Bill > LD1842

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for stepparents to petition for visitation rights with their stepchildren under specific circumstances. The bill defines a stepparent as a person married to a child's parent who is not the biological or adoptive parent, and outlines several scenarios where a stepparent can seek visitation, such as when the married parent is deceased, divorcing, or missing, or when the stepparent has maintained a significant relationship with the child that was suddenly severed. To gain visitation rights, the stepparent must first demonstrate standing by filing an affidavit, and the court will then evaluate whether visitation is in the best interest of the child without significantly interfering with the parent's or legal guardian's authority. The court will consider numerous factors in making this determination, including the child's age, the quality of the prior relationship with the stepparent, the child's emotional ties, and the potential impact on the child's current living arrangements. The bill also includes important safeguards, such as requiring the court to first assess whether visitation could cause substantial harm to the child and providing special provisions for stepparents with certain sexual offense convictions. Additionally, the bill allows for modification or termination of visitation rights as circumstances change and provides mechanisms for enforcement of visitation orders.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1842&snum=132