Child Custody Rights Maine

Summary

Desirae, a resident of Maine, is seeking to change her current child custody arrangement with her sons father. She currently has her son every other weekend, but the father lives an hour and a half away, resulting in extensive travel. Desirae believes this arrangement is not in her sons best interest as it limits his social activities and puts a financial strain on her due to the cost of gas. She has bank statements and witnesses to support her claim. She is currently looking for an affordable or pro bono lawyer and has the necessary paperwork to file for a Complaint for Determination of Parental Rights and Responsibilities at the Skowhegan District Court.

Full Conversation

Need to bring my sons father to court for rights and responsibilities

What state are you currently residing in, Desirae? This will help me provide the most accurate information.

Maine

What is the current custody arrangement you have with your son's father?

In Maine, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities unless decided otherwise by the court.

There is no legal arrangements. He lives with him and I get him every other weekend due to work.

What is your son's age? In Maine, the court considers the child's preference if they are mature enough, typically around 12 years old.

8 years old

What is the reason you want to change the current custody arrangement?

In Maine:
- Both parents have equal rights unless court decides otherwise.
- Child's preference is considered if they are mature enough, typically around *.

I do all the driving there and back on Fridays and on Sundays. Unless summer time then Fridays to Wednesday. And he lives an hour and a half away.

What is your proposed custody arrangement and how do you believe it will benefit your son? In Maine, the court prioritizes the child's best interests when determining custody arrangements.

With driving arrangements he could be spending more time at my house instead of in the car a majority of the time and be able to get more of the things he needs that he cant because alot of money is going into the gas tank.

What evidence do you have to support your claim that the current arrangement is not in the best interest of your son?

Bank statements of gas stations. Witnesses that know I drive there and back both days.

What other forms of evidence do you have that show the current arrangement is not in your son's best interest?

What other evidence is needed?

You might consider documenting the time spent in travel, any negative impact on your son's school or social activities due to travel, or any communication with the father about the issue.

Documentation is in my bank statements of the days I have to put gas in to go get him and when i bring him back. And there is no talking to his father because he claims if I want to see him I have to go get him and bringing him home, he will not come get him and if school is involved i have to make sure he is home so he can go to school.

Has the current arrangement affected your son's school performance or social activities? In Maine, these factors can influence custody decisions.

Not school performance but social activities if we can not do anything because I have to have the money for gas to get him home.

What kind of social activities has your son missed out on due to the current arrangement?

In Maine, courts consider the child's social development when determining custody.

Play dates, fairs, beach days, birthday parties, etc.

What steps have you taken so far to legally address this issue? In Maine, you can file a "Complaint for Determination of Parental Rights and Responsibilities" to initiate a custody case.

Trying to find a lawyer that is pro bono or that is affordable.

Trying to find a lawyer that is affordable or pro bono. Got paperwork to file.

What type of paperwork do you have to file? In Maine, you can contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance for free legal help. Their number is (*) *-*.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

What is the name of the court where you plan to file the paperwork? In Maine, you can file the "Complaint for Determination of Parental Rights and Responsibilities" at your local District Court.

Skowhegan District Court

The Skowhegan District Court is located at * Court St, Skowhegan, ME *, USA. You can contact them at +* *-*-*.

I know where it is.

That's great, Desirae. Do you need any more information on how to proceed with your case or any other legal advice?

No.

What is the best time for you to visit the court to file the paperwork? The Skowhegan District Court operates from *:* AM to *:* PM, Monday to Friday.

Asap

The Skowhegan District Court operates from *:* AM to *:* PM, Monday to Friday. It's best to go early to avoid any potential lines.

Thank you

You're welcome, Desirae. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Good luck with your case.

Thanks

What is the best way to contact you if we need to provide further assistance?

*.*.*

What is the best time to reach you on this number, Desirae?

11am

What is the best day to reach you at this time, Desirae?

Tuesday

What is the best way to communicate with you? Email or phone call?

Phone call

What is your email address, Desirae? This will help us to send you any necessary documents or information related to your case.

desirae.allen070322@gmail.com

What is the best way to send you any necessary documents or information related to your case?

What is the best time to send you an email, Desirae?

Anytime

What is the best day to send you an email, Desirae?

Any day