Maine Child Custody: Navigating the Legal Landscape with VBK Law
Maine is a state where child custody is determined based on the child’s best interests. Navigating custody cases can be complex, emotional, and overwhelming. At VBK, our skilled child custody attorneys provide compassionate guidance and thorough legal representation for parents in Maine.
Why You May Need a Maine Child Custody Lawyer
Custody disputes often arise between married parents, divorced parents or unmarried parents. You may need an experienced lawyer to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being and to guide you through the complex web of issues to be considered. These include parental rights and responsibilities, residence, contact, who provides insurance for the children, how uninsured medical expenses will be divided, how will tax exemptions be shared and child support.
Our attorneys can assist with
- Establishing paternity
- Obtaining custody
- Modifying existing custody orders
- Enforcing custody orders
- Terminating parental rights
- Grandparents' custody rights
- Interstate custody issues
We understand the sensitive nature of custody cases and will advocate for favorable custody arrangements tailored to your family’s unique situation.
The Maine Child Custody Process
In Maine, custody can be shared by both parents or primarily awarded to one parent with reasonable contact for the other parent.
Key factors considered include, but are not limited to:
- Each parent's relationship with the child
- The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
- Ability of parents to cooperate and make shared decisions
- History of domestic abuse or substance abuse
- Income and living situations of each parent
Our attorneys will gather evidence, call witnesses, and make compelling arguments to pursue custody terms that support your child’s best interests. We aim to resolve cases through mediation but are prepared for litigation if necessary.
The specific procedures in a child custody case can vary depending on the circumstances. However, you can generally expect the following steps:
Filing a Complaint for Determination of Parental Rights and Responsibilities
This document formally initiates the child custody case with the Maine court.
Discovery & Disclosure
Both parties exchange information and evidence to support their respective positions.
Negotiation and Mediation
In most cases, the court will order mediation, where a neutral third party facilitates communication and attempts to reach an agreement outside of court.
Trial
If agreement is reached on all issues in your child custody case, you can often submit your agreement to the Court for approval without the necessity for a hearing. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a Judge will decide the issues in your child custody case.
Final Decree
Once finalized, the Court issues a Judgment which will address the issues in your child custody case, whether agreed upon or decided by a Judge.
Remember, this is a general overview, and your specific case will have its own unique issues. VBK can help ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Let VBK Be Your Trusted Advocates
Child custody is one of the most critical legal matters a parent may face. Our respected Maine custody attorneys have decades of combined experience skillfully representing clients.
Attorney’s listed here.
Disclaimer
Legal content should not be considered a substitute for professional legal advice.
Always consult with an attorney for your specific situation.
