reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-203 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 2: DETERMINATION OF PARENTAGE AND TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS|18-C §9-203. Duties and responsibilities subsequent to surrender and release

 §9-203. Duties and responsibilities subsequent to surrender and release Without notice to the parent or parents, the surrender and release authorized pursuant to section 9-202 may be transferred together with all rights under section 9-202 from the transferee agency to the department or from the department as original transferee to any licensed child-placing agency. If the licensed child-placing agency or the department is unable to find a suitable adoptive home for a child surrendered and released by a parent or parents, the licensed child-placing agency or the department to whom custody and control of that child have been surrendered and released or transferred shall request a review pursuant to section 9-205.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-205 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 2: DETERMINATION OF PARENTAGE AND TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS|18-C §9-205. Review

 §9-205. Review 1.  Judicial review required; 18 months.  The court shall conduct a judicial review if:   A. A child is not adopted within 18 months of the execution of a surrender and release;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. The adoption is not finalized within 18 months of the consent to an adoption by a parent or parents; or   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]C. A petition for adoption is not finalized within 18 months.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Determination whether adoption viable plan; review; plan; District Court.  If, after judicial review under subsection 1, the court determines that adoption is still a viable plan for the child, the court shall schedule another judicial review within 2 years. If the court determines that adoption is no longer a viable plan, the court shall attempt to notify the parents, who must be given an opportunity to present an acceptable plan for the child. If either or both parents are able and willing to assume physical custody of the child, the court shall declare the surrender and release or the consent void.   If the parents are not notified or are unable or unwilling to assume physical custody of the child or if the court determines that placement of the child with the parents would constitute jeopardy as defined by Title 22, section 4002, subsection 6, the case must be transferred to the District Court for a hearing pursuant to Title 22, section 4038-A.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-301 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-301. Petition for adoption and change of name; filing fee

 §9-301. Petition for adoption and change of name; filing fee Spouses or unmarried persons jointly or an unmarried person, whether resident or nonresident of the State, may petition the court to adopt a person, regardless of age, and to change that person's name. The fee for filing the petition is $65 plus:   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]1.  National criminal history record check fee.  The fee for a national criminal history record check for noncriminal justice purposes set by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for each prospective adoptive parent who is not a parent of the child; and   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  State criminal history record check fee.  The fee for a state criminal history record check for noncriminal justice purposes established pursuant to Title 25, section 1541, subsection 6 for each prospective adoptive parent who is not a parent of the child.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-303 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-303. Petition

 §9-303. Petition 1.  Sworn; contents.  A petition for adoption must be sworn to by the petitioner and must include:   A. The full name, age and place of residence of the petitioner and, if married, the place and date of marriage;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. The date and place of birth of the adoptee, if known;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]C. The birth name of the adoptee, any other names by which the adoptee has been known and the adoptee's proposed new name, if any;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]D. The residence of the adoptee at the time of the filing of the petition;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]E. A statement of the petitioner's intention to establish a parent-child relationship between the petitioner and the adoptee and a statement that the petitioner is a fit and proper person able to care and provide for the adoptee's welfare;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]F. The names and addresses of all persons or agencies known to the petitioner that affect the custody of, visitation with or access to the adoptee;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]G. The relationship, if any, of the petitioner to the adoptee;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]H. The names and addresses of the department and the licensed child-placing agency, if any;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]I. The names and addresses of all persons known to the petitioner at the time of filing from whom consent to the adoption is required; and   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]J. If the petition is for the adoption of a minor child, a statement that the petitioner acknowledges that after the adoption is finalized, the transfer of the long-term care and custody of the adoptee without a court order is prohibited under Title 17‑A, section 553, subsection 1, paragraphs C and D.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Information to be shared and updated.  A petitioner shall indicate to the court what information the petitioner is willing to share with the parents and under what circumstances and shall provide a mechanism for updating that information.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Caption.  The caption of a petition for adoption may be styled "In the Matter of the Adoption Petition of (name of adoptee)." The petitioner must also be designated in the caption.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-305 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-305. Evidence; procedure

 §9-305. Evidence; procedure The court may proceed as follows in considering a petition for adoption.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]1.  Adoptee interview.  The court may interview any adoptee, and shall interview an adoptee who is 12 years of age or older, outside the presence of the prospective adoptive parents, to determine the adoptee's attitudes and desires about the adoption and other relevant issues.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Inspection of records; disclosure.  The court may conduct an inspection in camera of records of relevant child protective proceedings and may disclose only that information necessary for the determination of any issue before the court. Any disclosure of information must be done pursuant to Title 22, section 4008, subsection 3.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Recording; expenses.  The parties may request a recording of the proceedings. The requesting party shall pay the expense of the recording.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-307 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-307. Adoption not granted

 §9-307. Adoption not granted If the court determines that it is unable to finalize an adoption to which parents have consented, the court shall notify the parents that the court has not granted the adoption and shall conduct a review pursuant to section 9-205.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-309 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-309. Appeals

 §9-309. Appeals 1.  Appeal; bond not required of child or next friend.  Any party may appeal from any order entered under this Article to the Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court, as in other civil actions, but a bond to prosecute an appeal is not required of a child or next friend and costs may not be awarded against either.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Appeal expedited.  An appeal from any order under this Article must be expedited.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Attorney, guardian ad litem continues.  An attorney or guardian ad litem appointed to represent a party in an adoption proceeding continues to represent the interests of that party in any appeal unless otherwise ordered by the court.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-310 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-310. Records confidential

