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The court may not apply a preference for one parent over the other in determining parental rights and responsibilities because of the parent's gender or the child's age or gender. When the parents have agreed to an award of shared parental rights and responsibilities or so agree in open court, the court shall make that award unless there is substantial evidence that it should not be ordered. The court shall state in its decision the reasons for not ordering a shared parental rights and responsibilities award agreed to by the parents. The court, in making an award of parental rights and responsibilities with respect to a child, shall apply the standard of the best interest of the child. 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 persons 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 child care.
- 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 the child emotionally, and 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.
[Based on Maine Revised Statutes - Title 19-A - Section 1653]
 | How Can I Get Maine Child Custody Help? |
- Download The How to Win Child Custody E-Book. Get exclusive child custody information and strategies to enhance your child custody case -- to download now click here.
- Schedule a Coaching Appointment. See below for details on how to schedule a one-on-one coaching session to discuss your situation with me -- Steven Carlson, The Custody Coach®.
- Consult a Maine Child Custody Lawyer. If you need legal advice you'll want to consult a Maine child custody lawyer to learn where you stand legally and what your legal options are.
- Child Custody Coach® Newsletter. Sign up and receive our unique online newsletter designed to provide useful tips and practical information -- to sign up now click here.
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| Phone Coaching with Child Custody Coach� |
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The phone coaching sessions are designed so you can have a fast, efficient, and economical way of scheduling a coaching session to discuss your child custody, child custody evaluation, and/or divorce related matter via telephone in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Phone coaching is flexible and allows you the opportunity to request an appointment before work, after work, or on a weekend or at any time that is convenient for you. The phone coaching session can often be scheduled and take place the same day payment is made and forms are received for those seeking immediate coaching. For full details about fees and how to get started click here.
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| In-Person Coaching with Child Custody Coach� |
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The in-person coaching sessions are designed for parents who prefer face-to-face meetings and are held in Orange County California. Southern California residents in Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Long Beach, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego will often request to discuss their matters with me in-person. In-person coaching sessions are held in the Mission Viejo area or Costa Mesa area in South Orange County California and are an option made available to persons who can travel to one of these two locations. For full details about fees and how to get started click here.
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| Monthly Coaching with Child Custody Coach� |
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Monthly coaching is designed to provide ongoing coaching and support throughout the month and provides for an economical way of receiving such support on matters such as divorce, child custody, move-aways, post-judgment modifications, child custody evaluations, etc. Fees are known up front so there are no surprises. This also allows you to choose the plan that is right for you and also works within your budget. Weekly coaching sessions and email communications allow you to discuss your child custody matters, developments, and results regularly throughout the month. For full details on fees and how to get started click here.
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