Maine Adoption Laws

Adoption is a life-changing experience. If you are living in Maine and facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be thinking about adoption. This is a positive choice for many. You can make an adoption plan with the support of a reputable and experienced adoption agency. Before you begin the process, you will want to learn a bit about adoption and Maine adoption laws.

Since adoption laws vary by state, it is best to depend on an adoption agency. This type of organization can offer you a team of attorneys who are specifically trained in Maine adoption laws. These professionals can meet you wherever and whenever it is convenient for you. They will sit with you to discuss your rights and answer any questions you may have about the adoption process.

In this guide, we will give you a glimpse of the adoption laws in Maine. This is not to be taken as legal advice. It is always best to contact a professional adoption service, such as Adoptions With Love, before beginning your adoption journey. This short guide should help you get familiar with Maine adoption laws before diving in.

If you have further questions or need support, do not hesitate to contact our Maine adoption professionals at 800-722-7731, toll-free.

Adoption Requirements

Adoption can be a complicated process, and it is helpful to know who can adopt a baby in Maine. According to the state laws, any adult – married or single – can adopt a child as long as they:

• Are 21 years of age or older.
• Can pass a background check.

While Maine adoption laws are simple regarding who can adopt, Adoptions With Love takes it a step further. Every prospective adoptive parent must complete a Home Study, which takes several months to complete. This process includes multiple home visits and interviews, background checks and screenings, and the review of medical and financial documents. This ensures that every adoptive family is healthy – physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. This step gives expectant/birth mothers peace of mind, knowing their child will go to a safe, stable, and loving home.

Birth Mother Rights & Consent

Now that you know the basics of Maine adoption laws regarding adoptive parents, you may be wondering about your rights.

In the State of Maine, birth mothers may sign consent forms any time after birth. This consent must be given in the presence of a judge. Adoptions With Love encourages expectant/birth mothers to take all the time they need in making this decision. This is a lifelong decision. You should feel confident in, and comfortable with, the adoption plan.  Birth parents can also waive their rights to Maine adoption law and sign a consent to the adoption according to the laws of the state where the prospective adoptive parents live.  It is always best to consult with an attorney and make an informed decision regarding adoption laws.

Adoption Expenses

Many states have clear laws regarding expenses that may be covered for an adoption. This ensures that every adoption is processed safely and legally. You cannot be compensated for your child’s adoption. You are not selling your baby, of course, but you can receive financial assistance. According to Maine adoption laws, you may receive support with legal services, medical expenses related to pregnancy and birth, adoption agency fees, living expenses, counseling, and transportation.

At Adoptions With Love, we understand that an expectant/birth mother’s health and wellbeing must be prioritized. We never charge any fees for those who choose to place their baby for adoption. We offer the following supportive services:

• Financial assistance – including food bills, utilities, maternity clothes
• Housing assistance
• Legal services
• Any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth, reimbursed once the adoption is complete
• Comprehensive counseling, before and after birth
• Assistance custom designing your adoption plan

We understand the stress that an unplanned pregnancy can cause. We want to help alleviate that burden as you plan your adoption.

Birth Father Rights

Maine adoption laws surrounding birth fathers’ rights are complex. This is something you should discuss with your adoption professional and your attorney. . The adoption attorneys at Adoptions With Love can help you navigate this part of the process.

Adoption Equality Laws to Know

According to Maine adoption laws, there is no discrimination when it comes to adoption. This means that a couple – or individual – of any sex, gender, race, or ethnicity may choose to adopt. Whether a person is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community or BIPOC, they can grow their family through adoption. Adoption laws in Maine also state that an adoption cannot be delayed or denied because the adoptive parent and child do not share the same “race, color, or national origin.”

Learn More About Adoption

These are a few important Maine adoption laws to keep in mind when considering adoption. If you would like to learn even more about the adoption process, contact Adoptions With Love today. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff can help guide you through the adoption process in Maine. Call us 24/7 at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or reach out to us online.