous marriage in the support of harmonious families and the physical and mental health of children; and the State has the compelling interest in promoting the moral values inherent in a monogamous marriage. [PL 2019, c. 340, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 340, §2 (AMD).]

2. Purposes. The purposes of this chapter are: A. To encourage a monogamous family unit as the basic building block of our society, the foundation of harmonious and enriching family life; [PL 2019, c. 340, §3 (AMD).] B. To nurture, sustain and protect a monogamous family unit in Maine society, its moral imperatives, its economic function and its unique contribution to the rearing of healthy children; and [PL 2019, c. 340, §3 (AMD).] C. To support and strengthen monogamous Maine families against improper interference from out-of-state influences or edicts. [PL 2019, c. 340, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2019, c. 340, §3 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1604 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1604
19-A §1604. Service
Status: in_force

Service of a notice under section 1605 must be made by personal service as provided for personal service of summons by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4(d). Personal service within the State of a notice under section 1605 may be made by an authorized representative of the commissioner. Personal service outside the State of a notice under section 1605 may be made in the manner provided for personal service of summons outside the State by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4(e). [PL 2009, c. 290, §5 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3322 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3322
19-A §3322. Personal information; limit on use
Status: in_force

Personal information gathered or transmitted under this subchapter may be used only for the purposes for which it was gathered or transmitted. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3019 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3019
19-A §3019. Receipt and disbursement of payments
Status: in_force

1. Disburse promptly. The department shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order as directed by the order. The department shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of another state or foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received. [PL 2009, c. 95, §54 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Direct payment; issue withholding order or administrative notice. If neither the obligor, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the child resides in this State, upon request from the department or the support enforcement agency of another state, the department or a tribunal of this State shall: A. Direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services; and [PL 2003, c. 436, §27 (NEW).] B. Issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income-withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments. [PL 2003, c. 436, §27 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §27 (NEW).]

3. Statement of record of payments. If the department receives redirected payments from another state pursuant to a law similar to subsection 2 , the department shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received. [PL 2003, c. 436, §27 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 804 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 25 / Section 804
19-A §804. No liability for spouse's debts or torts; property subject to execution; partnerships
Status: in_force

1. Liability for debts or torts. A married person is not liable for the debts of that person's spouse contracted before marriage nor for those contracted in the spouse's own name for any lawful purpose. A married person is not liable for that person's spouse's torts in which that person takes no part. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Partnerships. This section may not be construed to mean that a person is not liable for the debts, contracted in the name of the partnership, of a partnership between the person and the person's spouse or among the person, the spouse and 3rd persons. This section may not be construed to prohibit or limit the formation of a partnership between a husband and a wife or among a husband, wife and 3rd persons. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1927 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1927
19-A §1927. Parent status of deceased person
Status: in_force

If a person who consented in a signed record under section 1924 to be a parent by assisted reproduction dies before transfer or implantation of gametes or embryos, the deceased person is not a parent of the resulting child unless the deceased person consented in a signed record that, if assisted reproduction were to occur after death, the deceased person would be a parent of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2971 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 2971
19-A §2971. Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order
Status: in_force

1. Tribunal of this State; continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. A tribunal of this State issuing a spousal support order consistent with the law of this State has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the spousal support order throughout the existence of the support obligation. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

2. Spousal support issued by another state or foreign country. A tribunal of this State may not modify a spousal support order issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state or foreign country. [PL 2009, c. 95, §34 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Tribunal of this State; initiating or responding tribunal. A tribunal of this State that has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal support order may serve as: A. An initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce the spousal support order issued in this State; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] B. A responding tribunal to enforce or modify its own spousal support order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1656 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 55 / Section 1656
19-A §1656. Exclusion of public
Status: in_force

In an action for parental rights and responsibilities under this chapter, at the request of either party, personally or through that party's attorney, unless the other party who has entered an appearance objects personally or through the other party's attorney, the court shall exclude the public from the court proceedings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

If the court orders that the public is to be excluded, only the parties, their attorneys, court officers and witnesses may be present. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1566 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1566
19-A §1566. Security
Status: in_force

Upon motion of the plaintiff, the court at a time before or after judgment may require the alleged or adjudicated father to give bond or other security for the payment of a judgment that exists or may exist in the future. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1906 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1906
19-A §1906. Additional genetic testing
Status: in_force

The court shall order additional genetic testing upon the request of a party who contests the result of the initial testing. If the initial genetic testing identified a person as the genetic father or genetic mother of the child under section 1904 , the court or agency may not order additional testing unless the party provides advance payment for the testing. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3502 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 69 / Section 3502
19-A §3502. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The District Court has jurisdiction over all proceedings brought under this chapter. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §37 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2107 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2107
19-A §2107. Credit for dependent benefits (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 19-A, SECTION 2104)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 19-A, SECTION 2104)

If a child receives dependent benefits as a result of the obligor parent's disability, any tribunal establishing, reviewing or modifying the child support obligation or debt shall give the obligor parent credit for the dependent benefits paid to the child. [PL 1999, c. 327, §1 (RPR).]

1. Calculation of child support obligation; order. The tribunal shall calculate the obligor's child support obligation and issue a child support order pursuant to the child support guidelines in chapter 63 . The obligation may not be reduced by the dependent benefits paid to the child. [PL 1999, c. 327, §1 (NEW).]

2. Findings; credit for benefits paid. The tribunal shall make the following findings: A. That the child currently receives dependent benefits as a result of the obligor parent's disability; [PL 1999, c. 327, §1 (NEW).] B. That the receipt of these benefits satisfied part or all of the obligation; and [PL 1999, c. 327, §1 (NEW).] C. That the obligor must receive credit against the established obligation for the benefits received. Credit may not exceed the amount of the current obligation for the period for which the benefits are paid. Credit may not be given toward a past or future obligation for dependent benefits that exceed the current obligation. [PL 1999, c. 327, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 327, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1853 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1853
19-A §1853. Consequences of establishment of parentage
Status: in_force

1. All purposes. Unless parental rights are terminated, parentage established under this chapter applies for all purposes, except as otherwise specifically provided by other law of this State. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Preservation of parent-child relationship. Consistent with the establishment of parentage under this chapter, a court may determine that a child has more than 2 parents. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1861 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1861
19-A §1861. Acknowledgment of parentage
Status: in_force

The following persons may sign an acknowledgment of parentage to establish parentage of a child: [PL 2021, c. 141, §4 (AMD).]

1. Woman who gave birth. A woman who gave birth to the child and who is not a gestational carrier; [PL 2021, c. 141, §4 (NEW).]

2. Alleged genetic parent. A person who is the alleged genetic parent of the child and who is not a donor; [PL 2021, c. 141, §4 (NEW).]

3. Presumed parent. A presumed parent of the child pursuant to subchapter 4 , except that a presumed parent pursuant to section 1881, subsection 3 must meet the requirements of that subsection and may not submit an acknowledgment of parentage for at least 2 years from the time the child was born or adopted; and [PL 2021, c. 141, §4 (NEW).]

4. Intended parent. An intended parent of the child pursuant to subchapter 7 . [PL 2021, c. 141, §4 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2652 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2652
19-A §2652. Provisions of child support order
Status: in_force

Except as provided in section 2657 , a child support order must provide that the obligor is subject to immediate income withholding from the obligor's income of amounts payable as child support, effective from the date of the support order, regardless of whether child support payments by the obligor are past due. The support order must include: [PL 2011, c. 528, §2 (AMD).]

1. Amount withheld. The amount of income to be withheld for payment of the obligor's current parental support obligation; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Department member number. [PL 2011, c. 528, §2 (RP).]

3. Payor instructions. [PL 2011, c. 528, §2 (RP).]

3-A. Notice about implementing income withholding. Notice that immediate income withholding can only be implemented by serving an attested copy of the support order, along with the notice required under section 2655 , upon the obligor's payor of income. Notwithstanding this subsection, the department may implement immediate income withholding by serving the notice required under section 2655 upon the obligor's payor of income without providing an attested copy of the support order; [PL 2011, c. 528, §2 (NEW).]

3-B. Instructions. Instructions on where to obtain the payor notice required under section 2655 ; [PL 2011, c. 528, §2 (NEW).]

4. Notice regarding collection of arrearages. A notice that income withholding may be used to collect arrearages in addition to current support; [PL 2011, c. 528, §2 (AMD).]

5. Limitation on withholding. A notice that the amount of the withholding may not exceed the limitations imposed by 15 United States Code, Section 1673(b); and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

6. Fees. A notice to the obligor and payor of income that the payor of income shall withhold and send to the department a fee of $2 per pay period in addition to the amount withheld for child support. [PL 2015, c. 186, §5 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1754 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1754
19-A §1754. Appearance of parties and child
Status: in_force

1. Appearance of party or other persons in this State. In a child custody proceeding in this State, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this State to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this State and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

2. Appearance of party outside this State. If a party to a child custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this State, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to section 1738 include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

3. Orders to ensure safety. The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

4. Payment of travel and other expenses. If a party to a child custody proceeding who is outside this State is directed to appear under subsection 2 or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3506 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 69 / Section 3506
19-A §3506. Uniformity of interpretation
Status: in_force

This chapter must be interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the laws of those states that enact it. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2804 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 2804
19-A §2804. Application of chapter to resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding
Status: in_force

1. Support proceeding. A tribunal of this State shall apply this subchapter, subchapters 2 to 6 and, as applicable, subchapter 7‑A to a support proceeding involving: A. A foreign support order; [PL 2009, c. 95, §24 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. A foreign tribunal; or [PL 2009, c. 95, §24 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. An obligee, obligor or child residing in a foreign country. [PL 2009, c. 95, §24 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §24 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Comity. A tribunal of this State that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of this subchapter and subchapters 2 to 6 . [PL 2009, c. 95, §24 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Proceeding subject to the Convention. Subchapter 7‑A applies only to a support proceeding under the Convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of subchapter 7‑A is inconsistent with a provision of this subchapter or subchapters 2 to 6 , subchapter 7‑A controls. [PL 2009, c. 95, §24 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3101-A — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3101-A
19-A §3101-A. Employer's compliance with out-of-state income-withholding order
Status: in_force

1. Copy of order to obligor. Upon receipt of an income-withholding order, the obligor's employer shall immediately provide a copy of the order to the obligor. [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).]

2. Recognition of out-of-state order. The employer shall treat an income-withholding order issued in another state that appears regular on its face as if it had been issued by a tribunal of this State. [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).]

3. Employer to withhold and distribute funds. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4 and section 3101-B , the employer shall withhold and distribute the funds as directed in the withholding order by complying with terms of the order that specify: A. The duration and amount of periodic payments of current child support, stated as an exact sum; [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] B. The person or support enforcement agency designated to receive payments and the address to which payments are to be forwarded; [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] C. Medical support, whether in the form of periodic cash payments stated as an exact sum or an order that the obligor provide health insurance coverage for the child under a policy available through the obligor's employment; [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] D. The amount of periodic payments of fees and costs for a support enforcement agency, the issuing tribunal and the obligee's attorney, stated as exact sums; and [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] E. The amount of periodic payments of arrearages and interest on arrearages, stated as exact sums. [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).]

4. Compliance with state laws. An employer shall comply with the laws of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment with respect to: A. The employer's fee for processing an income-withholding order; [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] B. The maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; and [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] C. The times within which the employer must implement the income-withholding order and forward the child support payment. [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2670 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2670
19-A §2670. Income withholding orders issued by other states
Status: in_force

1. Use of this State's income withholding law. When a payor receives an income withholding order issued by another state for an obligor whose principal place of employment is in this State, the payor shall apply the provisions of this subchapter when determining: A. The payor's fee for processing an income withholding order; [PL 1997, c. 537, §51 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).] B. The maximum amount permitted to be withheld from the obligor's income; [PL 1997, c. 537, §51 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).] C. The time in which the payor must implement the income withholding order and forward the child support payment; [PL 1997, c. 537, §51 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).] D. The priorities for withholding and allocating income withheld for multiple child support obligees; and [PL 1997, c. 537, §51 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).] E. Any withholding terms or conditions not specified in the order. [PL 1997, c. 537, §51 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 290, §34 (AMD).]

