Maine
MaineWho Must Consent:
- Each living parent, unless consent has been waived.
- The person or agency having legal custody.
- A guardian appointed by the court.
A child 14 years or older must consent to the adoption.
When Parental Consent is Not Needed:
- A parent has abandoned the child.
- Parent fails to assume parental responsibility.
- Parent's rights have been terminated.
- The child is 18 years or older.
- A putative father who failed to respond to notice or waived right of notice.
- Consent can be executed any time after the child's birth.
- A petition for adoption must be pending before consent is executed.
- Parents must execute consent before a judge.
- Consent by an agency may be executed before a notary public and filed with the probate court.
- The adoptee, if 14 years or older, must execute consent before a judge.
- A consent or release will not be valid until 3 days after if has been executed; it then becomes final and irrevocable.
- If the adoption consented to is not finalized within 18 months, a review must be held.
• Legal Considerations in Adoption
• Parental Rights
• Putative Father Registries: What They Are and How To Use Them
• Resources for Expectant/Placing Parents
Relinquishment Summaries by State: Index
Source: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. Reprinted with permission.
| Adoption Profiles |
|
Sponsored Links
Find an adoption social worker or agency who can help. Start today!
Home-Study.Adoption.com
Add Your Comments!
We want to know what you think. Your comments are important to us and the other readers. You are what makes this site special.