 §9-310. Records confidential Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in Title 22, section 2768, all court records relating to an adoption decreed on or after August 8, 1953 are confidential. The court shall keep records of those adoptions segregated from all other court records. If a court determines that examination of records pertaining to a particular adoption is proper, the court may authorize that examination by specified persons, authorize the register to disclose to specified persons any information contained in the records by letter, certificate or copy of the record or authorize a combination of both examination and disclosure.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]Any medical or genetic information in the court records relating to an adoption must be made available to the adopted child when the adopted child attains 18 years of age and to the adopted child's descendants, adoptive parents or legal guardian on petition of the court.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-311 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-311. Interstate placements

 §9-311. Interstate placements 1.  Certificate of compliance; bring child to this State.  A person or agency who intends to bring a child to this State from another state for the purpose of adoption must provide to the court the certification of compliance as required by the department pursuant to Title 22, chapter 1153 or 1154, as applicable.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Certificate of compliance; remove child from this State.  A person or agency who intends to remove a child from this State for the purpose of adoption in another state must obtain from the department certification of compliance with Title 22, chapter 1153 or 1154, as applicable, prior to the removal of the child from this State.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Department certification required.  The court may not grant a petition to adopt a child who has been brought to or will be removed from this State for the purpose of adoption without department certification of compliance with Title 22, chapter 1153 or 1154, as applicable.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 4.  Civil violation.  An agency or person who fails to comply with this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $5,000 may be adjudged.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-312 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-312. Foreign adoptions

 §9-312. Foreign adoptions If an adoption in a foreign country has been finalized and the adopting parents are seeking an adoption under the laws of this State to give recognition to the foreign adoption, a court may enter a decree of adoption based solely upon a judgment of adoption in a foreign country and may order a change of name if requested by the adopting parents. The fee for filing the petition is $55.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-313 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-313. Advertisement

 §9-313. Advertisement 1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings.   A. "Advertise" means to communicate by any public medium that originates within this State, including by newspaper, periodical, telephone book listing, outdoor advertising sign, radio or television, or by any computerized communication system, including by e-mail, website, Internet account or any similar medium of communication provided via the Internet.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. "Internet account" means an account created within a bounded system established by an Internet-based service that requires a user to input or store access information in an electronic device in order to view, create, use or edit the user's account information, profile, display, communications or stored data.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Advertising prohibited.  A person may not:   A. Advertise for the purpose of finding a child to adopt or to otherwise take into permanent physical custody;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. Advertise that the person will find an adoptive home or any other permanent physical placement for a child or arrange for or assist in the adoption, adoptive placement or any other permanent physical placement of a child;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]C. Advertise that the person will place a child for adoption or in any other permanent physical placement; or   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]D. Advertise for the purpose of finding a person to adopt or otherwise take into permanent custody a particular child.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Exceptions.  This section does not prohibit:   A. The department or a child-placing agency from advertising in accordance with rules adopted by the department; or   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. An attorney licensed to practice in this State from advertising the attorney's availability to practice or provide services relating to the adoption of children.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 4.  Violation.  A person who violates subsection 2 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $5,000 may be adjudged.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-314 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-314. Immunity from liability for good faith reporting; proceedings

 §9-314. Immunity from liability for good faith reporting; proceedings A person, including an agent of the department, who participates in good faith in reporting violations of this Article or participates in a related child protection investigation or proceeding is immune from any criminal or civil liability for reporting or participating in the investigation or proceeding. For purposes of this section, "good faith" does not include instances when a false report is made and the person knows the report is false.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-315 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 3: ADOPTION PROCEDURES|18-C §9-315. Annulment of the adoption decree

 §9-315. Annulment of the adoption decree 1.  Annulment; reasons and limitations.  A court may, on petition filed within one year of the decree of adoption and after notice and hearing, reverse and annul an adoption decree based on findings by clear and convincing evidence that the adoption was obtained as a result of fraud, duress or illegal procedures.   A. If the adoptee is a minor, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem on behalf of the minor adoptee and shall consider the best interest of the child, taking into account the factors set forth in Title 19‑A, section 1653, subsection 3. The court shall sustain the decree unless there is clear and convincing evidence of one or more bases for annulment and that the decree is not in the best interest of the child.   The court may allocate the costs of the guardian ad litem to one or more of the parties and may appoint counsel for a minor adoptee or a party to the annulment proceedings. A minor adoptee may appear and be represented by counsel.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. Subject to the disposition of an appeal, upon the expiration of one year after an adoption decree is issued, the decree may not be questioned by any person including the petitioner, in any manner upon any ground, including fraud, misrepresentation, failure to give any required notice or lack of jurisdiction of the parties or of the subject matter.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Notice.  Notice of a petition to annul must be given to the parents, except those whose parental rights were terminated through a proceeding pursuant to Title 22, section 4055, subsection 1, paragraph B, subparagraph (2), and to all parties to the adoption including the adoptive parents, an adoptee who is 14 years of age or older and the agency involved in the adoption.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Certified copy of annulment.  After the court annuls a decree of adoption, the register shall transmit immediately a certified copy of the annulment to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).
18-C ME Rev Stat § 9-402 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 18-C: PROBATE CODE|Article 9: ADOPTION|Part 4: ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM|18-C §9-402. Adoption assistance

 §9-402. Adoption assistance 1.  Eligible applicants.  An application for the program may be submitted by the following persons:   A. A foster parent interested in adopting an eligible child in the foster parent's care;   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]B. A person interested in adopting an eligible child; or   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]C. An adoptive parent who was not informed of the program or of facts relevant to a child's eligibility when adopting a child who was at the time of adoption eligible for participation in the program.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).][PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 2.  Standards for adoption apply.  All applicants for the program must meet department standards for adoption except for financial eligibility.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] 3.  Assistance based on special needs.  Assistance under the program may be provided for special needs only and may be varied based on the special needs of the child. Assistance may be provided for a period of time based on the special needs of the child.   [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. F, §1 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).