19-A M.R.S. § 3201 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3201
19-A §3201. Notice of registration of order
Status: in_force

1. Time and method of notice. When a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering tribunal of this State shall notify the nonregistering party. The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order. [PL 2009, c. 95, §65 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Contents of notice. A notice must inform the nonregistering party: A. That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this State; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. That a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within 20 days after notice unless the registered order is subject to section 3317 ; [PL 2009, c. 95, §66 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Of the amount of any alleged arrearages. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §66 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Notice if 2 or more orders. If the registering party asserts that 2 or more orders are in effect, a notice must also: A. Identify the 2 or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any; [PL 2009, c. 95, §67 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which order is the controlling order; [PL 2003, c. 436, §38 (NEW).] C. State that the procedures provided in subsection 2 apply to the determination of which order is the controlling order; and [PL 2003, c. 436, §38 (NEW).] D. State that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §38 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §67 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

4. Notice of income-withholding order. Upon registration of an income-withholding order for enforcement, the support enforcement agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to chapter 65, subchapter 4 . [PL 2009, c. 95, §68 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2653 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2653
19-A §2653. Administering agency
Status: in_force

The department shall adopt and administer procedures to receive, document and distribute all support payments collected pursuant to this subchapter. The commissioner may establish by rule a fee for use of these services. Except as provided in section 2103, subsections 3 and 3‑A , the department shall retain all fees and apply them toward the administration of the division of support enforcement and recovery. [PL 2011, c. 477, Pt. L, §4 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2007 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 63 / Section 2007
19-A §2007. Deviation from child support guidelines
Status: in_force

1. Rebutting presumption. If the court or hearing officer finds that a child support order based on the support guidelines would be inequitable or unjust due to one or more of the considerations listed under subsection 3 , that finding is sufficient to rebut the presumption established in section 2005 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Proposed findings. A party in a court action proposing deviation from the application of the support guidelines shall provide the court with written proposed findings showing that the application of the presumptive amount would be inequitable or unjust. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Criteria for deviating from support guidelines. Criteria that may justify deviation from the support guidelines are as follows: A. The application of section 2006, subsection 5, paragraph D or D‑1 would be unjust, inequitable or not in the child's best interest; [PL 2003, c. 415, §13 (RPR).] B. The number of children for whom support is being determined is greater than 6; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. The interrelation of the total support obligation established under the support guidelines for child support, the division of property and an award of spousal support made in the same proceeding for which a parental support obligation is being determined; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. The financial resources of each child; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. The financial resources and needs of a party, including nonrecurring income not included in the definition of gross income; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] F. The standard of living each child would have enjoyed had the marital relationship continued; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] G. The physical and emotional conditions of each child; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] H. The educational needs of each child; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] I. Inflation with relation to the cost of living; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] J. Available income and financial contributions of the domestic associate or current spouse of each party; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] K. The existence of other persons who are actually financially dependent on either party, including, but not limited to, elderly, disabled or infirm relatives, or adult children pursuing post-secondary education. If the primary care provider is legally responsible for another minor child who resides in the household and if the computation of a theoretical support obligation on behalf of the primary care provider would result in a significantly greater parental support obligation on the part of the nonprimary care provider, that factor may be considered; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] L. The tax consequences if the obligor is awarded any tax benefits. In determining the allocation of tax exemptions for children, the court may consider which party will have the greatest benefit from receiving the allocation; [PL 2001, c. 264, §8 (AMD).] M. [PL 2001, c. 264, §9 (RP).] N. The fact that income at a reasonable rate of return may be imputed to nonincome-producing assets with an aggregate fair market value of $10,000 or more, other than an ordinary residence or other asset from which each child derives a substantial benefit; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] O. The existence of special circumstances regarding a child 12 years of age or older, for the child's best interest, requires that the primary residential care provider continue to provide for employment-related day care; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] P. An obligor party's substantial financial obligation regarding the costs of transportation of each child for purposes of parent and child contact. To be considered substantial, the transportation costs must exceed 15% of the yearly support obligation; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] Q. A finding by the court or hearing officer that the application of the support guidelines would be unjust, inappropriate or not in the child's best interest. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 415, §13 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3316 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3316
19-A §3316. Registration of Convention support order
Status: in_force

1. General requirement. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, a party who is an individual or a support enforcement agency seeking recognition of a Convention support order shall register the order in this State as provided in subchapter 6 . [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Additional requirements. Notwithstanding section 3011 and section 3151, subsection 1 , a request for registration of a Convention support order must be accompanied by: A. A complete text of the support order, or an abstract or extract of the support order drawn up by the issuing foreign tribunal, which may be in the form recommended by the Hague Conference on Private International Law; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. A record stating that the support order is enforceable in the issuing country; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. If the respondent did not appear and was not represented in the proceedings in the issuing country, a record attesting, as appropriate, either that the respondent had proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard, or that the respondent had proper notice of the support order and an opportunity to challenge or appeal it on fact or law before a tribunal; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] D. A record showing the amount of arrears, if any, and the date the amount was calculated; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] E. A record showing a requirement for automatic adjustment of the amount of support, if any, and the information necessary to make the appropriate calculations; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] F. If necessary, a record showing the extent to which the applicant received free legal assistance in the issuing 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. Recognition and partial enforcement. A request for registration of a Convention support order may seek recognition and partial enforcement of the order. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

4. Refusal to register. A tribunal of this State may vacate the registration of a Convention support order, without the filing of a contest under section 3317 , only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement of the order would be manifestly incompatible with public policy. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

5. Notice. A tribunal of this State shall promptly notify the parties to a foreign support order of the registration or the order vacating the registration of a Convention support order. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1563 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1563
19-A §1563. Admissible evidence
Status: in_force

1. Evidence of paternity; admissible. In an action brought under this subchapter, evidence relating to paternity may include, but is not limited to: A. An expert's opinion concerning the time of conception; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and alleged father at a possible time of conception; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. Medical, scientific or genetic evidence relating to the alleged father's paternity of the child based upon tests performed by experts; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. The statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity based upon the blood or tissue tests. [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. Inadmissible evidence. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. B, §10 (RP); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3051 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3051
19-A §3051. Petition to establish support order
Status: in_force

1. Responding tribunal may issue support order. If a support order entitled to recognition under this chapter has not been issued, a responding tribunal of this State with personal jurisdiction over the parties may issue a support order if: A. The individual seeking the order resides outside this State; or [PL 2009, c. 95, §55 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. The support enforcement agency seeking the order is located outside this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §55 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §55 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Responding tribunal may issue temporary support order. A responding tribunal of this State may issue a temporary support order if the tribunal determines that such an order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay is: A. The presumed father of the child; [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] B. Petitioning to have his paternity of the child adjudicated; [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] C. Identified as the father of the child through genetic testing; [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] D. An alleged father of the child who has declined to submit to genetic testing; [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] E. Shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child; [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] F. An acknowledged parent of the child as provided in chapter 61, subchapter 3 ; [PL 2021, c. 610, §12 (AMD).] G. The mother of the child; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] H. An individual who has been ordered to pay child support to the child in a previous proceeding and the order has not been reversed or vacated. [PL 2003, c. 436, §28 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 610, §12 (AMD).]