2. Compliance. A payor who complies with an income withholding order or notice that is regular on its face is not subject to civil liability to any individual or agency for conduct in compliance with the order or notice. [PL 1997, c. 537, §51 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2668 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2668
19-A §2668. Other remedies
Status: in_force

Income withholding ordered under this subchapter is an additional remedy to enforce a support order and does not limit the use of other legal remedies that may be available for collection of child and spousal support. [PL 2011, c. 528, §12 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 609 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 21 / Section 609
19-A §609. Enforcement; void marriage
Status: in_force

If a marriage is determined to be void, an agreement that would otherwise have been a premarital agreement is enforceable only to the extent necessary to avoid an inequitable result. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2358 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2358
19-A §2358. Order to withhold and deliver
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall proceed as follows with respect to any order to withhold and deliver. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Service of order. The commissioner may serve on any person an order to withhold and deliver any property, including wages, that is due or belongs to the responsible parent when: A. A lien has been filed pursuant to former Title 19, section 503 or 503-A or section 2357 ; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Twenty-one days have elapsed from the date of receipt of a notice of debt under section 2352 or 30 days after the date of mailing to a responsible parent of a decision of the department that requires the responsible parent to pay child support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Notice to responsible parent. When an order is issued, the department shall send a copy of the order to the responsible parent by regular mail at the responsible parent's last known address. [PL 1997, c. 466, §22 (RPR); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]

3. Order; contents. The order to withhold and deliver must state the amount of the support debt accrued and accruing and the terms of former Title 19, section 503 or 503-A or sections 2357 and 2366 and demand a listing of property, including wages, that is due or belongs to the responsible parent. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Answer. A person served with an order to withhold and deliver shall answer the order within 20 days of receipt of the order. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. Withhold and deliver. A person served with an order to withhold and deliver shall withhold immediately any property, including wages, due to or belonging to the responsible parent. After 20 days from the date of receipt of this order and upon demand of the commissioner, the property of the responsible parent must be delivered to the commissioner. An order to withhold and deliver issued by an out-of-state child support agency or court must be honored by a financial institution authorized to do business in this State as defined in Title 9‑B, section 131, subsection 17‑A or credit union authorized to do business in this State as defined in Title 9‑B, section 131, subsection 12‑A . [PL 2005, c. 352, §10 (AMD).]

6. Delivery of money. If the money is due under an express or implied contract, or if money is held subject to withdrawal by the responsible parent, the money must be delivered by check payable to the Treasurer of State. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

7. Bond as alternative. Instead of the property of the responsible parent, the commissioner may accept a bond conditioned upon final determination of liability. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

8. Effect of honoring order. A person who honors an order to withhold and deliver is discharged from any liability or obligation to the responsible parent for that property. The department warrants that it will defend and hold harmless any such persons for honoring the order. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

9. Term of order. The order to withhold and deliver remains in effect, requiring withholding of each successive earnings disbursement, until the amount of debt stated in the order has been withheld. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

10. Priority of order. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the order to withhold and deliver has absolute priority over previously filed orders against assets, earnings and assignments of earnings not for the enforcement of a child support obligation. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1913 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1913
19-A §1913. Admissibility of results of genetic testing; expenses
Status: in_force

1. Record admissible; objection. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3 , a record of a genetic testing expert is admissible as evidence of the truth of the facts asserted in the report unless a party objects to its admission within 14 days after its receipt by the objecting party and cites specific grounds for exclusion. The admissibility of the report is not affected by whether the testing was performed: A. Voluntarily or pursuant to an order of the court; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Before or after the commencement of the proceeding. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Testimony of experts. A party objecting to the results of genetic testing may call one or more genetic testing experts to testify in person or by telephone, videoconference, deposition or another method approved by the court. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the party offering the testimony bears the expense for the expert's testifying. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Results inadmissible; exceptions. If a child has a presumed parent, acknowledged parent or adjudicated parent, the results of genetic testing are admissible to adjudicate parentage only: A. With the consent of each person who is a parent of the child under this chapter, unless the court otherwise orders under section 1912 ; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Pursuant to an order of the court under section 1911 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 610, §8 (AMD).]

4. Copies of bills and records as evidence. Copies of bills and records of expenses paid for prenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care and genetic testing are admissible as evidence without requiring 3rd-party foundation testimony and are prima facie evidence of amounts incurred for those expenses or testing on behalf of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2654 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2654
19-A §2654. Payor duty
Status: in_force

A payor of income to an obligor named in a support order subject to immediate withholding issued under this subchapter shall comply with the provisions of the order upon receipt of the notice required under section 2655 . The balance of income due an obligor after withholding must be paid to the obligor on the day the obligor is usually paid. A payor may combine amounts withheld for transmittal to the department from more than one obligor if the portion attributable to each obligor is separately designated, except that the payor may not combine amounts if that action would result in an obligor's withheld income being sent to the department more than 7 business days from the date of withholding. [PL 2011, c. 528, §3 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3314 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3314
19-A §3314. Initiation by department of support proceedings
Status: in_force

1. Duty of department. In a proceeding pursuant to this subchapter, the department shall: A. Transmit and receive applications; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Initiate or facilitate the institution of a proceeding regarding an application in a tribunal of this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Proceedings available to obligee. The following support proceedings are available to an obligee under the Convention: A. Recognition or recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Enforcement of a support order issued or recognized in this State; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. Establishment of a support order if there is no existing order, including, if necessary, determination of parentage of a child; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] D. Establishment of a support order if recognition of a foreign support order is refused under section 3318 ; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] E. Modification of a support order of a tribunal of this State; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] F. Modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Proceedings available to obligor. The following support proceedings are available under the Convention to an obligor against whom there is an existing support order: A. Recognition of an order suspending or limiting enforcement of an existing support order of a tribunal of this State; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Modification of a support order of a tribunal of this State; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. Modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

4. Tribunal may not require guarantee of payment of costs and expenses. A tribunal of this State may not require security, bond or deposit, however described, to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in proceedings under the Convention. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3253 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3253
19-A §3253. Modification of child support order of another state
Status: in_force

1. Modification of child support order of another state. If section 3255 does not apply, upon petition a tribunal of this State may modify a child support order issued in another state that has been registered in this State if, after notice and hearing, the tribunal finds that: A. The following requirements are met: (1) Neither the child, nor the obligee who is an individual, nor the obligor resides in the issuing state; (2) A petitioner who is a nonresident of this State seeks modification; and (3) The respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this State; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §43 (RPR).] B. This State is the residence of the child, or a party who is an individual is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal and all of the parties who are individuals have filed consents in a record in the issuing tribunal for a tribunal of this State to modify the support order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. [PL 2009, c. 95, §76 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. [PL 2003, c. 436, §43 (RP).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §76 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Modification; enforcement and satisfaction. Modification of a registered child support order is subject to the same requirements, procedures and defenses that apply to the modification of an order issued by a tribunal of this State and the order may be enforced and satisfied in the same manner. [PL 2003, c. 436, §43 (RPR).]

3. No modification. A tribunal of this State may not modify any aspect of a child support order that may not be modified under the law of the issuing state, including the duration of the obligation of support. If 2 or more tribunals have issued child support orders for the same obligor and same child, the order that controls and must be recognized under section 2967 establishes the aspects of the child support order that are nonmodifiable. [PL 2009, c. 95, §77 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3-A. Issuing state's law governs. In a proceeding to modify a child support order, the law of the state that is determined to have issued the initial controlling order governs the duration of the obligation of support. The obligor's fulfillment of the duty of support established by that order precludes imposition of a further obligation of support by a tribunal of this State. [PL 2003, c. 436, §43 (NEW).]

4. Modification order; continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. Upon issuance of an order by a tribunal of this State modifying a child support order issued in another state, the tribunal of this State becomes the tribunal of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. [PL 2003, c. 436, §43 (RPR).]

5. Filing of modified order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §43 (RP).]

6. Retained jurisdiction to modify an order issued in this State. Notwithstanding subsections 1 to 4 and section 2961, subsection 2 , a tribunal of this State retains jurisdiction to modify an order issued by a tribunal of this State if: A. One party resides in another state; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §78 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. The other party resides outside the United States. [PL 2009, c. 95, §78 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §78 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3015 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3015
19-A §3015. Nonparentage as defense
Status: in_force

A party whose parentage of a child has been previously determined by or pursuant to law may not plead nonparentage as a defense to a proceeding under this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2157 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2157
19-A §2157. Notice of right to have support order reviewed
Status: in_force

Not less than once every 3 years, the department shall send written notice to parents who are subject to a support order being enforced by the department of the right to have the order reviewed and, if appropriate, modified according to the applicable child support guidelines. [PL 1997, c. 537, §40 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1851 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1851
19-A §1851. Establishment of parentage
Status: in_force

Parentage may be established by: [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

1. Birth. Giving birth to the child, except as otherwise provided in subchapter 8 ; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Adoption. Adoption of the child pursuant to Title 18‑C, Article 9 ; [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §38 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

3. Acknowledgment. An effective voluntary acknowledgment of parentage under subchapter 3 ; [PL 2021, c. 141, §2 (AMD).]

4. Presumption. An unrebutted presumption of parentage under subchapter 4 ; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

5. De facto parentage. An adjudication of de facto parentage, under subchapter 5 ; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

6. Genetic parentage. An adjudication of genetic parentage under subchapter 6 ; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

7. Assisted reproduction. Consent to assisted reproduction under subchapter 7 ; and [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

8. Gestational carrier agreement. Consent to a gestational carrier agreement under subchapter 8 by the intended parent or parents. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 905 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 905
19-A §905. Investigation when custody of children involved
Status: in_force

Whenever in a divorce action the custody of a minor child is involved, the court may request the department to investigate conditions and circumstances of the child and the child's parents. Upon completion of the investigation, the department shall submit a written report to the court and to counsel of record at least 3 days before the date of hearing. The report may not be further copied or distributed by anyone. A person who violates a provision of this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not more than $500 may be adjudged. Upon request of an interested party, the court shall require the person making the report to testify at the time of hearing. Whoever participates in making a report under this section or participates in a judicial proceeding as a result of the report is immune from civil or criminal liability, unless that person acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

If the court requests an investigation for purposes other than suspected abuse or neglect as defined in Title 22, chapter 1071 , the court shall order either or both parties to pay to the department part or all of the costs of services under this chapter, unless the court has made a finding of inability to pay. Revenue from investigations or services provided under this chapter are dedicated to the department to defray the cost of these services. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2365 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2365
19-A §2365. Release of lien or order to withhold
Status: in_force

The commissioner may release a support lien or order to withhold and deliver on all or part of the property of the responsible parent or return seized property without liability, if the commissioner considers adequate an assurance of payment or if the collection of the debt will be facilitated. The release or return does not prevent further action to collect from the same or other property. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1870 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1870
19-A §1870. Ratification not permitted
Status: in_force

A court or administrative agency conducting a judicial or administrative proceeding may not ratify an unchallenged acknowledgment of parentage under section 1861 . [PL 2021, c. 141, §15 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1651 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 55 / Section 1651
19-A §1651. Parents joint natural guardians of children
Status: in_force

The parents are the joint natural guardians of their minor children and are jointly entitled to the care, custody, control, services and earnings of their children. Neither parent has any rights paramount to the rights of the other with reference to any matter affecting their children. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §17 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3004-A — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3004-A
19-A §3004-A. Duties of initiating tribunal
Status: in_force

1. Forward petition and accompanying documents. Upon the filing of a petition authorized by this chapter, an initiating tribunal of this State shall forward the petition and its accompanying documents: A. To the responding tribunal or appropriate support enforcement agency in the responding state; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §14 (NEW).] B. If the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged. [PL 2003, c. 436, §14 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §14 (NEW).]

