State Recognition of Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad - Maine

Effect and Recognition of a Foreign Adoption Decree

Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 18-A, § 9-312

A probate judge may enter a decree of adoption based solely upon a judgment of adoption in a foreign country pursuant to this provision.

Readoption After an Intercountry Adoption

Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 18-A, § 9-312

If an adoption in a foreign country has been finalized and the adopting parents are seeking an adoption under the laws of this State to give recognition to the foreign adoption, a probate judge may enter a decree of adoption based solely upon a judgment of adoption in a foreign country and may order a change of name, if requested by the adopting parents.

Application for a U.S. Birth Certificate

Citation: Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 2765(1-A)

The State registrar will, upon request, establish a birth certificate for a foreign-born person for whom an adoption decree has been entered in State court when it receives:

• A certificate of adoption
• A request by the court decreeing the adoption; the adoptive parents; or the adopted person, if he or she is age 18 or older

The certificate will show the true or probable foreign country of birth and will state that it is not evidence of U.S. citizenship for the child or for the adoptive parents.