Opinion ID: 2721621
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Denial of Access to the Child’s Records

Text: [¶22] The law requires that a parent must have access to records and information relating to his child “unless that access is found not to be in the best interest of the child,” in which case the court must state its reasons for denying access. 19-A M.R.S. § 1653(2)(D)(4). As with any decision that is analyzed according to the best interest of the child, we review the court’s ultimate decision to allow or deny access to the child’s records for an abuse of discretion. See In re Alivia B., 2010 ME 112, ¶ 12, 8 A.3d 625. [¶23] The court complied with section 1653(2)(D)(4) by stating its reasons for denying Sullivan access to the child’s records and information, which were the same reasons it awarded Doe sole parental rights and responsibilities and no rights of contact “at this time” to Sullivan. The court did not abuse its discretion in denying access to the child’s records.