Know Your Rights: Family Rights in Maine

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Family | Parenting | Maine

What is the Maine Parentage Act?

The Maine Parentage Act (MPA) is a set of state laws that was passed in 2016 and strengthened in 2021. It clarified and expanded the ways someone can legally establish that they are the parents of a child. The MPA addresses who is able to, and how to, establish legal parentage. See: Title 19-A, §1851: Establishment of parentage.

Specifically, the MPA ensures greater protections and equal treatment for children of LGBTQ+ parents. The law allows many LGBTQ+ parents to establish parentage through a simple form, an Acknowledgement of Parentage (AOP), ensuring LGBTQ+ parents are able to establish their legal relationship to their child immediately at birth or any time before the child turns 18.

The MPA also extends an accessible path to parentage for children born through assisted reproduction and for children born through surrogacy.

ماذا يعني النسب؟

تعني "الأبوة" أنك والدٌ قانونيٌّ للطفل لجميع الأغراض. وتترتب على الأبوة مجموعةٌ من الحقوق (مثل اتخاذ القرارات المتعلقة بالرعاية الطبية أو التعليم، ووقتٌ لرعاية الطفل في حالة الانفصال عن الوالد الآخر)، بالإضافة إلى مسؤولياتٍ (مثل توفير التأمين الصحي، وتلبية الاحتياجات الأساسية، ودفع نفقة الطفل). وتُعدّ العلاقة القانونية الآمنة بين الوالدين والطفل أساسًا لاستقرار الطفل ورفاهيته على المدى الطويل.

لماذا من المهم إثبات النسب بسرعة؟

إن تثبيت النسب بعد الولادة مباشرةً يضمن بقاء الطفل مع والديه لجميع الأغراض، ويزيد من وضوح الصورة لجميع المعنيين بحياته. على سبيل المثال، يُمكّن تثبيت النسب أحد الوالدين من اتخاذ أي قرارات طبية مبكرة في حياة الطفل، ويضمن حصوله على مزايا التأمين أو حقوق الميراث، ويحمي حقوق الوالدين الأبوية في حال انفصالهما.

How can Maine families establish parentage under the MPA?

The MPA provides that Mainers can establish their parentage in the following ways:

الولادة (باستثناء الأشخاص الذين يعملون كأمهات بديلات)
التبني
Acknowledgement (by signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage)
الافتراض (بما في ذلك الافتراض الزوجي)
الصلة الجينية (باستثناء المتبرعين بالحيوانات المنوية أو البويضات)
النسب الفعلي
الأبوة المقصودة من خلال التكاثر المساعد
Intended parentage through a gestational carrier agreement
الحكم (أمر من المحكمة)

Also, the Court may accept an admission of parentage that is made under penalty of perjury, or the Court may assign parentage to a party in default as long as the party was properly served notice of the proceeding (see 19-A MRS §1841 و §1842).

من هو الوالد المقصود؟

An intended parent is a person who consents to assisted reproduction with the intent to be a parent of the child or is an intended parent under a gestational carrier agreement. Ideally, a person who consents to assisted reproduction with the intent to be a parent will memorialize that intent in writing, but the law does allow other ways to prove intent to be a parent.

من هو الوالد المفترض؟

A presumed parent is a non-birth parent that the law recognizes because of certain circumstances or relationships. A presumed parent is established as a legal parent through the execution of a valid Acknowledgement of Parentage, by an adjudication, or as otherwise provided in the MPA.

أنت أحد الوالدين المفترضين إذا كان أي مما يلي صحيحًا:

You are married to the child’s birth parent when the child is born;
You were married to the child’s birth parent, and the child is born within 300 days of the marriage being terminated by death, annulment, or divorce;
You attempted to marry the child’s birth parent and the child is born during the invalid marriage or within 300 days of it being terminated by death, annulment or divorce;
You married the child’s parent after the child was born, asserted parentage and are named as a parent on the birth certificate; or
You resided in the same household with the child and openly held out the child as your own from the time the child was born or adopted for at least two years and assumed personal, financial or custodial responsibilities for the child.

من هو الوالد الفعلي؟

A de facto parent is a parent based on their relationship with the child. Establishing de facto parentage requires a judgment from a court. You can petition a court to establish your de facto parentage by demonstrating, with clear and convincing evidence that you have fully and completely undertaken a permanent, unequivocal, committed and responsible parental role in the child’s life. To make that finding a court must determine all of the following:

You lived with the child for a significant amount of time;
You consistently took care of the child;
A bonded and dependent relationship has been established between the child and you, the relationship was fostered or supported by another parent of the child, and you and the other parent have understood, acknowledged or accepted that or behaved as though you are a parent of the child.
You took full and permanent responsibility for the child without expectation of financial compensation;
Continuing a relationship with the child is in the best interests of the child.

What is an Acknowledgement of Parentage?

Federal law requires states to provide a simple civil process for acknowledging parentage upon the birth of a child. That simple civil process is the Acknowledgement of Parentage program.

Federal regulations require states to provide an Acknowledgement of Parentage program at hospitals and state birth record agencies. Acknowledgement of Parentage forms themselves are short affidavits in which the person signing affirms that they wish to be established as a legal parent with all of the rights and responsibilities of parentage. The person who gave birth to the child must also sign the form, and both parents have to provide some demographic information about themselves.

By signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage, a person is established as a legal parent, and the child’s birth certificate is issued or amended to reflect that legal parentage. Properly executed, an Acknowledgement of Parentage has the binding force of a court order and should be treated as valid in all states.

How do I establish my parentage through an Acknowledgement of Parentage?