3. Tribunal shall issue support order. Upon finding, after notice and opportunity to be heard, that an obligor owes a duty of support, the tribunal shall issue a support order directed to the obligor and may issue other orders pursuant to section 3005 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2608 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2608
19-A §2608. Effect and implementation of health insurance obligations; failure of responsible party to comply
Status: in_force

1. Failure to obtain insurance. If an obligated parent fails to acquire health insurance coverage as required under section 1653 , that parent is liable for any expenses incurred for that parent's dependent children that would have been paid by the insurance coverage, regardless of who has incurred the expenses. Incurred liability may be enforced as a child support debt under chapter 65, subchapter II, article 3 or by judicial action. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Direct payment; parental authorization. Upon receipt of a written authorization from an obligated parent to an insurer to make health insurance payments for that parent's dependent children to the obligee, the insurer shall make all payments directly to the obligee until the authorization is withdrawn. Upon receipt of such authorization from the obligated parent, the obligee is deemed subrogated to the rights of the obligated parent under the insurance policy for the children. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Direct payment; court order. Upon receipt of a copy of the court order establishing the obligation of an obligated parent to provide health insurance coverage for that parent's dependent children, and of a demand in writing for the health insurance coverage from the obligee, the insurer shall make all health insurance payments for the children directly to the obligee until otherwise notified by the obligee. In all such cases, the obligee is deemed subrogated to the rights of the obligated parent under the insurance policy for the children. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3001 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3001
19-A §3001. Proceedings under this chapter
Status: in_force

1. Application of subchapter. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this subchapter applies to all proceedings under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 436, §11 (RPR).]

1-A. Initiation of proceedings. An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this chapter by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country that has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent. [PL 2009, c. 95, §35 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Proceedings. [PL 2003, c. 436, §11 (RP).]

3. Commencement of proceeding. [PL 2003, c. 436, §11 (RP).]
19-A M.R.S. § 952 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 952
19-A §952. Payment of spousal support, fees and support
Status: in_force

1. Definition. As used in this section, "decree of spousal support, support or costs" means a decree or order: A. For spousal support or payment of money instead of spousal support; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. For support of children; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. For support pending a divorce action; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. For payment of related attorney's fees; [PL 2005, c. 323, §7 (AMD).] E. For alteration of an existing decree or order for the custody or support of a child; or [PL 2005, c. 323, §7 (AMD).] F. For division and disposition of property ancillary to a divorce judgment, including, but not limited to, proceedings to effectuate a qualified domestic relations order; to reach, attach or liquidate property; or to quiet title. [PL 2005, c. 323, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 323, §§7, 8 (AMD).]

2. Order pending petition. Pending a petition to enforce a decree of spousal support, support or costs and after notice and opportunity for a hearing, the court may order either spouse to pay to the other spouse or to the other spouse's attorney sufficient money for the prosecution of or defense against the petition. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Attorney's fees. Attorney's fees awarded in the nature of support may be made payable immediately or in installments. [PL 2005, c. 323, §9 (AMD).]

4. Enforcement. The court may enforce an order as provided under chapter 65 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 352 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 352
19-A §352. Membership; terms; vacancies
Status: in_force

1. Membership. The commission is composed of 11 members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The members must have experience in practicing family law or be knowledgeable about family law. The membership of the commission must include: A. An active Superior Court Justice; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. An active District Court Judge; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B-1. An active family law magistrate; [PL 2007, c. 466, Pt. B, §13 (AMD).] C. A current Probate Court Judge; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Two members of the family law section of the Maine State Bar Association, or its successor; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. A representative of a legal services organization; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E-1. A representative of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service; [PL 2005, c. 323, §2 (NEW).] F. A representative of the department; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] G. Two public members, at least one of whom has experience providing mental health services. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2007, c. 466, Pt. B, §13 (AMD).]

2. Terms. A member is appointed for a term of 2 years and may be reappointed. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Vacancies. In the event of the death or resignation of a member, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall appoint a qualified person for the remainder of the term. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3255 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3255
19-A §3255. Jurisdiction to modify child support order of another state when individual parties reside in State
Status: in_force

1. Jurisdiction to modify. If all of the parties who are individuals reside in this State and the child does not reside in the issuing state, a tribunal of this State has jurisdiction to enforce and to modify the issuing state's child support order in a proceeding to register that order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §45 (NEW).]

2. Application of laws. A tribunal of this State exercising jurisdiction under this section shall apply the provisions of subchapters 1 and 2‑A , this subchapter and the procedural and substantive law of this State to the proceeding for enforcement or modification. Subchapters 3 , 4 , 5 , 7‑A and 8 do not apply. [PL 2009, c. 95, §79 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 4113 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 4 / Chapter 103 / Section 4113
19-A §4113. Violation
Status: in_force

1. Crime committed. Except as provided in subsections 2 , 4 and 5 , violation of an order is a Class D crime when the defendant has prior actual notice, which may be notice by means other than service in hand, of the order. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

2. Exception. When the only provision of the order that is violated concerns relief authorized under section 4110, subsection 3, paragraphs K to U , the violation must be treated as contempt and punished in accordance with law. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

3. Warrantless arrest. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, an arrest for criminal violation of an order may be without warrant upon probable cause whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer may verify, if necessary, the existence of the order, including by telephone or radio communication with a law enforcement agency with knowledge of the order. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

4. Reckless conduct; assault. A defendant who violates a final protection order issued pursuant to section 4110 , an order issued pursuant to former section 4007 or an order that is similar to a protective order pursuant to section 4110 issued by a court of the United States or of another state, territory, commonwealth or federally recognized Indian tribe through conduct that is reckless and that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the plaintiff named in the final protection order or who assaults the plaintiff named in the final protection order commits a Class C crime. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]

5. Repeat violations. A person who commits a violation under subsection 1 and has 2 or more prior convictions under subsection 1 or former section 4011, subsection 1 or 2 or more convictions for engaging in substantially similar conduct in another jurisdiction commits a Class C crime. Title 17‑A, section 9‑A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3101-F — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3101-F
19-A §3101-F. Contest by obligor
Status: in_force

1. Contesting the validity or enforcement of an order. An obligor may contest the validity or enforcement of an income-withholding order issued in another state and received directly by an employer in this State by registering the order in a tribunal of this State and filing a contest to that order as provided in subchapter 6, or otherwise contesting the order in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this State. Section 3153 applies to the contest. [PL 2003, c. 436, §31 (AMD).]