2. Issue certificate or document; make findings; specify amount. If requested by the responding tribunal, a tribunal of this State shall issue a certificate or other document and make findings required by the law of the responding state. If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, upon request the tribunal of this State shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported and provide any other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal. [PL 2009, c. 95, §36 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1873 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1873
19-A §1873. Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

The State Registrar of Vital Statistics may adopt rules to implement this subchapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules for the purposes of Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1804 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 59 / Section 1804
19-A §1804. Mediation
Status: in_force

The court may refer the parties to mediation at any time after a court determination pursuant to section 1803, subsection 2, paragraph C that the grandparent has standing and may require that the parties have made a good faith effort to mediate the issue before holding a hearing. If the court finds that either party failed to make a good faith effort to mediate, the court may order the parties to submit to mediation, dismiss the action or any part of the action, render a decision or judgment by default, assess attorney's fees and costs or impose any other sanction that is appropriate in the circumstances. The court may also impose an appropriate sanction upon a party's failure without good cause to appear for mediation after receiving notice of the scheduled time for mediation. [PL 2017, c. 328, §5 (AMD).]

An agreement reached by the parties through mediation on an issue must be reduced to writing, signed by the parties and presented to the court for approval as a court order. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1764 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1764
19-A §1764. Temporary visitation
Status: in_force

1. Temporary order for enforcement. A court of this State that does not have jurisdiction to modify a child custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing: A. A visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] B. The visitation provisions of a child custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

2. Duration of order. If a court of this State makes an order under subsection 1, paragraph B , it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subchapter II . The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1904 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1904
19-A §1904. Genetic testing results
Status: in_force

1. Results identify as genetic parent. Under this chapter, a person is rebuttably identified as the genetic parent of a child if the genetic testing of the person complies with this subchapter and the results disclose: A. In the case of paternity: (1) That the man has at least a 99% probability of paternity, using a prior probability of 0.50, as calculated by using the paternity index obtained in the testing; and (2) A paternity index of at least 100 to 1; and [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. In the case of maternity: (1) That the woman has at least a 99% probability of maternity, using a prior probability of at least 0.50, as calculated by using the maternity index obtained in the testing; and (2) A maternity index of at least 100 to 1. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Identification of genetic parent. Identification of a genetic parent through genetic testing does not establish parentage absent adjudication under this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Rebuttal. A person identified under subsection 1 as the genetic father or genetic mother of the child may rebut the genetic testing results only by other genetic testing satisfying the requirements of this subchapter that: A. Excludes the person as a genetic father or genetic mother of the child; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. In the case of a genetic father, identifies another man as the possible genetic father of the child or, in the case of a genetic mother, identifies another woman as the possible genetic mother of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Further genetic testing. Except as otherwise provided in section 1909 , if more than one person is identified by genetic testing as the possible genetic father or genetic mother of the child, the court shall order them to submit to further genetic testing to identify the sole genetic father or genetic mother. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1909 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1909
19-A §1909. Identical sibling
Status: in_force

1. Genetic testing of sibling. The court may order genetic testing of a sibling of a person if the person is commonly believed to have an identical sibling and evidence suggests that the sibling may be the genetic father or genetic mother of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Nongenetic evidence. If a person and a sibling of the person tested pursuant to subsection 1 satisfy the requirements as the identified genetic father or genetic mother of the child under section 1904 without consideration of another identical sibling being identified as the genetic father or genetic mother of the child, the court may rely on nongenetic evidence to adjudicate parentage under this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2251 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2251
19-A §2251. Purpose
Status: in_force

With this article, the Legislature intends to provide additional remedies for the enforcement of support for dependent children and spouses and former spouses caring for dependent children by establishing an alternative method directed to the real and personal property of the responsible parents. These remedies are in addition to, not in lieu of, existing law. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1556 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1556
19-A §1556. Remedies
Status: in_force

The District Court has jurisdiction for the enforcement of judgments for expenses of pregnancy and confinement for a wife or for education, support or funeral expenses for legitimate children and all remedies for the enforcement of these judgments apply. The court has continuing jurisdiction to modify or revoke a judgment for future education and support. All remedies under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act are available for enforcement of duties of support under this subchapter. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. B, §4 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1731 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1731
19-A §1731. Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 659 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 659
19-A §659. Penalties
Status: in_force

1. Solemnization without authorization. A person who solemnizes a marriage when not authorized to do so under section 655 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for each offense may be adjudged. Forfeitures collected must be distributed to the municipality in which the offense occurred. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Solemnization contrary to chapter. A person who intentionally or knowingly joins persons in marriage in violation of this chapter commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of $100 may be adjudged. The person may not join persons in marriage after being adjudicated as violating this subsection. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Violation by party to the marriage. A person who contracts a marriage in violation of this chapter commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of $100 may be adjudged. A person who makes false representations to obtain a marriage license or to cause the solemnization of marriage in violation of this chapter commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of $100 may be adjudged. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Violation by clerk. The clerk of a municipality who intentionally violates this chapter or falsely states the residence of either of the parties named in the license or certificate commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of $20 for each offense may be adjudged. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1871 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1871
19-A §1871. Forms for acknowledgment and denial of parentage
Status: in_force

To facilitate compliance with this subchapter, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall prescribe forms for the acknowledgment of parentage and the denial of parentage. A valid acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage is not affected by a later modification of the prescribed form. [PL 2021, c. 141, §16 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 104 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 104
19-A §104. Appeals
Status: in_force

Appeals may be taken from orders under this Title as in other civil actions. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1902 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1902
19-A §1902. Requirements for genetic testing
Status: in_force

1. Type of genetic testing. Genetic testing must be of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the field of genetic testing and performed in a testing laboratory accredited by: A. A national association of blood banks approved by the department; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. An accrediting body designated by the federal Secretary of Health and Human Services. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Specimen. A specimen used in genetic testing may consist of one or more samples, or a combination of samples, of blood, buccal cells, bone, hair or other body tissue or fluid. The specimen used in the testing need not be of the same kind for each individual undergoing genetic testing. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Selection of databases; objections. Based on the genetic population group of an individual, a testing laboratory shall determine the databases from which to select frequencies for use in calculation of the probability of genetic parentage. If there is disagreement as to the testing laboratory's choice, the following provisions apply. A. The court, upon motion, may require the testing laboratory, prior to adjudication, to recalculate the test results using a different database for genetic population groups from that used by the laboratory. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. The individual objecting to the testing laboratory's initial choice shall: (1) If the frequencies are not available to the testing laboratory for the genetic population groups requested, provide the requested frequencies compiled in a manner recognized by an accrediting body under subsection 1 ; or (2) Engage another accredited testing laboratory to perform the calculations. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. The testing laboratory may use its own statistical estimate if there is a question regarding which database for genetic population groups is appropriate. The testing laboratory shall calculate the frequencies using statistics, if available, for any other database requested. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Additional genetic testing. If, after recalculation under subsection 3 using a different database for genetic population groups, genetic testing does not rebuttably identify the genetic parent of a child under section 1904 , an individual who has been tested may be required to submit to additional genetic testing. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1852 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1852
19-A §1852. Nondiscrimination
Status: in_force

Every child has the same rights under law as any other child without regard to the marital status or gender of the parents or the circumstances of the child's birth. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3401 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3401
19-A §3401. Uniformity of application and construction
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this Act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. [PL 2003, c. 436, §48 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1748 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1748
19-A §1748. Temporary emergency jurisdiction
Status: in_force

1. Abandoned child; emergency. A court of this State has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this State and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child or a sibling or parent of the child is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

2. No previous determination and no pending proceeding. If there is no previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter and a child custody proceeding has not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 1745 to 1747, a child custody determination made under this section remains in effect until an order is obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 1745 to 1747. If a child custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 1745 to 1747, a child custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if it so provides, and this State becomes the home state of the child. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

3. Previous determination or pending proceeding. If there is a previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter or a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 1745 to 1747, any order issued by a court of this State under this section must specify in the order a period that the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under sections 1745 to 1747. The order issued in this State remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

4. Communication with court in another state. A court of this State that has been asked to make a child custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child custody determination has been made by, a court of a state having jurisdiction under sections 1745 to 1747, shall immediately communicate with the other court. A court of this State that is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to sections 1745 to 1747, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child custody determination has been made by, a court of another state under a statute similar to this section shall immediately communicate with the court of that state to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the child and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1924 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1924
19-A §1924. Consent to assisted reproduction
Status: in_force

1. Written consent. Consent by a person who intends to be a parent of a child born through assisted reproduction must be set forth in a signed record that is executed by each intended parent and provides that the signatories consent to use of assisted reproduction to conceive a child with the intent to parent the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Lack of written consent; parentage. Failure of a person to sign a consent required by subsection 1 before or after birth of the child does not preclude a finding of parentage: A. If consent can be proved by other means and the consenting individual resided with the child after birth and undertook to develop a parental relationship with the child; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. As provided in this chapter. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Consent form. Consent under subsection 1 executed via a consent form adopted by the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics must be accepted and relied upon for purposes of issuing a birth record. Nothing in this subsection precludes a person from filing a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage under subchapter 3 . [PL 2021, c. 141, §18 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1507 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 51 / Section 1507
19-A §1507. Appointment of guardian ad litem in contested proceedings
Status: in_force

1. Guardian ad litem; appointment. In contested proceedings under sections 904 , 1653 and 1803 in which a minor child is involved, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child. The appointment may be made at any time, but the court shall make every effort to make the appointment as soon as possible after the commencement of the proceeding. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem when the court has reason for special concern as to the welfare of a minor child. In determining whether an appointment must be made, the court shall consider: A. The wishes of the parties; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. The age of the child; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. The nature of the proceeding, including the contentiousness of the hearing; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. The financial resources of the parties; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. The extent to which a guardian ad litem may assist in providing information concerning the best interest of the child; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] F. Whether the family has experienced a history of domestic abuse; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] G. Abuse of the child by one of the parties; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] H. Other factors the court determines relevant. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] At the time of the appointment, the court shall specify the guardian ad litem's length of appointment, duties and fee arrangements. [PL 2005, c. 360, §2 (AMD).]

2. Qualifications. A guardian ad litem appointed on or after March 1, 2000 must meet the qualifications established by the Supreme Judicial Court. [PL 1999, c. 251, §1 (AMD).]

3. Duties. The guardian ad litem has both mandatory and optional duties. A. A guardian ad litem shall: (1) Interview the child face-to-face with or without another person present; and (3) Make a written report of investigations, findings and recommendations as ordered by the court, with copies of the report to each party and the court. [PL 1997, c. 257, §3 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 257, §6 (AFF).] B. The court shall specify the optional duties of the guardian ad litem. The optional duties of the guardian ad litem may include: (1) Interviewing the parents, teachers and other people who have knowledge of the child or family; (2) Reviewing mental health, medical and school records of the child; (3) Reviewing mental health and medical records of the parents; (4) Having qualified people perform medical and mental evaluations of the child; (5) Having qualified people perform medical and mental evaluations of the parents; (6) Procuring counseling for the child; (7) Retaining an attorney to represent the guardian ad litem in the pending proceeding, with approval of the court; (8) Subpoenaing witnesses and documents and examining and cross-examining witnesses; (9) Serving as a contact person between the parents and the child; or (10) Other duties that the court determines necessary, including, but not limited to, filing pleadings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] If, in order to perform the duties, the guardian ad litem needs information concerning the child or parents, the court may order the parents to sign an authorization form allowing the release of the necessary information. The guardian ad litem must be allowed access to the child by caretakers of the child, whether the caretakers are individuals, authorized agencies or child care providers. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. B, §9 (AMD).]

4. Best interest of the child. The guardian ad litem shall use the standard of the best interest of the child as set forth in section 1653, subsection 3 . The guardian ad litem shall make the wishes of the child known to the court if the child has expressed them, regardless of the recommendation of the guardian ad litem. [PL 1997, c. 257, §4 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 257, §6 (AFF).]

