1. Determination binding; signatories and parties. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a determination of parentage is binding on:
A. All signatories to an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage as provided in subchapter 3; and [PL 2021, c. 141, §1 (AMD).]
B. All parties to an adjudication by a court acting under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of section 2961. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

[PL 2021, c. 141, §1 (AMD).]

Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A Sec. 1844

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Child: means an individual of any age whose parentage may be determined under this chapter. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A Sec. 1832
  • Parent: means an individual who has established parentage that meets the requirements of this chapter. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A Sec. 1832
  • Parentage: means the legal relationship between a child and a parent as established in this chapter. See Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A Sec. 1832
2. Adjudication in divorce, annulment or legal separation proceeding or proceeding to establish parental rights. In a proceeding for divorce, for legal separation, to annul a marriage or to establish parental rights and responsibilities, the court is deemed to have made an adjudication of the parentage of a child if the court acts under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of section 2961 and the final order:
A. Expressly identifies a child as a “child of the parties” or “issue of the marriage” or by similar words indicates that the parties are the parents of the child; or [PL 2023, c. 25, §2 (AMD).]
B. Provides for support of the child by the parent or parents. [PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

[PL 2023, c. 25, §2 (AMD).]

3. Determination a defense. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a determination of parentage may be a defense in a subsequent proceeding seeking to adjudicate parentage by an individual who was not a party to the earlier proceeding.

[PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

4. Challenge to adjudication. A party to an adjudication of parentage may challenge the adjudication only by appeal or in a manner otherwise consistent with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.

[PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. A, §1 (NEW). PL 2015, c. 296, Pt. D, §1 (AFF). PL 2021, c. 141, §1 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 25, §2 (AMD).