2. Notice of the contest. The obligor shall give notice of the contest to: A. The support enforcement agency providing services to the obligee; [PL 1997, c. 669, §21 (NEW).] B. Each employer that has directly received an income-withholding order relating to the obligor; and [PL 2003, c. 436, §32 (AMD).] C. The person designated to receive payments in the income-withholding order or, if a person is not designated, to the obligee. [PL 2003, c. 436, §33 (AMD).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §§32, 33 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3152 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3152
19-A §3152. Effect of registration for enforcement
Status: in_force

1. Registered when filed. A support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered when the order is filed in the registering tribunal of this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §63 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Enforceability of registered order. A registered support order issued in another state or a foreign country is enforceable in the same manner and is subject to the same procedures as an order issued by a tribunal of this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §63 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Recognition and enforcement of registered order; no modification. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a tribunal of this State shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, a registered support order if the issuing tribunal had jurisdiction. [PL 2009, c. 95, §63 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1001 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 1001
19-A §1001. Parental rights and responsibilities
Status: in_force

The court entering an order for divorce may make an order awarding parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a minor child of the parties in accordance with chapter 55 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 701 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 701
19-A §701. Prohibited marriages; exceptions
Status: repealed

1. Marriage out of State to evade law. When residents of this State, with intent to evade this section and to return and reside here, go into another state or country to have their marriage solemnized there and afterwards return and reside here, that marriage is void in this State. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1-A. Certain marriages performed in another state not recognized in this State. Any marriage performed in another state that would violate any provisions of subsections 2 to 4 if performed in this State is not recognized in this State and is considered void if the parties take up residence in this State. [IB 2011, c. 1, §5 (AMD).]

2. Prohibitions based on degrees of consanguinity; exceptions. This subsection governs marriage between relatives. A. A man may not marry his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, brother's daughter, sister's daughter, father's sister, mother's sister, the daughter of his father's brother or sister or the daughter of his mother's brother or sister. A woman may not marry her father, grandfather, son, grandson, brother, brother's son, sister's son, father's brother, mother's brother, the son of her father's brother or sister or the son of her mother's brother or sister. A person may not marry that person's parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, nephew, niece, aunt or uncle. [IB 2011, c. 1, §5 (AMD).] B. Notwithstanding paragraph A , a man may marry the daughter of his father's brother or sister or the daughter of his mother's brother or sister, and a woman may marry the son of her father's brother or sister or the son of her mother's brother or sister as long as, pursuant to sections 651 and 652 , the man or woman provides the physician's certificate of genetic counseling. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [IB 2011, c. 1, §5 (AMD).]

3. Persons subject to guardianship. A person for whom a guardian or limited guardian has been appointed under Title 18‑C, section 5‑301 may not contract marriage without the approval of the appointed guardian. For persons under limited guardianship, this subsection applies only if the court has granted the specific power to contract for marriage to the guardian. A. [PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §20 (RP).] B. [PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §20 (RP).] [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §35 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

4. Polygamy. A marriage contracted while either party has a living spouse from whom the party is not divorced is void. [PL 2019, c. 340, §14 (AMD).]

5. Same sex marriage prohibited. (REPEALED) [IB 2011, c. 1, §5 (RP).]

6. Marriage void. A marriage contracted when either party has failed to submit a certificate or certified copy of the divorce decree or annulment of the last marriage or the death record of the last spouse or when either party has intentionally lied about the number of previous marriages is void. [PL 2019, c. 340, §15 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3101-D — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3101-D
19-A §3101-D. Penalties for noncompliance
Status: in_force

An employer that willfully fails to comply with an income-withholding order issued in another state and received for enforcement is subject to the same penalties that may be imposed for noncompliance with an order issued by a tribunal of this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §58 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 607 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 21 / Section 607
19-A §607. Amendment; revocation
Status: in_force

After marriage, a premarital agreement may be amended or revoked only by a written agreement signed by the parties. The amended agreement or the revocation is enforceable without consideration. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1559 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1559
19-A §1559. Selection of experts
Status: in_force

The tests required by the court order under chapter 61, subchapter 6 must be made by experts qualified as examiners of blood or tissue types who are appointed by the court. The experts may be called by the court as witnesses to testify to their findings and may be subject to cross-examination by the parties. A party or person at whose suggestion the tests have been ordered may demand that other experts, qualified as examiners of blood or tissue types, perform independent tests under order of court, the results of which may be offered in evidence. The court shall determine the number and qualifications of those experts. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. B, §6 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1801 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 59 / Section 1801
19-A §1801. Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Grandparents and Great-grandparents Visitation Act." [PL 2019, c. 197, §1 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1882 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1882
19-A §1882. Challenge to presumption of parentage
Status: in_force

1. Two-year limitation. Except as provided in subsection 2 , a proceeding to challenge the parentage of an individual whose parentage is presumed under section 1881 must be commenced not later than 2 years after the birth of the child; otherwise the presumption cannot be rebutted. If such a proceeding is commenced within 2 years by a presumed parent, by the woman who gave birth to the child or by a 3rd party with a claim of parentage, the following apply. A. If the presumed parent is also identified under section 1904 as a genetic parent of the child, the court shall adjudicate the presumed parent to be a parent of the child. [PL 2021, c. 610, §3 (NEW).] B. If the presumed parent is not identified under section 1904 as a genetic parent of the child and the genetic parent is not a donor under section 1922 , the court shall adjudicate the parentage of the child in accordance with the factors in section 1912, subsection 2 , consistent with section 1901, subsection 2 , section 1915, subsection 2 and this chapter. Challenges regarding the parentage of a child conceived through assisted reproduction must be resolved under subchapter 7 . [PL 2021, c. 610, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 610, §3 (AMD).]