You can voluntarily acknowledge the parentage of a child by signing a form from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services known as an Acknowledgement of Parentage (AOP). An Acknowledgement of Parentage must be signed by the birth parent and the other parent (i.e., the person establishing parentage through the Acknowledgement of Parentage). The other parent can be the genetic parent (except for sperm or egg donors), an intended parent of a child born through assisted reproduction or a gestational carrier agreement, or a presumed parent (see definition of presumed parent above).

Signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage form is voluntary, and it can be done at the hospital soon after birth or until the child turns 18 by contacting the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Here is a sample of the form, VS-27-A: Acknowledgement OF PARENTAGE (AOP).

An Acknowledgement of Parentage form must be notarized. To be valid, the people signing the form must be given oral and written notice explaining the legal consequences, rights, and responsibilities that arise from signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage. If either the birth parent or the non-birth parent does not want to sign this form to establish parentage for the non-birth parent, then either of them can try to have a court determine parentage.

إذا كانت لديك أي استفسارات حول توقيع نموذج إقرار النسب، يُرجى استشارة محامٍ قبل التوقيع. إقرار النسب يُعادل حكمًا قضائيًا بالنسب، وهو مسؤولية جسيمة تستمر مدى الحياة.

When can I not establish parentage through an Acknowledgement of Parentage?

يجب على الوالد المفترض الذي يسعى إلى إثبات الأبوة في المواقف التي لا يكون فيها الوالد الآخر هو الوالد البيولوجي للطفل، على سبيل المثال، تم تبني الطفل من قبل الوالد الآخر، أن يثبت الأبوة من خلال حكم قضائي ولا يمكنه إثبات الأبوة من خلال إقرار الأبوة.
Parentage cannot be established through an Acknowledgement of Parentage if there is a third person who is a presumed parent, unless that person has filed a Denial of Parentage.
A person who is establishing parentage based on residing with the child and holding out the child as the person’s child for the first two years of the child’s life cannot establish parentage through an Acknowledgement of Parentage until the child is two.

When can a parent sign an Acknowledgement of Parentage?

Acknowledgements of Parentage can be signed after the birth of a child, up until the child’s 18th birthday. An Acknowledgement of Parentage can also be completed before the child’s birth but will not take effect until the child is born.

How can an Acknowledgement of Parentage be rescinded?

If you aren’t married, and you signed an Acknowledgement Parentage, you have sixty days to go to court and rescind, or take back, that acknowledgement. If it has been more than 60 days since you filed the acknowledgement, but less than two years, you can still go to court to challenge the acknowledgement if:

You were lied to about being the parent;
You were forced or coerced into signing the Acknowledgement; or
You or the other parent were wrong on the facts that made you think you were the parent.

These same rules apply if you believe you are the parent, but someone else has acknowledged that they are the parent of the child.

You can’t challenge an acknowledgement after the child is two years old.

You will need to prove to the court that the person who acknowledged paternity is NOT the parent.

If you believe you are the parent of a child, but you had no way of knowing it when the child was born, you can challenge an acknowledgement of parentage. You have two years from the time you found out you might be the parent to challenge an Acknowledgement. This is the only situation where someone can challenge an Acknowledgement of Parentage that is more than two years old.

ماذا لو لم أكن والدًا بيولوجيًا؟ كيف يُمكنني إثبات نفسي كوالد قانوني؟

The MPA has many provisions that protect non-biological parents. If you are your child’s presumed parent, or if you are the intended parent of a child born through assisted reproduction or a gestational carrier agreement or have a genetic connection (except for sperm or egg donors), you can establish parentage by signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage.

Some non-biological parents can establish parentage through the MPA’s de facto parent provisions, which require a court to adjudicate the person to be the child’s de facto parent.

How does the MPA help people conceiving through assisted reproduction?

The MPA provides important clarity and protections for children born through assisted reproduction (i.e., you did not have sexual intercourse or use a gestational carrier to conceive). The MPA confirms that a gamete donor (e.g., sperm or egg donor) is not a parent of a child conceived through assisted reproduction. Also, the MPA affirms that a person who consents to assisted reproduction with the intent to be a parent of the resulting child is a legal parent and can establish that parentage by signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage.

Does Maine require private health plans to provide coverage for fertility care?

Yes, Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1539, An Act to Provide Access to Fertility Care, on May 2, 2022, and the law applies to private health plans which are regulated by the Maine Bureau of Insurance that are issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2023. This includes employers who offer insured health plans. Some employers have self-insured plans, and these are not regulated by the Maine Bureau of Insurance.

The law requires all carriers who offer health plans in Maine to provide coverage for medical interventions including fertility diagnostic care, fertility treatment, and medically necessary fertility preservation.

What is the difference between joint, second-parent (also known as co-parent) and single-parent adoptions?

A joint adoption is when both partners adopt a child together at the same time. A second-parent or co-parent adoption is when one partner adopts the other partner’s child. A single-parent adoption is when a single individual adopts a child. All three of these are legal in Maine.

What is the advantage of doing a second-parent adoption or joint adoption?

يضمن كلٌّ من التبني المشترك وتبني الوالد الثاني أن يكون لطفلك والدان قانونيان. ويمكن للأزواج المتزوجين وغير المتزوجين التبني المشترك أو تبني الوالد الثاني. يسمح التبني للوالد غير القانوني بأن يصبح والدًا قانونيًا، ويحق له اتخاذ القرارات نيابةً عن الطفل دون الحاجة إلى تفويض خاص. كما يسمح للوالد المتبني بتولي حضانة الطفل تلقائيًا في حال وفاة شريكه. وبالمثل، في حال وفاة الوالد المتبني، يحق للطفل أن يرث منه حتى في حال عدم وجود وصية، وقد يتمكن من الحصول على استحقاقات الضمان الاجتماعي.

وأخيرا، إذا انفصل الزوجان، فإن التبني يضمن أن يكون لكلا الوالدين الحق في الحضانة والزيارة، وأن أي نزاعات سيتم حلها على أساس ما هو في مصلحة الطفل وليس على أساس من هو الوالد القانوني.