5. Written report. A guardian ad litem shall make a final written report to the parties and the court reasonably in advance of the hearing. The report is admissible as evidence and subject to cross-examination and rebuttal, whether or not objected to by a party. [PL 2001, c. 253, §3 (RPR).]

6. Court's agent. A person serving as a guardian ad litem under this section acts as the court's agent and is entitled to quasi-judicial immunity for acts performed within the scope of the duties of the guardian ad litem. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

7. Payment for services. Payment for the services of the guardian ad litem is the responsibility of the parties, as ordered by the court. In determining the responsibility for payment, the court shall consider: A. The income of the parties; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. The marital and nonmarital assets of the parties; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. The division of property made as part of the final divorce; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Which party requested appointment of a guardian ad litem; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. Other relevant factors. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

8. Notice. A guardian ad litem must be given notice of all civil or criminal hearings and proceedings, including, but not limited to, grand juries, in which the child is a party or a witness. The guardian ad litem shall protect the best interests of the child in those hearings and proceedings, unless otherwise ordered by the court. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2604 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2604
19-A §2604. Garnishment of military retirement pay
Status: in_force

Spouses and ex-spouses of retired military personnel may garnish by order of the court up to 50% of the disposable retired or retainer pay to satisfy child support orders and spousal support orders. This section applies regardless of the date of the child support order or spousal support order or the residence of the spouse or ex-spouse. For purposes of this section, "disposable retired or retainer pay" means the total monthly retired or retainer pay to which a retired military person is entitled, other than the retired pay of a member retired for disability under 10 United States Code, Chapter 61, less amounts excluded by 10 United States Code, Chapter 71, Section 1408. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2601 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2601
19-A §2601. Contempt
Status: in_force

Upon a motion to enforce a support order or costs, the court may issue summary process and may find the defaulting person guilty of contempt as provided under Title 14, section 252 . [PL 1997, c. 466, §24 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2001 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 63 / Section 2001
19-A §2001. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Basic support entitlement. "Basic support entitlement" means the sum derived from the child support table appropriate for each child and the parties' gross income. [PL 2017, c. 30, §2 (AMD).]

2. Child care costs. "Child care costs" means the actual child care costs incurred by the parties for each child for whom support is being established that are related to that party's employment, education or training and are reasonable or customary in the area in which that party resides. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Child support table. "Child support table" means the schedule that has been adopted by the department under section 2011 . [PL 2001, c. 554, §8 (AMD).]

3-A. Enhanced support entitlement. "Enhanced support entitlement" means the basic support entitlement multiplied by a factor of 1.5. [PL 2003, c. 415, §1 (NEW).]

4. Extraordinary medical expenses. "Extraordinary medical expenses" means recurring, uninsured medical expenses in excess of $250 per child or group of children per calendar year that can reasonably be predicted by the court or hearing officer at the time of establishment or modification of a support order. Responsibility for nonrecurring or subsequently occurring uninsured medical expenses in excess of $250 in the aggregate per child or group of children supported per calendar year must be divided between the parties in proportion to their adjusted gross incomes. These expenses include, but are not limited to, insurance copayments and deductibles, reasonable and necessary costs for orthodontia, dental treatment, eye care, eyeglasses, prescriptions, asthma treatment, physical therapy, chronic health problems and professional counseling or psychiatric therapy for diagnosed mental disorders. [PL 2001, c. 554, §9 (AMD).]

5. Gross income. "Gross income" means gross income of a party as follows. A. Gross income includes income from an ongoing source, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, commissions, royalties, bonuses, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust funds, annuities, capital gains, social security benefits, disability insurance benefits, prizes, workers' compensation benefits, spousal support actually received pursuant to a preexisting order from a spouse who is not the parent of the child for whom support is being determined and educational grants, fellowships or subsidies that are available for personal living expenses. Gross income does not include child support or permanency guardianship subsidies received by either party for children other than the child for whom support is being determined. [PL 2007, c. 284, §5 (AMD).] B. Gross income includes expense reimbursements or in-kind payments received by a party in the course of employment or self-employment or operation of a business if the expense reimbursements or in-kind payments reduce personal living expenses. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. Gross income includes gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses when a party is self-employed or derives income from proprietorship of a business, joint ownership of a partnership or a closely held business operation, and rents minus ordinary and necessary expenses. At the discretion of the court, amounts allowable by the United States Internal Revenue Service for the accelerated component of depreciation expenses or investment tax credits may or may not be treated as ordinary and necessary expenses. The court may also determine that other business expenses, including, but not limited to, business losses, are inappropriate for determining gross income for purposes of calculating child support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Gross income may include the difference between the amount a party is earning and that party's earning capacity when the party voluntarily becomes or remains unemployed or underemployed, if sufficient evidence is introduced concerning a party's current earning capacity. In the absence of evidence in the record to the contrary, a party that is personally providing primary care for a child under the age of 24 months is deemed not available for employment. The court shall consider anticipated child care and other work-related expenses in determining whether to impute income, or how much income to impute, to a party providing primary care to a child between the ages of 24 months and 12 years. A party who is incarcerated in a correctional or penal institution is deemed available only for employment that is available through such institutions. [PL 2015, c. 186, §2 (AMD).] E. Gross income of an obligor does not include the amount of a preexisting spousal support obligation to a former spouse who is not the parent of the child for whom support is being determined, a preexisting child support obligation pursuant to court or administrative order, or an appropriate amount of preexisting child support being voluntarily paid by a party who has a legal obligation to support that child. [PL 2009, c. 290, §7 (AMD).] F. [PL 2001, c. 264, §2 (RP).] G. Gross income does not include the amount of money received from means-tested public assistance programs, including, but not limited to, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, supplemental security income, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and general assistance. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. C, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. C, §3 (AMD).]

5-A. Health plan. [PL 2009, c. 290, §8 (RP).]

5-B. Medical care costs. [PL 2009, c. 290, §9 (RP).]

5-C. Medical support. [PL 2009, c. 290, §10 (RP).]

6. Parental support obligation. "Parental support obligation" means the portion of total basic or enhanced support obligation a party is ordered to pay in money as child support. [PL 2003, c. 415, §2 (AMD).]

7. Primary residence. "Primary residence" means the residence of a child where that child receives residential care for more than 50% of the time on an annual basis if the parents do not provide substantially equal care as defined in subsection 8‑A . [PL 2003, c. 415, §2 (AMD).]

8. Primary residential care provider. "Primary residential care provider" means the party who provides residential care for a child for more than 50% of the time on an annual basis if the parents do not provide substantially equal care as defined in subsection 8‑A . [PL 2003, c. 415, §2 (AMD).]

8-A. Substantially equal care. "Substantially equal care" means that both parents participate substantially equally in the child's total care, which may include, but is not limited to, the child's residential, educational, recreational, child care and medical, dental and mental health care needs. [PL 2003, c. 415, §3 (NEW).]

9. Support guidelines. "Support guidelines" means the child support table and the criteria for application of the table set forth in section 2006 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

10. Total basic support obligation. "Total basic support obligation" means the sum of money determined by adding the basic support entitlement, child care costs, extraordinary medical expenses and health insurance premiums. [PL 2003, c. 415, §4 (AMD).]

10-A. Total enhanced support obligation. "Total enhanced support obligation" means the sum of money determined by calculating the enhanced support entitlement. "Total enhanced support obligation" does not include child care costs, extraordinary medical expenses and health insurance premiums. [PL 2003, c. 415, §5 (NEW).]

11. Twelve through 17 years; between the ages of 12 and 18 years. [PL 2017, c. 30, §3 (RP).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1926 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1926
19-A §1926. Effect of dissolution of marriage or withdrawal of consent
Status: in_force

1. Dissolution of marriage prior to transfer or implantation. If a marriage is dissolved before transfer or implantation of gametes or embryos, the former spouse is not a parent of the resulting child unless the former spouse consented in a signed record with notice to the other spouse and the woman giving birth that, if assisted reproduction were to occur after a divorce, the former spouse would be a parent of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Withdrawal of consent prior to transfer or implantation. The consent of a person to assisted reproduction under section 1924 may be withdrawn by that person in a signed record with notice to the person giving birth and any other intended parent before transfer or implantation of gametes or embryos. A person who withdraws consent under this subsection is not a parent of the resulting child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1912 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1912
19-A §1912. Authority to deny requested order for genetic testing or admission of test results or to consider other factors when adjudicating parentage
Status: in_force

1. Grounds for denial. In a proceeding to adjudicate parentage, the court may deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing or deny admissibility of the test results at trial if the court determines that: A. The conduct of the parties estops a party from denying parentage; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. It would be an inequitable interference to the relationship between the child and a parent or otherwise contrary to the best interest of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Factors. In determining whether to deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing under this chapter or a request for admission of such test results at trial, or in an adjudication of parentage pursuant to section 1882 or 1915 , the court shall consider the best interest of the child, including the following factors, if relevant: A. The length of time between the proceeding to adjudicate parentage and the time that a parent was placed on notice that genetic parentage is at issue; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. The length of time during which the parent has assumed a parental role for the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. The facts surrounding discovery that genetic parentage is at issue; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] D. The nature of the relationship between the child and the parent; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] E. The age of the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] F. Any adverse effect on the child that may result if parentage is successfully disproved; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] G. The nature of the relationship between the child and any alleged parent; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] H. The extent to which the passage of time reduces the chances of establishing the parentage of another person and a child support obligation in favor of the child; and [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] I. Factors in addition to those in paragraphs A to H , including factors set forth in section 1653, subsection 3 , that may affect the equities arising from the disruption of the relationship between the child and the parent or the chance of other adverse effect to the child. [PL 2021, c. 610, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 610, §7 (AMD).]

3. Guardian ad litem. In a proceeding involving the application of this section, a minor or incapacitated child may be represented by a guardian ad litem. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Order. In cases involving an acknowledged or presumed parent, if the court denies a motion seeking an order for genetic testing, the court shall issue an order adjudicating the acknowledged or presumed parent to be the parent of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2111 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2111
19-A §2111. Criminal history record checks for Department of Health and Human Services employees, applicants for employment, contractors and subcontractors
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Federal Bureau of Investigation" means the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).] B. "State Police" means the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

2. Criminal history; information about criminal records and data obtained. The department shall obtain, in print or electronic format, criminal history record information containing a record of public criminal history record information as defined in Title 16, section 703, subsection 8 , from the Maine Criminal Justice Information System, established pursuant to Title 16, section 631 , and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for any person employed by the department, who may be offered employment by the department or who is employed by or may be offered employment by a department contractor or subcontractor in order to comply with the United States Internal Revenue Service's tax information security guidelines for federal, state and local agencies. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

3. Fingerprint-based criminal history obtained. A person employed by the department or a person who is employed by a department contractor or subcontractor shall consent to and have the person's fingerprints taken. A person who may be offered employment by the department or by a department contractor or subcontractor shall consent to and have the person's fingerprints taken prior to being employed by the department or by a department contractor or subcontractor. The State Police shall take or cause to be taken the fingerprints of a person who has consented under this subsection and shall forward the fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety so that the Department of Public Safety may conduct a state and national criminal history record check on the person. The Department of Public Safety shall forward the results obtained to the department. The fee charged to the department by the State Police must be consistent with the fee charged to executive branch agencies receiving similar services. Except for the portion of the payment that constitutes the processing fee charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, all money received by the State Police under this subsection must be paid to the Treasurer of State, who shall apply the money to the expenses of administration of this section by the Department of Public Safety. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

4. Updates to information. The department may request a subsequent criminal history record check under subsection 3 on an employee, a person who has been offered employment by the department, an employee of a department contractor or subcontractor or a person who has been offered employment by a department contractor or subcontractor as the department determines appropriate, including continuous notifications of updated criminal history record information if a service providing notifications of updated criminal history record information becomes available. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