2. Later than 2 years. A proceeding to challenge the parentage of an individual whose parentage is presumed under section 1881 may not be commenced, and the presumption of parentage under section 1881 cannot be rebutted, more than 2 years after the birth of the child except in the following situations. A. A presumed parent under section 1881, subsection 1 who is not the genetic parent of a child and who could not reasonably have known about the birth of the child may commence a proceeding under this subsection within 2 years after learning of the child's birth. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] B. An alleged genetic parent who did not know of the potential genetic parentage of a child, and who could not reasonably have known on account of material misrepresentation or concealment, may commence a proceeding under this subsection within 2 years after discovering the potential genetic parentage. If the individual is adjudicated to be the genetic parent of the child, the court may not disestablish a presumed parent and, consistent with section 1853, subsection 2 , the court shall determine parental rights and responsibilities of the parents in accordance with section 1653 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).] C. The woman who gave birth or a presumed parent under section 1881, subsection 3 disputing the validity of the presumption may commence a proceeding under this subsection at any time. [PL 2021, c. 610, §3 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 610, §3 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1749 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1749
19-A §1749. Notice; opportunity to be heard; joinder
Status: in_force

1. Notice and opportunity to be heard required. Before a child custody determination is made under this chapter, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of section 1738 must be given to all persons entitled to notice under the law of this State as in child custody proceedings between residents of this State, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated and any person having physical custody of the child. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

2. Enforceability without notice and opportunity to be heard. This chapter does not govern the enforceability of a child custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

3. Joinder and intervention of parties. The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child custody proceeding under this chapter are governed by the law of this State as in child custody proceedings between residents of this State. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2004 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 63 / Section 2004
19-A §2004. Income information and child support worksheets
Status: in_force

1. Court actions. This subsection governs the exchange and filing of income affidavits, child support worksheets and supporting documentation in court actions. A. In a court action to determine or modify support of a minor child, the plaintiff and defendant shall exchange, prior to mediation, affidavits regarding income and assets. These affidavits must conform with the forms provided by the court and must be accompanied by supporting documentation of current income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, employer statements or, if the plaintiff or defendant is self-employed, receipts and expenses. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. The parties shall exchange prior to the commencement of mediation a completed child support worksheet. The worksheet must be completed in accordance with the support guidelines. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. At least 3 days prior to a court hearing, whether contested or uncontested, the parties shall file with the court and exchange, if they have not already done so, the completed affidavits and child support worksheets. The parties are not required to file with the court the supporting documentation. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. If a party fails to comply with this subsection, the court may, in its discretion: (1) Impose economic sanctions; or (2) Presume for the purpose of determining a current support obligation that the party has an earning capacity equal to the average weekly wage of a worker in this State as determined by the most recent Department of Labor statistics. A different annual income may be used if there is sufficient reliable evidence to conclude reasonably that the noncomplying party earns a greater or lesser actual income. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. The court may admit Department of Labor statistics into evidence for purposes of computing a parental support obligation. [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. Administrative proceedings. The department shall adopt rules regarding the provision of information necessary to apply the child support guidelines in administrative proceedings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1938 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1938
19-A §1938. Effect of noncompliance; standard of review; remedies
Status: in_force

1. Not enforceable. Except as otherwise provided, a gestational carrier agreement that does not meet the requirements of this subchapter is not enforceable. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Standard of review. In the event of noncompliance with the requirements of this subchapter or with a gestational carrier agreement, a court shall determine the respective rights and obligations of the parties to the gestational carrier agreement, including evidence of the intent of the parties at the time of execution. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Remedies. Except as expressly provided in a gestational carrier agreement and in subsection 4 , in the event of a breach of the gestational carrier agreement by the gestational carrier or the intended parent or parents, the gestational carrier or the intended parent or parents are entitled to all remedies available at law or in equity. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Genetic testing. If the parentage of a child born to a gestational carrier is alleged to not be the result of assisted reproduction, and this question is relevant to the determination of parentage, the court may order genetic testing. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

5. Specific performance. Specific performance is not an available remedy for a breach by the gestational carrier of any term in a gestational carrier agreement that requires the gestational carrier to be impregnated or to terminate a pregnancy. Specific performance is an available remedy for a breach by the gestational carrier of any term that prevents the intended parent or parents from exercising the full rights of parentage immediately upon birth of the child. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1775 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1775
19-A §1775. Role of prosecutor
Status: in_force

1. Action by prosecutor. In a case arising under this chapter or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the prosecutor may take any lawful action, including resorting to a proceeding under this subchapter or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child or enforce a child custody determination if there is: A. An existing child custody determination; [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] B. A request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding; [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] C. A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).] D. A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. [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. Prosecutor acts on behalf of court. A prosecutor acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3005 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3005
19-A §3005. Duties and powers of responding tribunal
Status: in_force

1. Duties of responding tribunal. Upon receipt of a petition or comparable pleading from the state information agency, a responding tribunal shall cause the petition or pleading to be filed and notify the petitioner by first class mail where and when it was filed. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Powers of responding tribunal. A responding tribunal of this State, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may: A. Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child support order, determine the controlling child support order or render a judgment to determine parentage of a child; [PL 2009, c. 95, §37 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. Order income withholding; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Determine the amount of any arrearages and specify a method of payment; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. Enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] F. Set aside property for satisfaction of the support order; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] G. Place liens and order execution on the obligor's property; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] H. Order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, e-mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment and telephone number at the place of employment; [PL 2009, c. 95, §38 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] I. Issue a capias for an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the capias in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] J. Order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] K. Award reasonable attorney's fees and other fees and costs; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] L. Grant any other available remedy. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §§ 37, 38 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Calculations included. A responding tribunal of this State shall include in a support order issued under this chapter, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Support not conditional on visitation. A responding tribunal of this State may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this chapter upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. Copies of order. If a responding tribunal of this State issues an order under this chapter, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order by first class mail to the petitioner and the respondent and to the initiating tribunal, if any. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

6. Convert foreign currency amount to dollar amount. If requested to enforce a support order, arrears or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of this State shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported. [PL 2003, c. 436, §16 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1569 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1569
19-A §1569. Uniformity of interpretation
Status: in_force

This subchapter must be interpreted and construed so 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. § 2452 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2452
19-A §2452. Complaint and inquiry unit
Status: in_force

The department shall maintain a centralized system to receive and respond to complaints and inquiries from persons who are eligible for support enforcement services. The department shall also use the system to identify and eliminate chronic problems within the department's support enforcement program. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2602 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2602
19-A §2602. Support orders
Status: in_force

1. Installment payments. In a support order or costs, the court may include an order to pay specified installment payments as provided under Title 14, sections 3126‑A to 3136 . [PL 1999, c. 587, §11 (AMD).]