هل نحتاج إلى التبني من قبل أحد الوالدين إذا كنا متزوجين؟

When a child is born into a marriage, Maine law and the law of all states presumes that both spouses are the parents of the child and both names are listed on the child’s birth certificate. However, this is only a presumption and can be challenged in court, so in the past GLAD recommended that married couples do a second parent adoption to ensure the parentage of the non-biological parent because adoption is a court judgment creating a parent-child relationship and must be respected by other states.

Now Maine couples have a second way to protect the parentage of the non-biological partner by signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage.

If I am a parent who has signed an Acknowledgement of Parentage, do I also need to do a second parent adoption?

No. A parent who has signed an Acknowledgement of Parentage should not need to do a second parent adoption to establish parentage. An Acknowledgement of Parentage establishes legal parentage under state law, is the equivalent of a court judgment of parentage under state law and gives you all the rights and duties of a parent. Under federal law, an Acknowledgement of Parentage is the equivalent of a judicial decree of parentage and should be recognized in all states.

Since expanded access to Acknowledgements of parentage is an emerging development, some parents might feel more comfortable completing a second parent adoption in addition to or instead of an Acknowledgement of Parentage. To understand what is best for your family, individualized legal advice is recommended.

How does the MPA address surrogacy?

The MPA has comprehensive provisions about how to establish parentage through gestational carrier agreements. Before starting any medical procedures to conceive a child through a carrier process, you must have a written and signed agreement that meets all of the requirements of the statute. This agreement is between you, any other intended parents, the person acting as the surrogate, and that person’s spouse (if applicable). This agreement will establish that you are the parent(s) of the child and that the surrogate and their spouse (if applicable) do not have parental rights or duties

لإبرام اتفاقية تأجير الأرحام، يجب أن تكون كل الشروط التالية صحيحة:

The surrogate must be at least 21 and have previously given birth to a child.
All intended parents and the person acting as the surrogate must have completed a medical evaluation and mental health consultation,
The intended parent(s) and the person acting as the surrogate must be represented by separate lawyers for the purposes of the agreement, and the attorney for the person acting as the surrogate must be paid for by the intended parent(s).

يتطلب القانون أن تتضمن اتفاقيات الأمومة البديلة عدة شروط لكي تكون صالحة، مثل السماح للشخص الذي يعمل كأم بديلة باتخاذ قراراته الخاصة بالصحة والرفاهية أثناء الحمل وإلزام الوالد (الوالدين) المقصودين بدفع جميع تكاليف الرعاية الصحية ذات الصلة.

Can Mainers use genetically related gestational carriers?

Yes. If a carrier is a family member, they can serve as a gestational carrier using their own gametes or genetic material. Someone who is not a family member cannot be a genetic gestational carrier. Otherwise, the same laws, including the need for a valid agreement, apply to genetic and non-genetic carriers.

ماذا لو لم أكن متزوجة؟

The MPA explicitly provides that every child has the same rights as any other child without regard to the marital status of the parents, or the circumstances of the child’s birth. By not differentiating between parents based on their marital status, the MPA aims to treat all Maine families equally.

ماذا لو كنت متحولًا جنسيًا أو غير ثنائي؟

The MPA explicitly provides that every child has the same rights as any other child without regard to the gender of the parents or the circumstances of the child’s birth. The MPA, by not including gendered terms such as mother or father, is inclusive of all genders. By not differentiating between parents based on their gender, the MPA aims to treat all Maine families equally.

هل يمكن أن يكون للطفل أكثر من والدين شرعيين؟

Yes. Under the MPA, a court may determine that a child has more than two legal parents if the failure to do so would be detrimental to the child. To determine detriment to the child, courts will consider factors such as the nature of the potential parent’s relationship with the child, the harm to the child if the parental relationship is not recognized, the basis for each person’s claim of parentage of the child, and other equitable factors.

أين يمكنني الذهاب إذا كنت بحاجة إلى مساعدة في حل مشكلة النسب؟

As with any family law issue, individualized legal advice is recommended. GLAD Answers can provide information as well as referrals to local practitioners. If you have questions about how to protect your family, contact GLAD Answers by filling out the form at إجابات GLAD أو اتصل على 800.455.4523 (GLAD).

موارد

For more information about Maine Parentage Act, see:

حماية الأسرة: Protecting Families: Standards for LGBTQ+ Families – GLAD.

تربية طفل متحول جنسيا: تربية طفل متحول جنسيًا أو متوسع في جنسه: كيفية حماية عائلتك من الادعاءات الكاذبة بإساءة معاملة الأطفال.

القضايا والمرافعة

To see Family cases or advocacy which GLAD has been directly involved with in Maine, go to: القضايا والدعوة – GLAD and under “By Issue” click on “Family” and under “By Location” click on “Maine.”

الأخبار والبيانات الصحفية

To see news and press releases about Family in Maine, go to: الأخبار والبيانات الصحفية – GLAD and under “By Issue” click on “Family” and under “By Location” click on “Maine.”

Family | Relationships | Maine

ما هو الدور الذي لعبته منظمة GLAD في النضال من أجل المساواة في الزواج؟

GLAD led the fight for marriage equality in the United States. In the beginning, many states, instead of offering marriage to same-sex couples, provided the exact same state rights, protections and responsibilities of marriage but called them civil unions or registered domestic partnerships.

بدأت معركة منظمة GLAD من أجل المساواة في الزواج في ولاية فيرمونت بدعوى قضائية رفعتها، بيكر ضد فيرمونتفازت منظمة GLAD بالقضية، لكن المحكمة العليا في فيرمونت سمحت للهيئة التشريعية بتحديد كيفية تنفيذ القرار. فبدلاً من السماح للأزواج من نفس الجنس بالزواج، أقرّت الهيئة التشريعية في فيرمونت اتحادات مدنية. ثم فازت منظمة GLAD بحقوق الزواج للأزواج من نفس الجنس لأول مرة في الولايات المتحدة عام ٢٠٠٤ في دعواها القضائية. جودريدج ضد وزارة الصحة العامة.