5. Confidentiality. Information obtained pursuant to this section is confidential and may not be disseminated for purposes other than as provided in subsections 6 and 7 . [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

6. Use of information obtained. Criminal history record information obtained pursuant to this section may be used by the department for employment purposes to screen an employee, a person who may be offered employment by the department, an employee of a department contractor or subcontractor or a person who may be offered employment by a department contractor or subcontractor. The subject of any criminal history record check under subsection 3 may contest any negative decision made by the department based upon the information received pursuant to the criminal history record check. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

7. Person's access to information obtained. A person subject to a criminal history record check pursuant to subsection 3 must be notified each time a criminal history record check is performed on the person. A person subject to a criminal history record check under subsection 3 may inspect and review the criminal history record information pursuant to Title 16, section 709 and obtain federal information obtained pursuant to the criminal history record check by following the procedures outlined in 28 Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 16.32 and 16.33. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]

8. Right of subject to remove fingerprints from record. Upon request from a person subject to a criminal history record check pursuant to subsection 3 , the Department of Public Safety shall remove the person's fingerprints from the Department of Public Safety's records and provide written confirmation of the removal to the person. [PL 2019, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1502 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 51 / Section 1502
19-A §1502. Either parent dead or guilty of abandonment, rights devolve on other
Status: in_force

If one of the parents of a minor child is dead or has abandoned the child, all parental rights respecting the child devolve upon the other parent. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3013 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3013
19-A §3013. Costs and fees
Status: in_force

1. No fees or costs by petitioner. The petitioner may not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Fees and costs if obligee prevails. If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of this State may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, other costs and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. The tribunal may not assess fees, costs or expenses against the obligee or the support enforcement agency of either the initiating or the responding state or foreign country, except as provided by other law. Attorney's fees may be taxed as costs and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs and expenses. [PL 2009, c. 95, §46 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Costs and fees if hearing for delay. The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney's fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. In a proceeding under subchapter VI , a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4101 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4101
19-A §4101. Purposes
Status: in_force

The court shall liberally construe and apply this chapter to promote the following underlying purposes: [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

1. Recognition. To recognize domestic abuse as a serious crime against the individual and society, producing an unhealthy and dangerous family environment, resulting in a pattern of escalating abuse, including violence, that frequently culminates in intrafamily homicide and creating an atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development; [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

2. Protection. To allow family and household members who are victims of domestic abuse to obtain expeditious and effective protection against further abuse so that the lives of the nonabusing family or household members are as secure and uninterrupted as possible; [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

3. Enforcement. To provide protection by promptly entering and diligently enforcing court orders that prohibit abuse and, when necessary, by reducing the abuser's access to the victim and addressing related issues of parental rights and responsibilities and economic support so that victims are not trapped in abusive situations by fear of retaliation, loss of a child or financial dependence; [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

4. Prevention. To expand the power of the justice system to respond effectively to situations of domestic abuse, to clarify the responsibilities and support the efforts of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judicial officers to provide immediate, effective assistance and protection for victims of abuse and to recognize the crucial role of law enforcement officers in preventing further incidents of abuse and in assisting the victims of abuse; [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

5. Data collection. To provide for the collection of data concerning domestic abuse in an effort to develop a comprehensive analysis of the incidence and causes of that abuse; and [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

6. Mutual order. To declare that a mutual order of protection or restraint undermines the purposes of this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2607 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2607
19-A §2607. Modification of support order
Status: in_force

Modification of child support orders is governed by section 2009 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 801 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 25 / Section 801
19-A §801. Holding and disposing of property
Status: in_force

A married person, widow or widower of any age may own in the person's own right real and personal estate acquired by descent, gift or purchase. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1802 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 59 / Section 1802
19-A §1802. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Grandparent. "Grandparent" is a parent of a child's parent or the parent of the parent of a child's parent. "Grandparent" includes a parent of a child's parent whose parental rights have been terminated pursuant to Title 18‑C, section 9‑204 or Title 22, chapter 1071, subchapter 6 , but only until the child's adoption. [PL 2019, c. 197, §2 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

2. Sufficient existing relationship. "Sufficient existing relationship" means a relationship involving extraordinary contact between a grandparent and a child, including but not limited to circumstances in which the grandparent has been a primary caregiver and custodian of the child for a significant period of time. [PL 2017, c. 328, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3311 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3311
19-A §3311. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

1. Application. "Application" means a request under the Convention by an obligee or obligor, or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Central authority. "Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in section 2802, subsection 3‑A to perform the functions specified in the Convention. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Convention support order. "Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in section 2802, subsection 3‑A . [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

4. Direct request. "Direct request" means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this State in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor or child residing outside the United States. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

4-A. Foreign central authority. "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country as defined in section 2802, subsection 3-A to perform the functions specified in the Convention. [PL 2015, c. 186, §9 (NEW).]

5. Foreign support agreement. "Foreign support agreement" means an agreement for support in a record that: A. Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Has been formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal or authenticated by or concluded, registered or filed with a foreign tribunal; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] "Foreign support agreement" includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

6. United States central authority. "United States central authority" means the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1934 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1934
19-A §1934. Birth orders
Status: in_force

1. Action for birth order. Pursuant to a valid gestational carrier agreement under this subchapter, before or after the birth of the resulting child a party to the gestational carrier agreement may commence a proceeding in District Court to obtain an order: A. Designating the contents of the birth certificate in accordance with Title 22, section 2761 and directing the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics to designate the intended parent or parents as the parent or parents of the child. The State Registrar of Vital Statistics may charge a reasonable fee for the issuance of a birth certificate; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Declaring that the intended parent or parents are the parent or parents of the resulting child and ordering that parental rights and responsibilities vest exclusively in the intended parent or parents immediately upon the birth of the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. Sealing the record from the public to protect the privacy of the child and the parties; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] D. For any relief that the court determines necessary and proper. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. State not a necessary party. Neither this State nor the State Registrar of Vital Statistics is a necessary party to a proceeding under subsection 1 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1653-A — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 55 / Section 1653-A
19-A §1653-A. Parental rights and responsibilities; parent on active duty
Status: in_force

1. Departure under military orders. A court may not consider departure from the family residence or absence from the child or children as an adverse factor in determining parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a minor child when the departing parent is a member of the National Guard or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces under an order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose absence is due to compliance with military orders. [PL 2019, c. 341, §1 (NEW).]

2. Change of residence of child prohibited when parent under military orders. A court may not order a change of the primary physical residence of a child when one of the child's parents is a member of the National Guard or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces under an order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose absence from the State is due to compliance with military orders unless the change is in the best interest of the child. [PL 2019, c. 341, §1 (NEW).]

3. Application. This section applies only if the service of the member referred to in subsection 1 or subsection 2 is in support of: A. An operational mission for which members of the reserve components have been ordered to active duty; or [PL 2019, c. 341, §1 (NEW).] B. Forces activated during a period of war declared by Congress or a period of national emergency declared by the President or Congress. [PL 2019, c. 341, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 341, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1555 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1555
19-A §1555. Limitations on recovery from father's estate
Status: in_force

The obligation of the estate of the father for liabilities under this subchapter are limited to amounts accrued prior to his death and sums that may be payable for dependency under other laws. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1907 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1907
19-A §1907. Genetic testing when specimens not available
Status: in_force

1. Specimen not available; submission of specimens. Subject to subsection 2 , if a genetic testing specimen is not available from a person who may be the genetic father or genetic mother of a child, for good cause and under circumstances the court considers to be just, the court may order the following individuals to submit specimens for genetic testing: A. The parents of the person; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Brothers and sisters of the person; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. Other children of the person and their mothers; and [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] D. Relatives of the person necessary to complete genetic testing. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Finding required. Issuance of an order under this section requires a finding that a need for genetic testing outweighs the legitimate interests of the individual sought to be tested. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3101-C — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3101-C
19-A §3101-C. Immunity from civil liability
Status: in_force

An employer that complies with an income-withholding order issued in another state in accordance with this subchapter is not subject to civil liability to an individual or support enforcement agency with regard to the employer's withholding of child support payments from the obligor's income. [PL 2009, c. 95, §57 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3018 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3018
19-A §3018. Assistance with discovery
Status: in_force

A tribunal of this State may: [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Request a tribunal outside this State. Request a tribunal outside this State to assist in obtaining discovery; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §53 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Compel response. Upon request, compel a person over whom it has jurisdiction to respond to a discovery order issued by a tribunal outside this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §53 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2656 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2656
19-A §2656. Past-due support
Status: in_force

1. Withholding order. Upon meeting the conditions of this section, the department or an obligee may use an income withholding order issued under this subchapter to collect past-due support. Past-due support may be collected in addition to or apart from current support. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the court may order payment of past-due support by income withholding upon a determination by the court of the amount past due. If the court so orders, the department or obligee need not proceed in accordance with this section and may issue the withholding order to collect the past-due support immediately. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Collection of past-due support by department. Before the department may implement an income withholding order issued under this section to collect past-due support, the department must establish the amount of support past due, unless the amount has been established by judicial or administrative action, agreement of the parties or by operation of law. A. If the obligor's debt for past-due support has been established by judicial or administrative action, agreement of the parties or by operation of law, the department shall serve the income withholding order upon the obligor's payor of income to collect the past-due support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. If the obligor's debt for past-due support is not established, the department may establish the amount past due by proceeding under section 2352 , by asking the court to determine the amount past due or by reaching agreement with the obligor as to the amount past due. Once the obligor's debt for past-due support has been established, the department shall serve the income withholding order upon the obligor's payor of income to collect the past-due support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Collection of past-due support by private action. To collect past-due support by an income withholding order issued under this subchapter, an obligee who does not receive support enforcement services from the department must: A. Determine that the amounts payable under the support order are equal to or greater than the amount due for 30 days; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Serve written notice of the obligee's determination of past-due support upon the obligor at least 20 days before service of the determination of past-due support and a copy of the income withholding order upon the obligor's payor of income. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] An obligee may serve an income withholding order upon the obligor's payor of income 21 days after service of the obligee's determination of past-due support upon the obligor unless the obligor files a motion for determination of past-due support with the court and an ex parte request for a stay of withholding in accordance with subsection 4 . If the obligor does not file a motion for determination of past-due support with the court and request the court to issue an ex parte stay of withholding, the obligee may serve a copy of the obligee's determination of past-due support and a copy of the withholding order upon the obligor's payor of income. The obligee shall send copies of the determination of past-due support and the withholding order served upon the payor of income to the department by regular mail at the time of service. Upon receipt of the copies, the department shall issue a letter to the obligor and obligee that confirms receipt, provides a support enforcement case number to identify payments and explains the department's role as the administering agency. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Stay. The court may grant a stay of the withholding of past-due support claimed upon request of the obligor as long as the obligor timely files a motion for determination of past-due support. A stay issued by the court under this subsection must expire in 60 days and may be reissued only upon a showing by the obligor that the obligor has made reasonable efforts to obtain a hearing on the motion for determination of past-due support during the stay. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2256 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2256
19-A §2256. Notices; readability
Status: in_force

1. Readability score. As notices are revised by the department and as resources permit, all notices provided by the department under this article must have a readability score, as determined by a recognized instrument for measuring adult literacy levels, equivalent to no higher than a 6th-grade reading level. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Report. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF); MRSA T. 19-A §2256, sub-§2 (RP).]
19-A M.R.S. § 251 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 251
19-A §251. Mediation
Status: in_force

1. Court authority to order mediation. The court may, in any case under this Title, at any time refer the parties to mediation on any issue. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Required mediation. Except as provided in paragraph B , prior to a contested hearing under chapter 27 , chapter 29 , chapter 55 , chapter 61 or chapter 63 when there are minor children of the parties, the court shall refer the parties to mediation. A. For good cause shown, the court, prior to referring the parties to mediation, may hear motions for temporary relief, pending final judgment on an issue or combination of issues for which good cause for temporary relief has been shown. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Upon motion supported by affidavit, the court may, for extraordinary cause shown, waive the mediation requirement under this subsection. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §6 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Mediated agreement. An agreement reached by the parties through mediation on issues must be reduced to writing, signed by the parties and presented to the court for approval as a court order. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. No agreement; good faith effort required. When agreement through mediation is not reached on an issue, the court must determine that the parties made a good faith effort to mediate the issue before proceeding with a hearing. If the court finds that either party failed to make a good faith effort to mediate, the court may order the parties to submit to mediation, may dismiss the action or a part of the action, may render a decision or judgment by default, may assess attorney's fees and costs or may impose any other sanction that is appropriate in the circumstances. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. Failure to appear. The court may also impose an appropriate sanction upon a party's failure without good cause to appear for mediation after receiving notice of the scheduled time for mediation. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

6. Waiver of mediation; questions of law. The court may hear motions to waive mediation in cases in which there are no facts at issue and all unresolved issues are questions of law. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2154 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2154
19-A §2154. Employment information
Status: in_force

1. Employment information; definition. An employer doing business in this State shall report to the department the hiring of a newly hired employee. For the purposes of this section, "newly hired employee" means a person who resides or works in this State to whom the employer anticipates paying earnings and who: A. [PL 2013, c. 279, §1 (RP).] B. [PL 2013, c. 279, §1 (RP).] C. Was previously employed by the employer but who has been separated from that prior employment for at least 60 consecutive days; or [PL 2013, c. 279, §1 (NEW).] D. Has not previously been employed by the employer. [PL 2013, c. 279, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 279, §1 (AMD).]