2. Future obligations. The court may order installment payments for future obligations under the decree. The court may enforce its decree ordering installment payments as provided under Title 14, sections 3126‑A to 3136 . In enforcement actions under those sections, the person ordered to pay is deemed a judgment debtor and the person entitled to receive the payments a judgment creditor. [PL 1999, c. 587, §12 (AMD).]

3. Disclosure hearing. The court may make an order under subsection 1 without a separate disclosure hearing, if the court has already determined the person's ability to pay and the person's receipt of money from a source other than a source that is otherwise exempt from trustee process, attachment and execution. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 103 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 103
19-A §103. Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the District Court has original jurisdiction of all actions under this Title. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §26 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1737 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1737
19-A §1737. Priority
Status: in_force

If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this Act is raised in a child custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously. [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 654 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 654
19-A §654. Record of marriages
Status: in_force

1. Copy. Every person authorized to unite persons in marriage shall make and keep a record of every marriage solemnized by that person in conformity with the forms and instructions prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics pursuant to Title 22, section 2701 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Return of marriage license. The parties or the person who solemnized the marriage shall return the marriage license to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the clerk who issued the license within 15 working days following the date on which the marriage is solemnized. The clerk and the State Registrar of Vital Statistics each shall retain a copy of the license. If a marriage license is returned later than 15 working days following the date on which the marriage is solemnized, the marriage must be marked as a late filing. [PL 2025, c. 130, §4 (AMD).]

3. Statement including officiant and witnesses. The marriage license returned must contain a statement giving the names of the parties united in marriage, place and date of the marriage, the new name of either party if either party intends to change that party's name, the signature of the person by whom the marriage was solemnized and the names of the 2 witnesses. The person who solemnized the marriage shall add the title of the office by virtue of which the marriage was solemnized, the residence of the person who solemnized the marriage and: A. The date ordained or authorized by a religious faith to perform marriages; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. The date the marriage officiant's license expires; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. B, §3 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).] C. The date the lawyer was admitted to the Maine Bar; or [PL 2011, c. 111, §1 (AMD).] D. The date the person's temporary registration certificate was issued under section 655, subsection 1‑A . [PL 2011, c. 111, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. B, §3 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]

4. Recorded by clerk or State Registrar of Vital Statistics. The clerk or State Registrar of Vital Statistics shall attach electronic copies of the completed marriage licenses returned under this section in the electronic system specified by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics. [PL 2025, c. 130, §5 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2002 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 63 / Section 2002
19-A §2002. Application
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, this chapter applies to a court action or administrative proceeding in which a child support order is issued or modified under Title 18‑C, section 5‑204 , this Title or Title 22 and to any court action or administrative proceeding in which past support is awarded. [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §39 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 752 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 752
19-A §752. Annulment of illegal marriages
Status: in_force

1. Complaint; court order. When the validity of a marriage is doubted, either party may file a complaint for annulment. The court shall order the marriage annulled or affirmed according to the evidence. The court's order does not affect the rights of the defendant unless the defendant was actually notified of the action or answered the complaint. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Parental rights and responsibilities. The court entering an order for annulment may make an order awarding parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a minor child of the parties in accordance with chapter 55 . [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Name change. Upon the request of either spouse to change that person's own name, the court, when entering judgment for annulment: A. Shall change the name of that spouse to a former name requested; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. May change the name of that spouse to any other name requested. [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).]

4. Finalization. The trial court may, upon motion for entry of final judgment during the pendency of the appeal period, grant a final judgment of annulment between the parties if the court expressly finds that there is not just cause for delay and entry of judgment will not prejudice the legal or equitable rights of a party during the pendency of an appeal. The filing of a motion under this subsection does not stay an award of child or spousal support or parental rights and responsibilities, except by order of the court under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. Annulment because of prior marriage. When a marriage is annulled due to a prior marriage, and the party who was capable of contracting the 2nd marriage contracted the 2nd marriage in good faith, believing that the prior spouse was dead, the former marriage was void or a divorce had been decreed leaving the party to the former marriage free to marry again, that fact must be stated in the decree of nullity. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2353 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2353
19-A §2353. Expeditious procedure during stay
Status: in_force

When a responsible parent has requested a stay under section 2352, subsection 4 and that stay has been granted because the parent seeks relief in a court, the parent shall request, within 30 days of filing the papers with the court, that the court set the matter for hearing on the next available court date. If the responsible parent fails to make the request during that time, the department may remove the stay and proceed with the collection proceeding. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 252 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 252
19-A §252. Referees
Status: in_force

1. Appointment of referee. The court may appoint a referee in any proceeding for paternity, divorce, judicial separation or modification of existing judgments brought under this Title: A. When the parties agree the case may be tried before a referee; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Upon motion demonstrating exceptional circumstances that require a referee. [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. Payment for service. Payment for the services of the referee is the responsibility of the parties, as ordered by the court. If the court finds that either or both of the parties are indigent, the court may pay the reasonable costs and expenses of the referee. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Referee's report. If all parties waive their right to object to acceptance of the referee's report, the court shall immediately enter judgment on the referee's report without a further hearing. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3204 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3204
19-A §3204. Confirmed order
Status: in_force

Confirmation of a registered support order, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the order with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration. [PL 2009, c. 95, §73 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3012 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3012
19-A §3012. Nondisclosure of information in exceptional circumstances
Status: in_force

If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of specific identifying information, that information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public. After a hearing in which a tribunal takes into consideration the health, safety or liberty of the party or child, the tribunal may order disclosure of information that the tribunal determines to be in the interest of justice. [PL 2003, c. 436, §22 (RPR).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1831 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1831
19-A §1831. Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as "the Maine Parentage Act." [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 602 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 21 / Section 602
19-A §602. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Act, 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. Premarital agreement. "Premarital agreement" means an agreement between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage and to be effective upon marriage. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Property. "Property" means an interest, present or future, legal or equitable, vested or contingent, in real or personal property, including income and earnings. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2967 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 2967
19-A §2967. Determination of controlling child support orders
Status: in_force