وقد تبع ذلك:

وافقت ولاية ماين على الشراكات المحلية في عام 2004، والتي وفرت بعض الحماية التي يوفرها الزواج؛
الاتحادات المدنية في ولاية كونيتيكت في عام 2005؛
دعوى GLAD، كيريجان ضد مفوض الصحة العامة، حصل على حقوق الزواج للأزواج من نفس الجنس في ولاية كونيتيكت في عام 2008؛
الاتحادات المدنية في نيو هامبشاير في عام 2008؛
في عام 2009، سمحت ولاية فيرمونت بالزواج للأزواج من نفس الجنس؛
لم تعد ولاية فيرمونت تسمح بالاتحادات المدنية ولكنها لا تحول اتحاداتها المدنية إلى زواج في عام 2009؛
الزواج في نيو هامبشاير في عام 2010؛
تقوم ولاية كونيتيكت بتحويل جميع اتحاداتها المدنية إلى زواج في عام 2010؛
تحويل الاتحادات المدنية في نيو هامبشاير إلى الزواج في عام 2011؛
الاتحادات المدنية في رود آيلاند في عام 2011؛
الزواج في ولاية ماين في عام 2012؛
الزواج في رود آيلاند في عام 2013؛
انتهت الاتحادات المدنية في رود آيلاند في عام 2013، ولكن الاتحادات المدنية القائمة لم يتم تحويلها إلى زواج.

على المستوى الفيدرالي، أقر الكونجرس قانون الدفاع عن الزواج (DOMA) في عام ١٩٩٦، كان ذلك بمثابة هجوم استباقي على الأزواج من نفس الجنس، حيث نصّ على أنه إذا سُمح للأزواج من نفس الجنس بالزواج، فلن تعترف الحكومة الفيدرالية بهذه الزيجات. في ٢٦ يونيو ٢٠١٣، صدر قرار المحكمة العليا الأمريكية في الولايات المتحدة ضد وندسور صرحت بأن قانون الدفاع عن الزواج غير دستوري، وأن الأزواج من نفس الجنس تمكنوا من الحصول على مزايا فيدرالية لأول مرة.

وأخيرا، في أوبيرجيفيل ضد هودجزفي 26 يونيو/حزيران 2015، أقرت المحكمة العليا الأمريكية المساواة في الزواج على الصعيد الوطني عندما قضت بأن دستور الولايات المتحدة يكفل للأزواج من نفس الجنس الحق في الزواج. ومثلت ماري بونوتو، من منظمة GLAD، المدعين في المرافعات الشفوية. أوبيرجيفيل, all 50 states are required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples; and all states must respect the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions.

Can same-sex couples marry in Maine?

Yes! On November 6, 2012, Maine became the first state to obtain marriage rights for same-sex couples through an initiative process rather than a court case or vote by a legislature. Maine Question 1, An Act To Allow Marriage Licenses For Same-Sex Couples And Protect Religious Freedom, was approved by the voters of Maine 53 to 47 percent.

For information about how to get married in Maine, see: Maine.gov: Residents: Getting Married in Maine.

هل ستحترم الولايات الأخرى والحكومة الفيدرالية زواجي؟

نعم. أوبيرجيفيل ضد هودجز يضمن هذا القرار أن تعامل جميع الولايات والحكومة الفيدرالية الأزواج من نفس الجنس بنفس الطريقة التي تعامل بها الأزواج من جنسين مختلفين. هذا يعني أن جميع الحماية والحقوق والالتزامات التي توفرها الولايات والحكومة الفيدرالية للأزواج من جنسين مختلفين يجب أن تُمنح للأزواج من نفس الجنس أيضًا.

هل يمكنني الحصول على مزايا الناجين من الضمان الاجتماعي في حالة وفاة زوجي؟

نعم، لأنه كما ذكر أعلاه، يحق للأزواج من نفس الجنس الحصول على جميع المزايا المقدمة للأزواج من جنسين مختلفين.

ومع ذلك، حتى أوبيرجيفيل ضد هودجز بناءً على قرار صادر في 26 يونيو/حزيران 2015، كان العديد من الأزواج المثليين يعيشون في ولايات تمنع قوانين الزواج غير الدستورية زواجهم. لذلك، عند وفاة زوجهم/زوجتهم، لم يتمكنوا من استيفاء شرط استحقاق الضمان الاجتماعي للناجين، وهو مرور تسعة أشهر على زواجهم.

ولتصحيح هذا الظلم، رفعت شركة لامدا ليغال دعويين قضائيتين، إيلي ضد شاول و ثورنتون ضد مفوض الضمان الاجتماعي وقد نجح في الحصول على طريقة للأزواج من نفس الجنس لتقديم طلبات الحصول على مزايا الناجين من الضمان الاجتماعي الذين لم يتزوجوا أبدًا (إيلي ضد شاول) أو تمكنوا أخيرًا من الزواج ولكنهم تزوجوا لمدة أقل من 9 أشهر عندما توفي زوجهم (ثورنتون ضد مفوض الضمان الاجتماعي).

يسمح هذان الحكمان للأزواج المثليين، الذين استُبعدوا من الزواج بسبب قوانين الولاية التمييزية، وبالتالي لم يكونوا مؤهلين للتقدم بطلب للحصول على إعانات الناجين من الضمان الاجتماعي، بتقديم طلب. إلا أن نجاح هذا الطلب يعتمد على تقديم وثائق كافية لإثبات للضمان الاجتماعي أن السبب الوحيد لعدم استيفائهم شرط التسعة أشهر هو قوانين الولاية التمييزية.