2. Exceptions. [PL 1997, c. 669, §3 (RP).]

3. W-4 form. An employer required to report under subsection 1 may report by mailing the employee's copy of the W-4 form, transmitting a facsimile of the W-4 form, sending magnetic tape in a compatible format or by other means, as mutually agreed to by the employer and the department, that will result in timely reporting. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Report. An employer shall submit a report within 7 days of the date that services for remuneration are first performed by a newly hired employee. The report must contain: A. The employee's name, address, social security number, date of birth and the most recent date that services for remuneration were first performed by the employee; and [PL 2013, c. 279, §2 (AMD).] B. The employer's name, address and employment security reference number or unified business identifier number. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2013, c. 279, §2 (AMD).]

4-A. Independent contractors. [PL 2009, c. 198, §1 (RP).]

4-B. Independent contractors. An employer who reports under subsection 1 shall also report the contracting for services in this State with an independent contractor when reimbursement for such services is anticipated to equal or exceed $2,500. A. An employer required to report under this subsection may report by mailing a copy of the employer’s federal Internal Revenue Service 1099-MISC form, transmitting a facsimile of the 1099-MISC form, sending magnetic tape in a compatible format or by other means, as mutually agreed to by the employer and the department, that will result in timely reporting. [PL 2009, c. 198, §2 (NEW).] B. The employer shall report the information in this paragraph within 7 days of the earlier of first making payments that in the aggregate equal or exceed $2,500 in any year to an independent contractor and entering into a contract or contracts with an independent contractor providing for payments that in the aggregate equal or exceed $2,500 in any year: (1) The independent contractor’s name, address and social security number; (2) The employer’s name, business name, address and telephone number; (3) The employer’s social security number, employment security reference number or unified business identifier number; (4) The date the contract is executed or, if no contract, the date payments in the aggregate first equal or exceed $2,500; and (5) The total dollar amount of the contract, if any, and the contract expiration date. [PL 2009, c. 198, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 198, §2 (NEW).]

5. Retention of records. [PL 1997, c. 537, §38 (RP); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]

6. Penalties. An employer who knowingly fails to report as required under this section must be given a written warning by the department for the first violation and is subject to a civil penalty of up to $200 per month for each subsequent violation after the warning has been given. All violations within a single month are considered a single violation for purposes of assessing the penalty. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

7. Transmissions to the National Directory of New Hires. Within 3 business days after the date information regarding a newly hired or rehired employee or independent contractor is entered into the department's computer system, the department shall transmit the information to the National Directory of New Hires maintained by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. After obtaining the information from the Department of Labor, the department shall send the National Directory of New Hires quarterly reports of wages and unemployment compensation benefits paid to persons who are reported to the department under this section as specified by federal regulations. [PL 2009, c. 198, §3 (AMD).]

8. Use of new hire information. The department shall use the information it receives under this section to locate persons and identify sources of income for purposes of: A. Establishing, enforcing and modifying child support obligations; [PL 1997, c. 537, §39 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).] B. Collecting overpayments of public assistance and overissue of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits when benefits are no longer being paid; and [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. C, §4 (AMD).] C. Determining eligibility and enforcing eligibility rules for cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, Medicaid and other benefit programs funded or administered by the department. [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. C, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 405, Pt. C, §4 (AMD).]

9. Access to information. The Department of Labor, the Workers' Compensation Board and the State Tax Assessor may have access to the information reported to the department for purposes of program administration. [PL 1997, c. 537, §39 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]

10. Independent contractor. For purposes of this section, "independent contractor" means an individual who is not an employee of the employer and who receives compensation or executes a contract for services performed for that employer within or without this State. "Independent contractor" does not include a direct seller as defined in 26 United States Code, Section 3508(b)(2). [PL 2009, c. 198, §4 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1773 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1773
19-A §1773. Recognition and enforcement
Status: in_force

A court of this State shall accord full faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with this chapter that enforces a child custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II . [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3101-B — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3101-B
19-A §3101-B. Employer's compliance with 2 or more income-withholding orders
Status: in_force

If an employer receives 2 or more income-withholding orders with respect to the earnings of the same obligor, the employer satisfies the terms of the orders if the employer complies with the laws of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment when establishing the priorities for withholding and allocating income withheld for 2 or more child support obligees. [PL 2003, c. 436, §30 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 356 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 356
19-A §356. Federal funds
Status: in_force

The commission may accept federal funds on behalf of the State. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1601 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1601
19-A §1601. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Alleged father. "Alleged father" means: A. A man who is alleged to have engaged in sexual intercourse with a child's mother during a possible time of conception of the child; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. A man who is presumed to be a child's father under chapter 61 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §9 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §9 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Blood or tissue-typing tests. "Blood or tissue-typing tests" means tests that demonstrate through examination of genetic markers the paternity of a child. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Paternity proceeding. "Paternity proceeding" means the administrative proceeding provided in this subchapter for the commencement of an action to establish paternity under subchapter I . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3016 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3016
19-A §3016. Special rules of evidence and procedure
Status: in_force

1. Physical presence not required. The physical presence of a nonresident party who is an individual in a tribunal of this State is not required for the establishment, enforcement or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child. [PL 2009, c. 95, §47 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Admissible evidence. An affidavit, a document substantially complying with federally mandated forms or a document incorporated by reference in any of them that would not be excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person is admissible in evidence if given under penalty of perjury by a party or witness residing outside this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §48 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Copy of payment record admissible. A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it and is admissible to show whether payments were made. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Copies of bills admissible. Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least 10 days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary and customary. [PL 2009, c. 95, §49 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

5. No objection based on means of transmission. Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this State to a tribunal of this State by telephone, telecopier or other electronic means that does not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission. [PL 2009, c. 95, §50 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

6. Testimony not in person. In a proceeding under this chapter, a tribunal of this State shall permit a party or witness residing outside this State to be deposed or to testify by telephone, audiovisual means or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. A tribunal of this State shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony. [PL 2009, c. 95, §51 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

7. Adverse inference from refusal to answer. If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

8. No spousal privilege. A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

9. No familial immunity. The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

10. Voluntary acknowledgment admissible. A voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of the child. [PL 2021, c. 141, §19 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1834 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1834
19-A §1834. Parentage proceeding
Status: in_force

1. Proceeding authorized. A proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child may be maintained in accordance with this chapter and applicable rules of procedure. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Original actions. Original actions to adjudicate parentage may be commenced only in District Court. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Other proceedings. The District Court and the Probate Court are authorized to adjudicate parentage under this chapter when parentage is an issue in any other pending proceeding. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. No right to jury. There is no right to demand a jury trial in an action to determine parentage. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

5. Disclosure of social security numbers. A person who is a party to a parentage action shall disclose that person's social security number to the court. The social security number of a person subject to a parentage adjudication must be placed in the court records relating to the adjudication. The record of a person's social security number is confidential and is not open to the public. The court shall disclose a person's social security number to the department for child support enforcement purposes. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2605 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2605
19-A §2605. Orders relating to the receipt of public assistance or support enforcement services
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Public assistance" means public assistance as provided under Title 22, section 3173 , 3271 , 3762 or 3790 . [PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).] B. "Support enforcement services" means the services provided by the department under section 2103 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. "Support order" means a decree or order for support of a child, for support pending a divorce action or for alteration of a custody or support order. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. "Support payments" means money ordered to be paid directly to a parent for the support of a child. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).]

2. Pleading public assistance or support enforcement services. In an action to establish a support order, enforce a support order, amend a support order or to collect support arrearages, if the child is receiving or has received public assistance in a relevant time period, the party bringing the action shall affirmatively plead that fact. If the party is receiving support enforcement services, the party shall affirmatively plead that fact. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Notice to State. In an action to establish or vacate a paternity order or support order, enforce a support order, amend a support order or to collect support arrearages, if the action relates to a period when the child has received, is receiving or will receive public assistance or the party is receiving support enforcement services pursuant to section 2103 , the party bringing the action must send a copy of the motion or petition and all accompanying documents by ordinary mail to the department when the motion or petition is filed with the court. If the party bringing the action fails to comply with this subsection, the court may allow the department additional time to file all necessary pleadings. [PL 2001, c. 554, §15 (AMD).]

4. Health insurance. If a support order contains an order for a parent to provide health, medical or hospital insurance coverage and if the insured child is receiving public assistance, then the insuring parent shall provide the department with proof of the insurance coverage within 15 days of receipt of a copy of the order and with written notice of any change in that coverage within 15 days of the change. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. State reimbursement. If a child is receiving public assistance, the support order must require that support payments be made to the department for the period of public assistance. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2665 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2665
19-A §2665. Application for services
Status: in_force

The department shall furnish and the clerk of the court shall make available to all individuals awarded child support application forms and blank contracts for the department's support enforcement services. The department shall also furnish the clerk with forms that enable an individual to refuse services. The clerk shall send to the department all application forms, contracts and refusal forms submitted together with the attested copies of the orders that the clerk is required to send the department under section 2664 . Each individual who is awarded child support by the court must complete either the application form and contract or the form for refusal of services. The court shall inform a person who is awarded child support that that person must complete either the application and contract for services or the form to refuse services and submit them to the clerk. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1928 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1928
19-A §1928. Birth orders
Status: in_force

1. Proceeding for birth order. Before or after the birth of the resulting child, a party consenting to assisted reproduction, a person who has a written agreement to be a parent pursuant to section 1922, subsection 2, paragraph B , the intended parent or parents or the person giving birth may commence a proceeding in District Court to obtain an order: A. Declaring that the intended parent or parents are the parent or parents of the resulting child and ordering that parental rights and responsibilities vest exclusively in the intended parent or parents immediately upon the birth of the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Sealing the record from the public to protect the privacy of the child and the parties; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. For any relief that the court determines necessary and proper. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. State not a necessary party. Neither this State nor the State Registrar of Vital Statistics is a necessary party to a proceeding under subsection 1 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1770 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1770
19-A §1770. Hearing and order
Status: in_force

1. Immediate physical custody of child. Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to section 1748 , upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that: A. The child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under section 1765 and that: (1) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under subchapter II ; (2) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II ; or (3) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of section 1738 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] B. The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under section 1765 but has been vacated, stayed or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

2. Award of fees, costs and expenses. The court shall award the fees, costs and expenses authorized under section 1772 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

3. Refusal to answer. If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

4. Privilege and immunity may not be invoked. A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this subchapter. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 101 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 101
19-A §101. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Title, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Adult. "Adult" means a person who is 18 years of age or older. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Child. "Child" means a person who has not attained 18 years of age. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, a designee or an authorized representative. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV).]