1. Recognition of orders; one tribunal. If a proceeding is brought under this chapter and only one tribunal has issued a child support order, the order of that tribunal controls and must be so recognized. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

2. Recognition of orders; 2 or more tribunals. If a proceeding is brought under this chapter and 2 or more child support orders have been issued by tribunals of this State or another state or a foreign country with regard to the same obligor and same child, a tribunal of this State having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and individual obligee shall apply the following rules and by order shall determine which order controls and must be recognized. A. If only one of the tribunals has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the order of that tribunal controls. [PL 2009, c. 95, §29 (AMD).] B. If more than one of the tribunals has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter: (1) An order issued by a tribunal in the current home state of the child controls; or (2) If an order has not been issued in the current home state of the child, the order most recently issued controls. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] C. If none of the tribunals have continuing, exclusive jurisdiction under this chapter, the tribunal of this State shall issue a child support order, which controls. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §29 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Request for order. If 2 or more child support orders have been issued for the same obligor and same child, upon request of a party who is an individual or that is a support enforcement agency, a tribunal of this State having personal jurisdiction over both the obligor and the obligee who is an individual shall determine which order controls under subsection 2 . The request may be filed with a registration for enforcement or registration for modification pursuant to subchapter 6 or may be filed as a separate proceeding. [PL 2009, c. 95, §30 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

4. Copy of orders required. A request to determine which is the controlling order must be accompanied by a copy of every child support order in effect and the applicable record of payments. The requesting party shall give notice of the request to each party whose rights may be affected by the determination. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

5. Tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. The tribunal that issued the controlling order under subsection 1 , 2 or 3 has continuing jurisdiction to the extent provided in section 2965 or 2966 . [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

6. Basis for order. A tribunal of this State that determines by order which is the controlling order under subsection 2, paragraph A or B or subsection 3 , or that issues a new controlling order under subsection 2, paragraph C , shall state in that order: A. The basis upon which the tribunal made its determination; [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] B. The amount of prospective support, if any; and [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] C. The total amount of consolidated arrears and accrued interest, if any, under all of the orders after all payments made are credited as provided by section 2969 . [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

7. Filing certified copy of order. Within 30 days after issuance of an order determining which order is the controlling order, the party obtaining the order shall file a certified copy of it in each tribunal that issued or registered an earlier order of child support. A party or support enforcement agency obtaining the order that fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the controlling order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]

8. Controlling order or judgment must be recognized. An order that has been determined to be the controlling order, or a judgment for consolidated arrears of support and interest, if any, made pursuant to this section must be recognized in proceedings under this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 436, §10 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1051 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 1051
19-A §1051. Name change
Status: in_force

Upon the request of either spouse to change that person's own name, the court, when entering judgment for divorce: [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Former name. Shall change the name of that spouse to a former name requested; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Any other name requested. May change the name of that spouse to any other name requested. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2355 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2355
19-A §2355. Notice of requirement of prompt payment
Status: in_force

In any case in which a debt is owed by a responsible parent under section 2301 , the department shall notify the responsible parent, on any billing sent for the purpose of child support collection, that payment must be received in the month when due and that failure to make timely payment may result in child support being retained by the department that would otherwise be paid to that parent's child. The notice 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).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1610 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1610
19-A §1610. Blood or tissue-typing tests
Status: in_force

1. Requirement of tests. If the alleged father files a written denial of paternity with the department within 20 days after service of the notice upon him, the department shall schedule blood or tissue-typing tests for the mother, the child and the alleged father, which may include, but are not limited to, tests of red cell antigens, red cell isoenzymes, human leukocyte antigens and serum proteins. The tests must be performed by an expert examiner in a laboratory that is accredited for parentage testing by the American Association of Blood Banks. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Scheduling of tests. The department shall notify the alleged father in writing by ordinary mail of the date, time and place of his blood or tissue-typing tests. The tests must be conducted no earlier than 15 days following the mailing of the department's notice, except with the consent of the alleged father. The tests must be conducted in an office of the department, when practicable. The department shall take into account the alleged father's place of residence or employment in selecting the location of the tests. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Rescheduling of tests. If the alleged father does not submit to the tests, the department shall notify him in writing by ordinary mail that if he does not, within 15 days, request the department to reschedule the tests, his failure to appear constitutes a refusal to submit to the tests. If the alleged father timely requests rescheduling, the department shall reschedule the tests. The rescheduled tests must be conducted no earlier than 15 days following the mailing of the notice of rescheduling. The notice must also advise the alleged father that, if he fails to submit to the rescheduled tests, the failure constitutes a refusal to submit to the tests. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Additional genetic testing. If additional samples are needed to complete genetic testing, the department may require the mother, alleged father and child to submit to additional testing. If a person refuses to submit to additional testing, the court, upon motion by the department, may resolve the question of paternity against that person or order the person to submit to testing. If an original test result is contested, upon request and advance payment by the contestant, the department shall obtain additional test results. [PL 1997, c. 537, §20 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 537, §62 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 902 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 902
19-A §902. Grounds; defenses
Status: in_force

1. Grounds. A divorce may be granted for one of the following causes: A. Adultery; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. Impotence; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. Extreme cruelty; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. Utter desertion continued for 3 consecutive years prior to the commencement of the action; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication from the use of liquor or drugs; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] F. Nonsupport, when one spouse has sufficient ability to provide for the other spouse and grossly, wantonly or cruelly refuses or neglects to provide suitable maintenance for the complaining spouse; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] G. Cruel and abusive treatment; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] H. Irreconcilable marital differences; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] I. [PL 2005, c. 594, §2 (RP).] J. A court has appointed for one of the parties a guardian with full powers under Title 18-C, section 5-301 , other than an emergency guardian appointed pursuant to Title 18-C, section 5-312 . [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §36 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §36 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

2. Irreconcilable differences; counseling. If one party alleges that there are irreconcilable marital differences and the opposing party denies that allegation, the court upon its own motion or upon motion of either party may continue the case and require both parties to receive counseling by a qualified professional counselor to be selected either by agreement of the parties or by the court. The counselor shall give a written report of the counseling to the court and to both parties. The failure or refusal of the party who denies irreconcilable marital differences to submit to counseling without good reason is prima facie evidence that the marital differences are irreconcilable. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. Recrimination. Recrimination is a comparative rather than an absolute defense in a divorce action. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Condonation. Condonation of the parties is not an absolute defense to any action for divorce but is discretionary with the court. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1883 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1883
19-A §1883. Multiple presumptions
Status: in_force