يقدم الرابط التالي معلومات أكثر تفصيلاً ويحتوي على أسئلة شائعة لكل دعوى قضائية ويسرد بعض الطرق التي قد تتمكن من خلالها من تقديم المستندات اللازمة للتأهل للحصول على استحقاقات الناجي: معلومات للأزواج والشركاء من نفس الجنس الذين ما زالوا على قيد الحياة والذين تم استبعادهم سابقًا من استحقاقات الناجين من الضمان الاجتماعي بسبب قوانين الزواج غير الدستورية في الولايات | لامدا ليغال.

ماذا يحدث إذا اضطررنا إلى إنهاء زواجنا؟

بعد أوبيرجيفيل ضد هودجز, same-sex spouses everywhere can dissolve their marriages on the same terms as different-sex spouses. Maine applies its divorce statutes to same-sex couples.

When you are getting divorced, the Court has the power to fairly divide up the property from the marriage. “Marital property” is property (land, homes, cars, appliances, etc.) that either of you got during your marriage. Even if something is only in one of your names, it is still “marital property” if you got it while you were married. The divorce order must include how all of your “marital property” is going to be divided.

Usually, property you got before you were married, and gifts made just to you during the marriage aren’t marital property. You can each claim your own “non-marital” property.

You may have committed to each other privately or through a domestic partnership or civil union before same-sex marriage was legal and then married later. One or both of you may want some of your non-marital property to be considered marital because of your earlier commitment. If this is an issue in your divorce or if you have pensions, retirement plans, or other property issues, you should seek legal advice. GLAD Answers can provide referrals to attorneys in GLAD’s Lawyer Referral Service.

ما هي الشراكة المحلية؟

Domestic Partnership is a term used in many contexts. In Maine, there is a state sanctioned domestic partner registry. In addition, some Maine employers offer “domestic partnership” benefits of their own to unmarried couples.

What is the Maine Domestic Partnership Registry?

In 2004, the Maine legislature approved and former Governor John Baldacci signed a domestic partnership law titled “An Act to Promote the Financial Security of Maine’s Families and Children.” This law creates a domestic partnership registry in Maine and affords certain rights to registered domestic partners in the event of a partner’s death or incapacity. It defines “domestic partners” as “2 unmarried adults who are domiciled together under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare.” The specific requirements for registration are set out below.

What protections do I obtain by registering as a domestic partner under the state law?

Inheritance Rights: In the absence of a will, registered domestic partners in Maine are given the same inheritance rights as a legally recognized spouse (although unequal tax burdens remain).

Legal Priority: The law provides that a domestic partner:

will be treated like a spouse when seeking to be a guardian of their partner in the event of that partner’s incapacity;
will have the same priority as legal spouses in seeking a protective order concerning the partner’s estate or the welfare of the partner;
is entitled to notice of hearings concerning the appointment of guardians in the event of the partner’s incapacity; and
is entitled to notice of the issuance of protective orders in the event of death.

Survivorship Rights: In the event of one partner’s death, the law makes the surviving domestic partner the first of the next of kin when determining who has the right to make funeral and burial arrangements. (As with surviving spouses, if a surviving domestic partner is estranged from the partner at the time of death, the domestic partner may not have custody and control of the deceased’s remains.)

Note: It is important to remember that in these matters, a written will and advance directive will supersede this law. Thus, if your partner has a written will or directive giving someone else any of these rights, that person will be given priority over you in asserting those rights, regardless of your registration as Domestic Partners.

Who can register?

Couples may become registered domestic partners in the State of Maine if they are “one of two unmarried adults who are domiciled under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare,” and they meet the following specific requirements:

each partner is a mentally competent adult and not closely related (e.g. close relatives);
the domestic partners have been living together in the state for at least 12 months before the filing;
neither domestic partner is married or in a registered domestic partnership with another person; AND
each domestic partner is the sole domestic partner of the other and expects to remain so.

How do you register in a registered domestic partnership?

All Domestic Partner registrations are filed with the Office of Health Data and Program Management. To become registered domestic partners, the partners must jointly file a notarized form and pay the required filing fee.

Forms can be accessed at municipal offices, probate courts, Department of Health and Human Services offices and on the Office of Vital Records webpage: Domestic Partner Registry – Division of Public Health Systems | MeCDC | Maine DHHS.

Once completed and notarized, the form needs to be returned to the Office of Vital Records in Augusta with the required filing fee, either by mail or in person. Once received, the registry will file the declaration and return two certified copies of it to the domestic partners at the address provided as their common residence.

How do you end a registered domestic partnership?

A registered domestic partnership is ended by:

the marriage of either registered partner;
the filing of a notice of termination indicating each partner’s consent to the termination, which must be signed by both registered domestic partners before a notary; OR
the filing of a notice under oath from either domestic partner that the other registered partner was directly given a notice of intent to terminate the partnership. If giving notice by hand is not feasible, then a different way of giving notice may be accomplished as provided by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure for commencement of a civil action. Termination under this method is not effective until 60 days after the notice has been given. (Note: Failure to give notice could result in having to pay any loss suffered by the opposing partner due to lack of notice.)

What exists beyond the Statewide registry?

State law requires all insurers providing health coverage in the State of Maine to offer their policyholders the option of additional benefits for their “domestic partner.”
Maine’s Family Medical Leave Law was amended in June 2007 to include the employee’s “domestic partner” and child of the employee’s “domestic partner.” The law allows up to 10 weeks unpaid leave to care for a sick partner or the child of either the employee or partner. Also, family medical leave provides leave if an employee is a “domestic partner” of a member of the armed services.
In 2007, the Maine legislature passed an “Act Regarding Fairness for Families Regarding Workers Compensation Coverage” which added “domestic partners” of employers to the list of individuals who may waive worker’s compensation coverage in certain circumstances.
Also in 2007, the law concerning absentee ballot procedures was amended to include “domestic partners” under the definition of “immediate family” for the purpose of requesting an absentee ballot.