4. Department. "Department" means the Department of Health and Human Services and its agents and authorized representatives. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]

5. Minor or minor child. "Minor" or "minor child" means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

6. Obligee. "Obligee" means any person to whom a duty of support is owed. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

7. Obligor. "Obligor" means any person owing a duty of support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

8. Parent. "Parent" means the legal parent or the legal guardian when no legal parent exists. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

9. Person. "Person" means an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, corporation, political subdivision of the State, instrumentality of the State or other entity. [PL 1997, c. 537, §11 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]

10. State. The term "state" means any state, territory or possession of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4107 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4107
19-A §4107. Service of order
Status: in_force

If the court issues an order under this chapter, the court shall order an appropriate law enforcement agency or, if the defendant is present in the courthouse, a court security officer qualified pursuant to Title 4, section 17, subsection 15 or, if the defendant is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Corrections to serve the defendant personally with the order. Temporary orders must be served with the summons and complaint. The court shall cause the order to be delivered to the law enforcement agency, the court security officer or the correctional facility in which the defendant is incarcerated as soon as practicable following the issuance of the order. The law enforcement agency, court security officer or chief administrative officer of a correctional facility or the chief administrative officer's designee shall make a good faith effort to serve process expeditiously. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

1. Electronically transmitted printed copies of order. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, service of an order may be made pursuant to this section through the use of electronically transmitted printed copies of orders that have been transmitted directly from the court to the law enforcement agency or correctional facility making service. Return of proof of service may be made by electronic transmission of the proof of service directly to the court from the law enforcement officer making service or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, of the correctional facility making service. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

2. Officer who served order as witness. In any subsequent criminal prosecution for violation of this chapter when the service of an order was made through the use of an electronically transmitted printed copy of the order, with 10 days' advance written notice to the prosecution, the defendant may request that the prosecution call as a witness the law enforcement officer who served the order or the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, of the correctional facility that served the order. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2364 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2364
19-A §2364. Foreclosure on liens
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall proceed as follows with respect to foreclosures on filed liens. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Liens on real property. Actions to foreclose liens on real property filed under former Title 19, section 503 or 503-A or section 2357 may be brought in the county where the lien is filed pursuant to the procedures of Title 14, chapter 403, subchapter II . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Liens on personal property. Actions to foreclose liens on personal property filed under former Title 19, section 503 or 503-A or section 2357 may be brought in the county where the lien is filed pursuant to the procedures of Title 14, chapter 509, subchapter III . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Liens; hearing to determine ownership interest. Before the foreclosure, the obligor and any other persons who claim an ownership interest in the property subject to the lien have a right to an administrative hearing to establish the value of their relative interest in the property. A request for a hearing must be in writing and must be received by the department within 10 calendar days of the notice of the foreclosure. Upon receiving a request for a hearing, the department shall notify all persons the department has reason to believe have an ownership interest in the property of the time, place and nature of the hearing. At the hearing, the hearing officer shall determine the value of the interests of all persons with an ownership interest in the property. [PL 1997, c. 407, §4 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 407, §5 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2303 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2303
19-A §2303. Right of support enforcement
Status: in_force

If no order of support exists, the department has the right provided in section 2102 to enforce the duty of support. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1736 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1736
19-A §1736. Effect of child custody determination
Status: in_force

A child custody determination made by a court of this State that had jurisdiction under this chapter binds all persons who have been served in accordance with the laws of this State or notified in accordance with section 1738 or who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and who have been given an opportunity to be heard. As to those persons, the determination is conclusive as to all decided issues of law and fact except to the extent the determination is modified. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 652 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 652
19-A §652. Issuance of marriage license
Status: in_force

1. Marriage license issued. After the filing of notice of intentions of marriage, except as otherwise provided, the clerk or the State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall deliver to the parties a marriage license specifying the time when the intentions were recorded. [PL 2019, c. 340, §8 (AMD).]

2. Marriage license to nonresidents. [PL 2001, c. 574, §4 (RP).]

3. Void after 90 days. The license is void if not used within 90 days from the day the intentions were filed in accordance with section 651 . [PL 2019, c. 340, §9 (AMD).]

4. Expedited procedure. [PL 2001, c. 574, §4 (RP).]

5. Informational brochure. [PL 2025, c. 130, §2 (RP).]

6. Related parties. A marriage license may not be issued to parties related as described in section 701, subsection 2 , unless the clerk or State Registrar of Vital Statistics has received from the parties the physician's certificate of genetic counseling required by section 651 . [PL 2019, c. 340, §10 (AMD).]

7. Parties who are 17 years of age. [PL 2025, c. 47, §1 (RP).]

8. Parties under 18 years of age. The clerk or State Registrar of Vital Statistics may not issue a marriage license to a person under 18 years of age. A. [PL 2019, c. 535, §1 (RP).] B. [PL 2019, c. 535, §1 (RP).] C. [PL 2019, c. 535, §1 (RP).] [PL 2025, c. 47, §2 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 908 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 908
19-A §908. Disclosure and recording of social security numbers
Status: in_force

An individual who is a party to a divorce action must disclose that individual's social security number to the court. The social security number of any individual who is subject to a divorce decree must be placed in the court records relating to the decree. The record of an individual's social security number is confidential and is not open to the public. The court shall disclose an individual's social security number to the department for child support enforcement purposes. [PL 1997, c. 537, §13 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1738 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1738
19-A §1738. Notice to persons outside State
Status: in_force

1. Notice given by service of process. Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this State may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this State for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effective. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

2. Proof of service. Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of this State or by the law of the state in which the service is made. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

3. Notice not required. Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3017 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3017
19-A §3017. Communications between tribunals
Status: in_force

A tribunal of this State may communicate with a tribunal outside this State in a record, in an e-mail or by telephone or other means to obtain information concerning the laws; the legal effect of a judgment, decree or order of that tribunal; and the status of a proceeding. A tribunal of this State may furnish similar information by similar means to a tribunal outside this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §52 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1805 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 59 / Section 1805
19-A §1805. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

An action may be commenced in the District Court for the district in which the minor child resides. If a child protective proceeding pursuant to Title 22, chapter 1071 that involves the minor child is pending, the court may consolidate the action filed under this chapter with that child protection proceeding. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §35 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

An action must be commenced in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Proceedings under this chapter are governed by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 351 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 351
19-A §351. Commission established
Status: in_force

The Family Law Advisory Commission, established in Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 52-A and referred to in this chapter as the "commission," is created for the purpose of conducting a continuing study of the family laws of Maine. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1865 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1865
19-A §1865. Equivalent to adjudication
Status: in_force

1. Acknowledgment. Except as otherwise provided in sections 1867 and 1868 , a valid acknowledgment of parentage under section 1861 filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics is equivalent to an adjudication of parentage of a child and confers upon the acknowledged parent all of the rights and duties of a parent. [PL 2021, c. 141, §10 (AMD).]

2. Denial. Except as otherwise provided in sections 1867 and section 1868, subsection 1 , a valid denial of parentage under section 1863 filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics in conjunction with a valid acknowledgment of parentage under section 1861 is equivalent to an adjudication of the nonparentage of the presumed parent or alleged genetic parent and discharges the presumed parent or alleged genetic parent from all rights and duties of a parent. [PL 2021, c. 141, §10 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1931 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1931
19-A §1931. Eligibility to enter gestational carrier agreement
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility of gestational carrier. In order to execute an agreement to act as a gestational carrier, a woman must: A. Be at least 21 years of age; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Have previously given birth to at least one child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. Have completed a medical evaluation that includes a mental health consultation; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] D. Have had independent legal representation of her own choosing and paid for by the intended parent or parents regarding the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and have been advised of the potential legal consequences of the gestational carrier agreement; and [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] E. Not have contributed gametes that will ultimately result in an embryo that she will attempt to carry to term, unless the gestational carrier is entering into an agreement with a family member. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Eligibility of intended parent or parents. Prior to executing a gestational carrier agreement, a person or persons intending to become a parent or parents, whether genetically related to the child or not, must: A. Complete a medical evaluation and mental health consultation; and [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Retain independent legal representation regarding the terms of the gestational carrier agreement and have been advised of the potential legal consequences of the gestational carrier agreement. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 650-A — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 650-A
19-A §650-A. Codification of marriage
Status: in_force

Marriage is the legally recognized union of 2 people. Gender-specific terms relating to the marital relationship or familial relationships must be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes throughout the law, whether in the context of statute, administrative or court rule, policy, common law or any other source of civil law. [IB 2011, c. 1, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1607 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1607
19-A §1607. Applicability; Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 5(b)
Status: in_force

The Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 5(b) applies to a proceeding under this chapter. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2661 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2661
19-A §2661. Notice of termination
Status: in_force

When a payor of income is unable to continue withholding from an obligor's income because the relationship between the payor and obligor ends, the payor shall send the department a written notice of termination within 15 days. The notice must include: [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Obligor's identification. The obligor's name, last known address and social security number; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Department case number. The obligor's department support enforcement case number; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Termination date. The date of termination of the relationship; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. New payor. If known, the name and address of a new payor of income to the obligor. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2609 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2609
19-A §2609. Definition
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, "order of support or costs" or "judgment of spousal support, support or costs" means a judgment or order for spousal support or payment of money instead of spousal support, for support of children, for support pending a divorce action, for payment of related costs and attorney's fees or for alteration of an existing judgment or order for the custody or support of a child. [PL 1997, c. 537, §49 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1611 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1611
19-A §1611. Refusal of alleged father to submit to blood or tissue-typing tests
Status: in_force

1. Filing of record in court. If the alleged father denies paternity and subsequently fails to submit to blood or tissue-typing testing, the record may be filed in court as a paternity action and the department may seek an adjudication of paternity pursuant to section 1914 . The alleged father's refusal to submit to a blood or tissue-typing test constitutes a refusal to submit under section 1914 . The filing of the record, along with proof of service pursuant to section 1604 , constitutes compliance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 3(1). [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §14 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Notice of filing. The department shall send to the alleged father by ordinary mail notice of the filing of the paternity proceeding and a request under section 1911 . Within 20 days of the mailing of this notice, the alleged father may assert any defense, in law or fact. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §14 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Request for default judgment or order. The department shall forward to the alleged father by ordinary mail a copy of any request for a default judgment or an order pursuant to section 1911 or 1914 . If the alleged father does not notify the court in writing within 20 days of the date the department's request was mailed that he opposes the relief requested by the department, the court may grant the relief requested without a hearing. Any notice mailed must contain the substance of this section. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §14 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3002 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3002
19-A §3002. Proceeding by minor parent
Status: in_force

A minor parent or a guardian or other legal representative of a minor parent may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the minor's child. [PL 2003, c. 436, §12 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1840 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1840
19-A §1840. Orders
Status: in_force

1. Interim order for support. In a proceeding under this subchapter, the court may issue an interim order for support of a child in accordance with the child support guidelines under chapter 63 with respect to a person who is: A. A presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated parent of the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. Petitioning to have parentage adjudicated; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. Identified as the genetic parent through genetic testing under subchapter 6 ; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] D. An alleged parent who has declined to submit to genetic testing; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] E. The woman who gave birth to the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Interim order for parental rights and responsibilities. In a proceeding under this subchapter, the court may order an initial allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. The order of the court must provide notice that if either party objects to the allocation, that party may file a complaint pursuant to section 1654 and that an order from that action supersedes this initial allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. In resolving parental rights and responsibilities issues, the court may not delay entering a determination of parentage and an initial order concerning child support. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Final orders. Final orders concerning child support or parental rights and responsibilities are governed by chapters 51 and 55 , respectively. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4109 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4109
19-A §4109. Hearings
Status: in_force