If 2 or more conflicting presumptions arise under this subchapter, the court shall adjudicate parentage and determine parental rights and responsibilities in accordance with section 1653 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1781 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1781
19-A §1781. Application and construction
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this uniform 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 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3321 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3321
19-A §3321. Modification of child support order subject to Convention
Status: in_force

1. Obligee resident of the foreign country. A tribunal of this State may not modify a Convention child support order if the obligee remains a resident of the foreign country where the support order was issued unless: A. The obligee submits to the jurisdiction of a tribunal of this State, either expressly or by defending on the merits of the case without objecting to the jurisdiction at the first available opportunity; or [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. The foreign tribunal lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its support order or issue a new support order. [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. Application of section 3318. If a tribunal of this State cannot modify the foreign child support order because the order is unable to be recognized in this State, the provisions of section 3318, subsection 3 apply. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2662 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2662
19-A §2662. Payor liability
Status: in_force

Upon service of the notice required under section 2655 , a payor is liable for any income that the payor knowingly fails to withhold and send to the department within 7 business days of the day on which the obligor is usually paid. The department, or obligee if the obligee implemented the withholding as a private action, may maintain a civil action against the payor for the income the payor does not withhold and send to the department as required by the support order and for the imposition of any of the civil penalties provided for in this section, plus attorney's fees and court costs. [PL 2011, c. 528, §8 (AMD).]

1. Failure to withhold. A payor who knowingly fails to withhold income when income is usually paid to the obligor commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for each failure to withhold may be adjudged. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Failure to send income withheld. A payor who knowingly fails to send income withheld to the department within 7 business days of its withholding commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for each failure to timely send income withheld from an obligor may be adjudged. [PL 1997, c. 669, §12 (AMD).]

3. Failure to notify. A payor who knowingly fails to send the notification required by section 2661 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 may be adjudged. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

4. Discrimination against obligors. A payor who discharges from employment or refuses to employ an obligor or who takes disciplinary action against an obligor employed by the payor or who otherwise discriminates against the obligor because of the existence of a support order or an income withholding order or the obligations imposed upon the payor by an order is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000, payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil action. The payor is also subject to an action by the obligor for compensatory and punitive damages for those actions, plus attorney's fees and court costs. [PL 2011, c. 528, §9 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 753 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 753
19-A §753. Action to void marriage
Status: in_force

If, after a marriage has been solemnized, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics determines that the parties are not eligible to be married because the age or other requirements provided in this chapter are not satisfied, the state registrar may file an action in District Court to void the marriage. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1612 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1612
19-A §1612. Procedures after blood or tissue-typing tests
Status: in_force

1. Transmittal of test results. Upon receipt of the results of the tests, the department shall send copies of the results by ordinary mail to the alleged father and to the child's mother or to the mother's guardian or next friend if the mother is a minor. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Exclusion of alleged father. If the alleged father is excluded by the test results as the genetic father of the child, the department may file the record of the proceeding in a court for disposition under section 1915 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §15 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

3. Nonexclusion of alleged father. If the alleged father is not excluded by the test results and he does not, within 15 days of the mailing to him of a copy of the blood or tissue-typing test results and report, execute and deliver to the department by ordinary mail an acknowledgment of paternity of the child in accordance with the laws of the state in which the child was born, the department may file the record of the proceeding, including the blood or tissue-typing test results, in a court as a paternity proceeding. Sections 1903 , 1904 and 1913 apply to the action even though the tests were performed and the results prepared as part of an administrative proceeding. The alleged father's participation in the tests may not prejudice any application by the alleged father under section 1906 for an order appointing an additional examiner of blood or tissue types. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §15 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1864 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1864
19-A §1864. Filing of an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage
Status: in_force

1. Acknowledgment and denial. An acknowledgment of parentage and denial of parentage under this subchapter must be signed after the birth of the child and filed with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics and may be contained in a single document or may be signed in counterparts filed separately or simultaneously. If the acknowledgment and denial are both necessary, neither is valid until both are filed. [PL 2021, c. 141, §9 (AMD).]

2. Effective date. Subject to subsection 1 , an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage takes effect on the date of the birth of the child or on the filing of the document with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, whichever occurs later. [PL 2021, c. 141, §9 (AMD).]

3. Signed by minor. An acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage signed by a minor is valid if it is otherwise in compliance with this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 141, §9 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1609 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1609
19-A §1609. Failure of alleged father to deny paternity
Status: in_force

1. Filing of record of proceeding in court. If the alleged father fails to file a written denial of paternity with the department within 20 days after service of notice upon him, the department's attorney may file the record of the proceeding in a court as a paternity action. The filing of the record, along with proof of service pursuant to section 1604 , constitutes a filing under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 3(1) and further service is not required. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

2. Failure to file written denial constitutes default. The alleged father's failure to file a written denial with the department constitutes a default under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 55(a). The department shall forward to the alleged father by ordinary mail a copy of any request for a default judgment. The mailing of the request to the alleged father's last known address constitutes adequate notice of the default proceeding and further notice is not required. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 658 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 23 / Section 658
19-A §658. Quaker; Baha'i
Status: in_force

A marriage solemnized among Quakers or Friends, in the form practiced in their meeting, or solemnized among members of the Baha'i faith according to the rules and principles of the Baha'i faith, is valid and not affected by this subchapter. The clerk or the keeper of the records of the meeting or ceremony in which a marriage is solemnized shall return evidence of the solemnization of the marriage as provided in section 654. A person who willfully neglects or refuses to perform the duty imposed upon that person by this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for each offense may be adjudged for the use of the municipality in which the offense occurred. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1606 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 53 / Section 1606
19-A §1606. Court orders; relief
Status: in_force

The department may request that the court: [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

1. Establish as genetic father. Establish the alleged father as the genetic father of the child; [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §12 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

2. Child support. Order the alleged father to make child support payments as required under chapter 63 ; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3. To whom payments made. Order the alleged father to make support payments directly to the department whenever the mother is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits from the department for the child or is a support enforcement client of the department and at all other times directly to the mother; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF); PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §34 (AMD).]