To access the above benefits, registration in the statewide domestic partnership registry is not required and the definition of “domestic partner” for these benefits is slightly different. Generally, to access these benefits, you may be required to sign an affidavit before a notary stating that:

each partner is a mentally competent adult (not required for requesting an absentee ballot);
the domestic partners have been legally living together for at least 12 months;
neither domestic partner is legally married to or legally separated from another person;
each domestic partner is the sole domestic partner of the other and expects to remain so;
the domestic partners are jointly responsible for each other’s common welfare as evidenced by joint living arrangements, joint financial arrangements or joint ownership of real or personal property.

Same-sex couples can also execute a variety of estate planning documents and designate a non-legally related adult to have certain rights and responsibilities (see “Legal Protections for Same-Sex Couples” below).

Does the State of Maine provide domestic partner benefits to state employees, such as health insurance for the employees’ partners?

Yes. State employees can receive health insurance for their domestic partners.

The value of the state paid portion of the domestic partner health insurance coverage is income and taxable wages to the employee participant at both the federal and state level, unless the partner is also a tax dependent.
Domestic partners of employees of the University of Maine System can receive health insurance, tuition waiver, access to university facilities, and all spousal benefits not restricted by federal law.

Can cities and towns in Maine provide domestic partner health insurance benefits to their own employees?

Yes. Many lawyers also believe this result is required by the non- discrimination law if the city or town provides benefits to heterosexual couples.

It is also possible that under Maine’s mini-COBRA law for companies with fewer than 20 employees (domestic partnership is not covered by the Federal COBRA law), employees with domestic partners will have the same right as heterosexual couples to maintain health insurance coverage after employment ends.

ما هي أنواع المزايا التي يمكن أن يقدمها أصحاب العمل من القطاع الخاص للشريك المحلي؟

يمكن لأصحاب العمل من القطاع الخاص أن يقدموا للشركاء المحليين العديد من المزايا، مثل التأمين الصحي، أو الإجازة الطبية العائلية أو إجازة الحداد، أو مزايا المعاش التقاعدي المتساوية، أو نفقات الانتقال، أو الوصول إلى مرافق الشركة

حتى عندما يُقدّم أصحاب العمل هذه المزايا، تُطبّق القوانين الفيدرالية وقوانين الولايات معاملة ضريبية مختلفة على مزايا الشركاء المحليين مقارنةً بالزوجات. على سبيل المثال، يجب على الموظف دفع ضريبة دخل فيدرالية وولائية على قيمة مزايا التأمين الصحي لشريكه (إلا إذا كان الشريك مُعالاً ضريبياً)، بينما لا يُطبّق على الزوج/الزوجة ذلك. لا يُعتَبَر الشريك/الزوجة أزواجاً بموجب حسابات الإنفاق المرنة الخاضعة للرقابة الفيدرالية إلا إذا كان الشريك مُعالاً ضريبياً أيضاً.

فيما يتعلق بالمعاشات التقاعدية، بموجب القانون الفيدرالي لحماية المعاشات التقاعدية لعام ٢٠٠٦، يجوز لأصحاب العمل تعديل خطط 401(k) الخاصة بهم بحيث يمكن للمستفيدين غير الأزواج الاحتفاظ بالأصول كأصول تقاعدية. في حال تعديل الخطة، يجوز للمستفيدين "تحويل" خطة 401(k) إلى حساب تقاعد فردي (IRA) عند وفاة الموظف، بينما كان القانون السابق يشترط على المستفيد تحصيل ودفع ضرائب الدخل على خطة 401(k) كمبلغ إجمالي.

However, other discriminatory aspects of federal law remain regarding pensions. A domestic partner has no right to sign off if their partner decides to name someone else as the beneficiary of a pension, although a spouse would have that right. In addition, a domestic partner has no right comparable to that of a spouse to sign off on their partner’s designation of another person for survivor benefits.

What steps can a couple take to safeguard their relationship in Maine?

Whether the couple is married or in a Maine registered domestic partnership or does not have an legal relationship, they can protect their relationship through the following:

اتفاقية العلاقة أو العقد: Agreements regarding property and finances should be respected and honored according to ordinary rules of contract law. The Maine Law Court has not yet specifically ruled on the subject, but that result comports with Maine contract law and the law of other states that have found such agreements to be enforceable.
Durable Power of Attorney: Any competent person may appoint another person as their “attorney-in-fact” for financial and/or other matters in the event they become incapacitated or disabled. If no such appointment is made, then a “family” member will be empowered to make decisions for the disabled or incapacitated individual.

A person may also nominate their guardian or conservator in the same document. This is a longer-term appointment that takes priority over the attorney-in-fact. This choice can only be rejected by a court for “good cause or disqualification.” The mere fact that a family member is not named as the guardian or conservator does not constitute good cause.

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Medical care providers often look to next-of-kin to make health care decisions for an incapacitated individual. If an unmarried person wants someone other than their legal family to make these decisions, then a durable power of attorney for health care is a critical source of protection. In Maine, a person can appoint a health care agent to make decisions for him or her immediately, or upon incompetence. It must be signed by two witnesses (not including the person appointed as attorney-in-fact). It can only be revoked while they are still competent. Otherwise, it must be revoked in court.

While a written Durable Power of Attorney provides the most certainty that a person will be cared for by the person they want to make those decisions, Maine law also has a procedure by which “an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse” can make health care decisions for an incapacitated person.

This provision might be cumbersome to enforce but provides a way for a partner to be involved in their incapacitated partner’s health care decisions absent documentation.