1. Full hearing. Within 21 days of the filing of a complaint, a hearing must be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of abuse or conduct specified in section 4103 by a preponderance of the evidence. If a request for temporary, emergency or interim relief is denied, the hearing must be held as soon as practicable within the 21-day period. Nothing in this section limits the court's discretion to continue the final hearing upon the court's own motion or upon the motion of either party. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

2. Self-defense. The right to relief under this chapter is not affected by the plaintiff's use of reasonable force in response to abuse by the defendant. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

3. Intoxication. Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to an action under this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3011 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3011
19-A §3011. Pleadings and accompanying documents
Status: in_force

1. Petition; contents. In a proceeding under this chapter, a petitioner seeking to establish a support order, to determine parentage of a child or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must file a petition. Unless otherwise ordered under section 3012 , the petition or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the names, residential addresses and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent, and the name, sex, residential address, social security number and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. Unless filed at the time of registration, the petition must be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. The petition may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the respondent. [PL 2009, c. 95, §45 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Specify relief sought. The petition must specify the relief sought. The petition and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1929 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1929
19-A §1929. Laboratory error
Status: in_force

If due to a laboratory error the resulting child is not genetically related to either of the intended parents, the intended parents are the parents of the child unless otherwise determined by the court. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1855 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1855
19-A §1855. No limitation on child
Status: in_force

Nothing in this subchapter limits the right of a child to bring an action to adjudicate parentage. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2603-A — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2603-A
19-A §2603-A. License revocation for nonpayment of child support
Status: in_force

Upon a motion to enforce a support order, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the court may make a finding of money due, render judgment for that amount and, to compel payment, order: [PL 1997, c. 466, §26 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]

1. Suspension of driver's license. Suspension of the obligor's driver's license or licenses and right to operate a motor vehicle; [PL 1997, c. 466, §26 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]

2. Revocation of occupational licenses. Revocation of the obligor's occupational, business, trade or professional licenses; and [PL 1997, c. 466, §26 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]

3. Revocation of recreational licenses. Revocation of the obligor's hunting, fishing, boating and other recreational or sporting licenses. [PL 1997, c. 466, §26 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]

The court may issue an order to prevent issuance or renewal of licenses under this section. An order to suspend, revoke or prevent issuance or renewal of licenses must be based on a finding by the court that the obligor has the present ability to pay all or part of the support owed. The court shall specify in its order ways to avoid the loss of licenses and requirements for obtaining licenses that are lost or may not be obtained as a result of an order issued under this section. [PL 1997, c. 466, §26 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]

The court shall notify the Secretary of State of a driver's license suspension ordered pursuant to this section. Upon receipt of such an order, the Secretary of State shall immediately notify the person of the court order of suspension. The Secretary of State may not terminate a suspension issued pursuant to this section until the court orders reinstatement and the person pays a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. The court shall immediately notify the Secretary of State when a person complies with a child support order. The court orders of suspension and reinstatement must be on a form acceptable to the Secretary of State. [PL 1997, c. 466, §26 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 466, §28 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2368 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2368
19-A §2368. Assignment of earnings
Status: in_force

A person employing a person owing a support debt shall honor a duly executed assignment of earnings presented by the commissioner. This requirement to honor the assignment of earnings and the assignment of earnings itself are applicable whether the earnings are to be paid currently or in the future and continue in force until released in writing by the commissioner. Payment pursuant to an assignment of earnings presented by the commissioner serves as full acquittance under any contract of employment, and the State shall defend and hold harmless any person who honors the assignment of earnings. The commissioner is not liable for improper receipt of money under an assignment of earnings upon return of any money so received. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an assignment of earnings presented by the commissioner has absolute priority over previously filed orders against earnings and assignments of earnings not for the enforcement of a child support obligation. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

An employee may not be discharged by reason of a presentation of an assignment of earnings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1843 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1843
19-A §1843. Order adjudicating parentage
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of order. In a proceeding under this subchapter, the court shall issue a final order adjudicating whether a person alleged or claiming to be a parent is the parent of a child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Identify child. A final order under subsection 1 must identify the child by name and date of birth. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Change of name. Title 18‑C, section 1‑701 governs all name changes of minors. [PL 2021, c. 14, §3 (RPR).]

4. Amended birth registration. If the final order under subsection 1 is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall issue an amended birth registration. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4106 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4106
19-A §4106. Procedures
Status: in_force

1. Assistance. The following assistance from the court is available. A. The court shall provide forms and clerical assistance to either party in completing and filing a complaint or other necessary documents. The assistance may not include legal advice or assistance in drafting legal documents. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] B. The clerk of the court shall provide to a plaintiff written contact information for resources from which the plaintiff may receive legal or social service assistance provided to the Administrative Office of the Courts by the various providers of those services, including the Maine State Bar Association or successor organization, any local or statewide organizations providing domestic violence services, any local or statewide organizations providing sexual assault services and any other agency providing reliable and relevant resource contact information. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

2. Forms. The forms provided by the court under subsection 1 must be uniform throughout the State and must include a summons and an affidavit for temporary emergency relief. The summons must include a section in which to list places where the defendant may be located or available to be served. The clerk of the court shall inquire where the defendant may be located or available to be served and list those locations on the summons or direct the plaintiff to do so. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

3. Fees. A fee may not be charged for forms or for filing a complaint. A plaintiff may apply for leave to proceed in forma pauperis. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

4. Notice. Prior to the plaintiff signing a complaint, the court shall notify the plaintiff, orally or in writing, that it is a crime to make a false statement under oath in a court document. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

5. Notification; copies. The clerk of the court shall issue, without fee, a copy of an order, agreement, amendment or revocation to the plaintiff, to the defendant and to the law enforcement agencies most likely to enforce it, as determined by the court. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

6. Civil rules apply. Unless otherwise indicated in this chapter, all proceedings must be in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be taken as provided by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be only for error of law or abuse of discretion. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

7. Mediation and referees. The court may not mandate mediation or appointment of referees in actions brought under this chapter. If an action under this chapter is joined with another proceeding pursuant to section 4105, subsections 1 and 2 , this subsection does not prohibit the court from mandating mediation or the appointment of a referee on any issue, other than abuse, that is part of the other proceeding. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2964 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 2964
19-A §2964. Simultaneous proceedings
Status: in_force

1. Exercise of jurisdiction when filed in another state. A tribunal of this State may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order when the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country only if: A. The petition or comparable pleading in this State is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country; [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. This State is the home state of the child, if that is a relevant factor. [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Jurisdiction may not be exercised when filed in another state. A tribunal of this State may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order when the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country if: A. The petition or comparable pleading in the other state or the foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in this State for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by this State; [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in this State; and [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] C. The other state or the foreign country is the home state of the child, if that is a relevant factor. [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §27 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 657 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 657
19-A §657. Lack of jurisdiction or authority
Status: in_force

A marriage, solemnized before any known inhabitant of the State professing to be a justice, judge, lawyer admitted to the Maine Bar or marriage officiant or an ordained or licensed minister of the gospel, is not void, nor is its validity affected by any want of jurisdiction or authority in the justice, judge, lawyer, marriage officiant or minister or by any omission or informality in entering the intention of marriage, if the marriage is in other respects lawful and consummated with a full belief, on the part of either of the persons married, that they are lawfully married. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. B, §6 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4103 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4103
19-A §4103. Eligibility
Status: in_force

The following persons are eligible to seek relief under this chapter: [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

1. Adult. An adult: A. Who has been a victim of abuse as defined in section 4102, subsection 1 by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity; or [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] B. Who has been a victim of conduct: (1) Described as stalking in Title 17‑A, section 210‑A ; (2) Constituting any crime described in Title 17‑A, chapter 11 ; (3) Described as unauthorized dissemination of certain private images in Title 17‑A, section 511‑A ; (4) Described as aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking in Title 17‑A, section 852 or 853 , respectively; or (5) Constituting a civil cause of action under Title 14, section 8305 . For purposes of this paragraph, the conduct need not have been perpetrated by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity; [PL 2023, c. 298, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 298, §3 (AMD).]

2. Child. A child, a person responsible for a child, as defined in Title 22, section 4002, subsection 9, or a representative of the department when a child has been: A. A victim of abuse as defined in section 4102, subsection 1 by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity; or [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §40 (COR).] B. A victim of conduct: (1) Described as stalking in Title 17‑A, section 210‑A ; (2) Constituting any crime described in Title 17‑A, chapter 11 ; (3) Described as unauthorized dissemination of certain private images in Title 17‑A, section 511‑A ; (4) Described as aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking in Title 17‑A, section 852 or 853 , respectively; (5) Described as sexual exploitation of a minor or dissemination of sexually explicit material in Title 17‑A, section 282 or 283 , respectively; (6) Described as harassment by telephone or by electronic communication device in Title 17‑A, section 506, subsection 1, paragraph A‑1 or A‑2 ; or (7) Constituting a civil cause of action under Title 14, section 8305 . For purposes of this paragraph, the conduct need not have been perpetrated by a family or household member, a dating partner or an individual related by consanguinity or affinity; [PL 2023, c. 298, §§4-6 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 158, §1 (AMD).]

3. Older or dependent adult. An adult who meets the eligibility requirements in paragraphs A and B as follows: A. The adult is one of the following: (1) Sixty years of age or older; (2) A dependent adult, as defined in Title 22, section 3472, subsection 6 ; or (3) An incapacitated adult, as defined in Title 22, section 3472, subsection 10 ; and [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] B. The adult has been the victim of abuse as defined in section 4102, subsection 1 , this chapter or Title 22, section 3472, subsection 1 by an extended family member or unpaid care provider. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).] The adult victim, the adult victim's legal guardian or a representative of the department may seek relief. For the purposes of this subsection, "extended family member" includes, but is not limited to, a person who is related to the victim by blood, marriage or adoption whether or not the person resides or has ever resided with the victim. For the purposes of this subsection, "unpaid care provider" includes, but is not limited to, a caretaker who voluntarily provides full, intermittent or occasional personal care to the adult victim in the victim's home similar to the way a family member would provide personal care. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1835 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1835
19-A §1835. Standing to maintain proceeding
Status: in_force

Subject to other provisions of this chapter, a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may be maintained by: [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

1. Child. The child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Woman giving birth. The woman who gave birth to the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Person whose parentage to be adjudicated. A person whose parentage is to be adjudicated; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Department of Health and Human Services. The department; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

5. Representative of individual. A representative authorized by law to act for an individual who would otherwise be entitled to maintain a proceeding but who is deceased, incapacitated or a minor. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1838 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1838
19-A §1838. Venue
Status: in_force

Venue for a proceeding to adjudicate parentage is in the county or division in which: [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

1. Child. The child resides or is present or, for purposes of subchapter 7 or 8 , is or will be born; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Parent. The parent or intended parent resides; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Respondent. The respondent resides or is present if the child does not reside in this State; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Estate proceeding. A proceeding for probate or administration of the parent or alleged parent's estate has been commenced; or [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

5. Child protection proceeding. A child protection proceeding with respect to the child has been commenced. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 805 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 25 / Section 805
19-A §805. Actions by or against spouse; arrest
Status: in_force

A married person may prosecute and defend civil actions, either of tort or contract, in that person's own name without the joinder of that person's spouse, for the preservation and protection of that person's property and personal rights or for the redress of that person's injuries, as if unmarried, or may prosecute these actions jointly with that person's spouse. The person's spouse may not settle or discharge any of these actions or causes of action without the written consent of the person. Neither of them can be arrested on a writ of execution arising out of these actions or causes of action, nor may the spouse alone maintain an action respecting the person's property. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2803 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 2803
19-A §2803. Remedies cumulative
Status: in_force

1. Remedies cumulative. Remedies provided by this chapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a support order on the basis of comity. [PL 2009, c. 95, §23 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Not exclusive method; jurisdiction. This chapter does not: A. Provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the laws of this State; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §8 (NEW).] B. Grant a tribunal of this State jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to parental rights and responsibilities other than child support in a proceeding under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 436, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §8 (NEW).]