4. Past support. Order the alleged father to pay past support to the mother or the department or other payor of public assistance, as applicable, for the past support, birth expenses and medical expenses incurred on behalf of the child to the time of trial and grant judgment to the mother or the department or other payor of public assistance, as applicable with execution to issue immediately. A judgment for past support is calculated by applying the current child support guidelines to the period for which past support is owed; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. Medical expenses. Order the alleged father to pay all reasonable medical, dental, hospital and optical expenses for the child, to provide medical and health insurance coverage for the child and to provide evidence of that coverage to the department under section 2605 ; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

6. Attorney's fees. [PL 2005, c. 323, §11 (RP).]

7. Income withholding period. Order income withholding as available under or required by law; and [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

8. Other relief. Grant such other relief as the court determines just and proper, including an initial allocation of parental rights and responsibilities as allowed by section 1840 . [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. C, §13 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2351 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2351
19-A §2351. Right of support enforcement when order exists
Status: in_force

1. Subrogation of support rights. If a support order exists, the department is subrogated to the right of a dependent child or person having custody of the child named in the order to pursue any support action or administrative remedy to secure payment of the debt accrued or accruing under section 2301 and to enforce the order. The department is not required to seek an amendment to the support order to subrogate itself to the rights of the payee. The department is not required to file a motion to intervene or join in any court proceeding to subrogate itself to the rights of the payee and to be treated as a party in any further proceedings regarding the support order. Upon notice to the parties, the department may order an obligor or other payor of child support to redirect payments to the department if payments are owed to the department or another state pursuant to an assignment of support rights or if payments are otherwise required to be made through the department. A person who knowingly violates the department's order commits a civil violation for which the court may adjudge a forfeiture not to exceed $500 plus interest, attorney's fees and costs. [PL 1997, c. 683, Pt. A, §10 (RPR).]

2. Limits on subrogation. When payment of public assistance for the benefit of a dependent child has ceased, that child, or a person having the custody of the child named in the order, may pursue any support action or administrative remedy to secure payment of any support arrearage that accrued before or after the period of receiving public assistance and that is not part of the debt under section 2301 . The department may not be subrogated to this right. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3203 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 67 / Section 3203
19-A §3203. Contest of registration or enforcement
Status: in_force

1. Defenses to contest validity or enforcement. A party contesting the validity or enforcement of a registered support order or seeking to vacate the registration has the burden of proving one or more of the following defenses: A. The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. The order was obtained by fraud; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. The order has been vacated, suspended or modified by a later order; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. The issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] E. There is a defense under the laws of this State to the remedy sought; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] F. Full or partial payment has been made; [PL 2003, c. 436, §40 (AMD).] G. The statute of limitation under section 3153 precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or [PL 2003, c. 436, §40 (AMD).] H. The alleged controlling order is not the controlling order. [PL 2003, c. 436, §41 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 95, §72 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

2. Full or partial defense. If a party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under subsection 1 , a tribunal may stay enforcement of the registered support order, continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence and issue other appropriate orders. An uncontested portion of the registered support order may be enforced by all remedies available under the laws of this State. [PL 2009, c. 95, §72 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]

3. Confirmation of order. If the contesting party does not establish a defense under subsection 1 to the validity or enforcement of a registered support order, the registering tribunal shall issue an order confirming the order. [PL 2009, c. 95, §72 (AMD); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 2360-A — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 65 / Section 2360-A
19-A §2360-A. Lump-sum settlement; workers' compensation claims
Status: in_force

On a monthly basis, the department shall notify the Workers' Compensation Board, referred to in this section as the "board," of the names and social security numbers of all persons who owe the department child support debts that have been liquidated by judicial or administrative action. Before approving any lump-sum settlement, the board shall determine whether the person receiving the settlement is on the list of persons who owe to the department child support debts that have been liquidated by judicial or administrative action. If the person is on the list, the board shall notify the department of the pending settlement and inform the person of the notification to the department. [PL 1997, c. 654, §1 (NEW).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1921 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 61 / Section 1921
19-A §1921. Scope of subchapter
Status: in_force

This subchapter does not apply to the birth of a child conceived by means other than assisted reproduction. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 901 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 2 / Chapter 29 / Section 901
19-A §901. Action for divorce; procedures
Status: in_force

1. Filing of complaint; grounds. A person seeking a divorce may file a complaint for divorce in the District Court if: A. The plaintiff has resided in good faith in this State for 6 months prior to the commencement of the action; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] B. The plaintiff is a resident of this State and the parties were married in this State; [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] C. The plaintiff is a resident of this State and the parties resided in this State when the cause of divorce accrued; or [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] D. The defendant is a resident of this State. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).] The complaint must state one or more grounds listed in section 902, subsection 1 . [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §29 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

2. Guardian ad litem. If the alleged cause is that one of the parties is an incapacitated person, as provided in section 902, subsection 1, paragraph J , the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the incapacitated person. [PL 2005, c. 594, §1 (AMD).]

3. Exclusion of public. In a divorce action, 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 that other party's attorney, the court shall exclude the public from the court proceedings. 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).]

4. Corroborating witness not required. When the merits of a divorce action are not contested, whether or not an answer has been filed, there is no requirement that the testimony of the complaining party be corroborated by witnesses. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5. Fraud. The court may not grant a divorce when the parties seek to procure a divorce for fraudulent purposes. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

6. Attorney's fees and costs. Attorney's fees awarded in the nature of support may be made payable immediately or in installments. [PL 2005, c. 323, §4 (AMD).]
19-A M.R.S. § 1734 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 58 / Section 1734
19-A §1734. Application to Indian tribes
Status: in_force

1. Proceedings governed by federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 or Maine Indian Child Welfare Act. A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 United States Code, Section 1901 et seq. or the Maine Indian Child Welfare Act is not subject to this chapter to the extent that it is governed by either Act. [PL 2023, c. 359, §4 (AMD).]

2. Tribe treated as state. A court of this State shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying this subchapter and subchapter II . [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]

3. Tribal custody determinations. A child custody determination made by a tribe under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter III . [PL 1999, c. 486, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 486, §6 (AFF).]
19-A M.R.S. § 3504 — ME Code / Title 19-A / Part 3 / Chapter 69 / Section 3504
19-A §3504. Evidence of husband and wife
Status: in_force

Laws attaching a privilege against the disclosure of communications between husband and wife are inapplicable under this chapter. Husband and wife are competent witnesses to testify to any relevant matter, including marriage and parentage. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]