Within this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or in a separate document called an “Advance Directive,” a person may address end of life issues like artificial nutrition and other life-sustaining treatments. The Attorney General’s Office has a model advance directive posted on their website, Advance Health-Care Directive Form | Maine.gov .

While a written Advance Directive provides the most certainty that a person’s wishes will be followed, Maine law also allows a procedure for a person to make end of life decisions for another if they can prove they are family members. Spouses are given first priority, followed by “an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse. ”This provision might be cumbersome to enforce but provides a way for a partner to be involved in their partner’s end of life decision.

سوف: Without a will and without having registered as a domestic partner, a deceased unmarried person’s property passes to: (1) their children; (2) their family; (3) if next-of-kin cannot be located, to the state. If the person wishes to provide for others, such as their partner, a will is essential. Even if a person has few possessions, they can name in the will who will administer their estate. If a person has children, they can nominate a guardian of the child which will become effective upon death. Such nominations are highly regarded by courts although they are not binding on the court.
مستندات تخطيط الجنازة: Upon death, a person’s next-of-kin is given control of the deceased’s body. This means that a person’s own partner has no automatic right to remove the body or make plans for a final resting place.

If a person has either (1) registered as a domestic partner under the state law; and/or (2) designated in writing that another person is to have custody and control of their remains (such as their partner or a friend), then that person will have control over the body as well as funeral arrangements and the selection of a final resting place.81 It is infinitely preferable to prepare funeral planning documents in advance than to leave instructions as part of a will since a will may not be found for days after death.

هل يحتاج الشخص إلى محامي للحصول على هذه الوثائق؟

توصي منظمة GLAD بالعمل مع محامٍ بشأن هذه المستندات.

Although some forms are available, the form may not be suited to your individual needs and wishes and may not conform to the specific requirements of Maine law, which would render them invalid and unenforceable.

Moreover, attorneys may be able to help effectuate your goals, for example, by drafting a will in a way which is more likely to deter a will contest by unhappy family members. In addition, many people find attorney assistance critical because same-sex couples are afforded different tax treatment from married heterosexual couples. Failure to consider tax consequences can lead to enormous difficulties upon death or separation.

إذا انفصل زوجان غير متزوجين، ما هو الوضع القانوني لعلاقة أو اتفاقية/عقد الشراكة؟

Upon separation, the terms of a Relationship or Partnership Agreement/Contract will come into play if the couple has one.

Absent an agreement, generally applicable rules about jointly owned property and accounts come into play. Some couples can get involved in costly and protracted litigation about property and financial matters but without the predictable rules of the divorce system to help them sort through it. It is notable that the Law Court has respectfully handled the dissolution of a same-sex domestic partnership under equitable principles and the law of joint tenancy.

PLEASE NOTE: If a person has changed their mind about who should be their attorney-in-fact, or health care agent, or beneficiary or executor under a will, or funeral planner, then those documents should be revoked — with notice to all persons who were given copies of those documents, and new documents should be prepared which reflect the person’s present wishes.

ما هي المعايير التي يجب أن يحافظ عليها الأزواج من نفس الجنس الذين لديهم أطفال والذين ينفصلون؟

يجب على الأزواج من نفس الجنس الذين لديهم أطفال والذين ينفصلون أن:

دعم حقوق الآباء من مجتمع LGBTQ+؛
احترم العلاقات القائمة بغض النظر عن التسميات القانونية؛
احترام العلاقات الأبوية القائمة بين الأطفال بعد الانفصال؛
الحفاظ على استمرارية الأطفال؛
السعي إلى حل طوعي؛
تذكر أن الانفصال أمر صعب؛
التحقيق في ادعاءات الإساءة؛
عدم السماح لغياب الاتفاقيات أو العلاقات القانونية بتحديد النتائج؛
التعامل مع التقاضي باعتباره الملاذ الأخير؛ و
رفض اللجوء إلى القوانين والمشاعر المعادية للمثليين/المتحولين جنسياً لتحقيق النتيجة المرجوة.

لمزيد من المعلومات التفصيلية حول هذه المعايير، راجع المنشور "حماية الأسر: معايير أسر LGBTQ+" على: حماية الأسر: معايير لأسر مجتمع الميم | GLAD.

What are the factors for making parental rights and responsibilities determinations generally?

Courts consider the parents as equals, whether married or unmarried, and make orders based on the best interests of the children.

The permissible factors for consideration are set out by law. The factors focus on child welfare and none automatically advantages a non-gay parent over a gay parent.

The law provides: “In making decisions regarding the child’s residence and parent-child contact, the court shall consider as primary the safety and well- being of the child. In applying this standard, the court shall consider the following factors:

The age of the child;
The relationship of the child with the child’s parents and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s welfare;
The preference of the child, if old enough to express a meaningful preference;
The duration and adequacy of the child’s current living arrangements and the desirability of maintaining continuity;
The stability of any proposed living arrangements for the child;
The motivation of the parties involved and their capacities to give the child love, affection and guidance;
The child’s adjustment to the child’s present home, school and community;
The capacity of each parent to allow and encourage frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other parent, including physical access;
The capacity of each parent to cooperate or to learn to cooperate in childcare;
Methods for assisting parental cooperation and resolving disputes and each parent’s willingness to use those methods;
The effect on the child if one parent has sole authority over the child’s upbringing;
The existence of domestic abuse between the parents, in the past or currently, and how that abuse affects: 1. The child emotionally; and 2. The safety of the child;
The existence of any history of child abuse by a parent;
All other factors having a reasonable bearing on the physical and psychological well-being of the child; and
A parent’s willful misuse of the protection from abuse process…”93

Are there different kinds of parental rights and responsibilities?

