Establishing Paternity in Maine
How paternity is established in Maine: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: The woman who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent, presumed parent or intended parent may sign an acknowledgment of parentage after the birth and file it with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics; 19-A M.R.S. §§ 1834, 1861, 1864, 1867, 1868
| Establishing paternity | The woman who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent, presumed parent or intended parent may sign an acknowledgment of parentage after the birth and file it with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics; it takes effect on the later of the birth or the filing. A signer may rescind by starting a court proceeding before the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment takes effect or the first hearing in a court case about the child to which the signer is a party. After that, a signer may challenge it only for fraud, duress, coercion, threat of harm or material mistake of fact, and within 2 years after filing. Original parentage cases are filed in District Court, without a jury, and the Maine Parentage Act provides for genetic testing. |
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Where to get help in Maine
More Maine divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Maine
- Adopting a Child in Maine
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Maine
- Changing Your Name in Maine
- Child Custody Laws in Maine
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Maine
- Divorce Records in Maine
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Maine
- How to File for Divorce in Maine
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Maine
- All Maine divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Maine?
The woman who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent, presumed parent or intended parent may sign an acknowledgment of parentage after the birth and file it with the State Registrar of Vital Statistics; it takes effect on the later of the birth or the filing. A signer may rescind by starting a court proceeding before the earlier of 60 days after the acknowledgment takes effect or the first hearing in a court case about the child to which the signer is a party. After that, a signer may challenge it only for fraud, duress, coercion, threat of harm or material mistake of fact, and within 2 years after filing. Original parentage cases are filed in District Court, without a jury, and the Maine Parentage Act provides for genetic testing.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.