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Maine

Who Must Consent:

• Each living parent, unless consent has been waived.
• The person or agency having legal custody.
• A guardian appointed by the court.

Consent of Adoptee:
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.

When Relinquishment Can Be Signed:

• Consent can be executed any time after the child's birth.
• A petition for adoption must be pending before consent is executed.

How Relinquishment Must Be Signed:

• 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.

Time for Revocation:

• 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.

• Glossary of Terms
• 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.

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