Yes, and the courts may allocate some particular rights to one parent and others to another parent. The rights that may be divided include primary physical residence, visitation, support, education, medical and dental care, religious upbringing or any other matter. Sometimes a parent will be solely responsible for the child in all aspects; this is called “sole parental rights and responsibilities.” Other times, the parents will share all of these issues; this is called “shared parental rights and responsibilities.”

إذا كان لدي طفل من علاقة سابقة مع شخص مستقيم، وأنا الآن على علاقة مع شريك من نفس الجنس، فهل يمكن لشريكي السابق استخدام ميولي الجنسية ضدي في إجراءات الحضانة؟

The Maine Law Court has not yet addressed a case like this, but the majority rule in the country is “No.” Most states, and two Maine Superior Court cases, use the “nexus test” under which a parent’s sexual orientation is not relevant unless there is actual evidence of harm to the child. Speculation of harm or teasing is not enough.

في Whitehead v. Black, a case decided by the Superior Court, an ex- husband from Georgia petitioned for a change of custody when he learned that his ex-wife, who had since moved to Maine, was a lesbian. The court ruled that the children had always lived with the mother, that she was otherwise fit, and she “was aware that her homosexual lifestyle could have an impact on her children and was intelligently seeking to minimize, if not totally eliminate, that impact.” That reasoning from a court is good for its time.

Finally, many reputable attorneys have refused even to make the argument that a parent’s sexual orientation – standing alone – should be a factor in child welfare decisions.

هل يعتبر ضررًا للطفل إذا تعرض للسخرية بسبب وجود أحد والديه مثلي الجنس أو مثلية الجنس؟

لا ينبغي أن يكون الأمر كذلك. من المسؤوليات الإضافية للوالدين المثليين مساعدة أطفالهم على التعامل مع هذا الاحتمال أو الواقع. بالطبع، قد يتعرض الأطفال للسخرية من كل شيء، بدءًا من حجم آذانهم، مرورًا بلكنة والديهم، وانتهاءً بافتقارهم للذوق الرفيع في الموضة، لذا يجب على جميع الآباء مساعدة أطفالهم على تطوير آليات واستراتيجيات للتكيف عند ظهور مضايقات الأقران.

As a legal matter, particularly instructive is the U.S. Supreme Court case, بالمور ضد سيدوتي، حيث ألغت المحكمة العليا الأمريكية قرارًا صادرًا عن محكمة في فلوريدا بتغيير حضانة الطفل من الأم إلى الأب. وكان سبب تغيير الحضانة هو ارتباط الأم البيضاء برجل أسود تزوجته لاحقًا. أقرت المحكمة العليا بحقيقة التحيز والتعصب، وبأن الطفل قد يتعرض للمضايقة، لكنها رفضت مراعاة هذه التحيزات أو منحها قوة القانون بتغيير ترتيبات الحضانة التي كانت قائمة سابقًا. وفي بيان مبدأ دستوري ينطبق على الجميع، ذكرت المحكمة بالإجماع: "لا يمكن للدستور التحكم في التحيزات، ولكنه لا يمكن أن يتسامح معها أيضًا. قد تكون التحيزات الخاصة خارج نطاق القانون، ولكن لا يمكن للقانون، بشكل مباشر أو غير مباشر، أن يُفعّلها".

هل يهم إذا كان حبيبي السابق يعرف أو يشتبه في أنني من المثليين جنسيا قبل انفصالنا؟

It may but does not necessarily make a difference with respect to future modification of court orders for custody. People can seek to modify court orders for custody when there has been a “substantial change in circumstances.” If a spouse did not know of their spouse’s sexual orientation at the time of the initial court proceedings, but learns it later, they may argue that this is a substantial change of circumstances and that the custody issues should be reviewed.

وبطبيعة الحال، إذا كان أحد الزوجين أو الشريك المغاير جنسياً السابق يعرف التوجه الجنسي المثلي للآخر في وقت إجراءات المحكمة التي أنشئت بموجبها الحضانة، فإن التماس التعديل على هذه الأسس سيكون بلا معنى.

هل يمكن للمحكمة أن تمنع أطفالي من الزيارة عندما يكون شريكي موجودًا؟

This issue has not been decided by the Maine Law Court, but a Superior Court case, Stone v. Stone,98 applied the right test. A mother went back to court seeking a restriction on her ex-husband’s “overnight visitors,” as he was now partnered with a man. The Superior Court struck the restriction imposed by a lower court because the father was discreet and there was no evidence of harm to the children.

Moreover, visitation restrictions are inherently suspect. In لورانس ضد تكساسلم تكتفِ المحكمة العليا الأمريكية بإلغاء تجريم الأفعال الجنسية، بل أقرت بحق المثليين في تكوين علاقات شخصية قائمة على الحب والحفاظ عليها، وعيش حياتهم الخاصة دون قيود حكومية أو إدانة قانونية. وبما أن للمثليين الحق في اتخاذ "قرارات شخصية تتعلق بعلاقاتهم الأسرية وتربية الأطفال"، فيجب التعامل مع قيود الحضانة والزيارة وفقًا لذلك. ولا ينبغي أن تكون مجرد الاختلافات في القيم الأخلاقية بين المحكمة والوالد، أو الافتراضات حول سلوك الوالد المثلي، أو "الإدانة الاجتماعية" لعلاقتهما، عوامل مقبولة، إن كانت مقبولة أصلًا.

While courts have the power to do this, visitation should not be restricted unless there is actual evidence that the partner is causing harm to the child. The touchstone for these decisions is the best interests of the child.

موارد

تاريخ زواج المثليين في الولايات المتحدة: تاريخ زواج المثليين في الولايات المتحدة – ويكيبيديا.

Maine Estate Planning, Probate and Trusts Legal Resources: Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts Legal Resources | Maine State Legislature.

Divorce: Divorce: Maine Judicial Branch.

Decisions About Children: Decisions about Children: Maine Judicial Branch.