Helpful Links:

HelpMELaw (www.helpmelaw.org) - Find people who might be able to help you with specific legal problems as well as information about Maine laws. (Some information comes from links to Pine Tree Legal site.)

Pine Tree Legal Assistance (www.ptla.org) - Provides free legal services to low-income Maine people. Their website provides a lot of useful information about Maine law including copies of court forms.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) (www.glad.org) - An advocate for family law efforts for LGBT individuals in the New England states, with a goal of continuing to strengthen LGBT families and make certain they are legally secure.

Through These Doors (www.throughthesedorrs.org) The comprehensive domestic violence services agency for Cumberland and Sagadahoc Counties in Maine.

Maine Behavioral Healthcare (www.mainebehavioralhealthcare.org) - Portland-based agency that provides counseling services, parenting education, child abuse prevention and treatment, marriage and family therapy programs, youth development and mental health services.

An Educator's Guide: Interacting with Separating, Divorcing, Never-Married Parents and Their Children (http://bit.ly/1IBzPDY)
This guide was developed by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts to help educators address the needs of separating, divorcing and
never-married families and their children.  2009.
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Up To Parents (www.uptoparents.org ) - Home of Parents Commitments to Children of Divorce - an interactive website that encourages parents to put their conflict aside for the sake of their children.

VirtualVisitation.org (www.internetvisitation.org)
One of a number of sites that encourage staying in touch with your kids through the Internet.
Another is The Distance Parent  (www.distanceparent.org).

National Family Resiliency Center, Inc. (nfrchelp.org) - a national information site for families going through separation and divorce.

Parent & Family (www.myparentandfamily.com) - a free bi-monthly publication and online newsletter dedicated to helping Maine families by covering family-friendly events, ongoing support and play groups and a broad range of editorial topics that center around families and children.

The Truth About Children and Divorce by Robert E. Emery, PhD
This entire book can be viewed online; great advice for parents in all areas, from talking to children and creating a workable parenting scheduling to dealing with legal issues.

Planning for Parenting Time:  Arizona's Guide for Parents Living Apart 
*Pages 9-20 outline a comprehensive guide to a variety of contact schedules organized in consideration of age and developmental needs of children.
​

Frequently Asked Questions:

ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

QUESTION: I recently separated and have started the divorce process. What program is best for me?
ANSWER: We recommend attending a Kids First Program near you as early in the separation and divorce process as possible.

QUESTION: Should my former partner attend the Kids First Program with me?
ANSWER: Both parents should attend the Kids First Program so that they have consistent information about how to co-parent through and after the divorce process. If you are able to attend together, that is ideal. If not, you may attend the program on different weekends.

QUESTION: Do I only attend the Kids First Program once?
ANSWER: Yes.

QUESTION: Can I bring my child with me to the Kids First Program?
ANSWER: No. The Kids First Program is for parents and covers information that is meaningful to parents. We appreciate your making childcare arrangements, so that your full attention can be given to the discussion.

QUESTION: The Kids First Program was extremely helpful. How can I continue to work on the things I learned there?
ANSWER: The Next Step Program is designed to give you an opportunity to delve more deeply into many of the topics covered in the Kids First Program. If there is a specific issue that you'd like to work on, check out our other programs.

QUESTION: Do I need to make an appointment before I attend a program?
ANSWER: Regardless of whether registration is required, we recommend calling ahead to be sure there is room in the program. If you register through our website, you will receive a phone call confirming your attendance at the program you have selected.

QUESTION: I've been divorced for several years, but would like to do a better job of co-parenting. Do you have a program that would be helpful to me?
ANSWER: Our support groups for fathers and for mothers can be excellent opportunities to work on co-parenting skills or to just "check in" that you are doing the best job possible. If you anticipate entering a new relationship, we recommend attending the Kids First Program for Stepparents.

QUESTION: I would like to attend a program but can't afford the fee. Is there a way for me to attend?
ANSWER: Financial assistance is available for all programs, on a need basis. No one has ever been refused service by the Kids First Center.

QUESTION: I attended the Kids First Program a long time ago and can't find my certificate of attendance. Can you supply a new one?
ANSWER: Yes, we can identify that you attended in the past and provide you with a new certificate. However, this certificate is only good for two years after the date when you attended.

QUESTION: My ex-partner and I can't agree about anything. Is there a way we could get into the High Conflict program?
ANSWER: No. Participation in the High Conflict program cannot be on a "volunteer" basis - it must be court mandated.

ABOUT OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CENTER

QUESTION: I need advice right now on how to handle an issue that has cropped up during my separation. Can you help?
ANSWER: Though we can discuss general guidelines concerning your situation and direct you to counselors or other resources, we cannot give specific advice over the phone. The Kids First Program is run frequently at our Portland location (and elsewhere across the state of Maine) in order for you to get useful information as early in the separation process as possible.

QUESTION: Do you provide individual counseling?
ANSWER: No, but we have an excellent list of resources and referrals and can recommend private counselors when you call.

QUESTION: I need some legal advice. Can you help?
ANSWER: We can also refer you to a number of good family law attorneys.
Click here for information on the
KIDS FIRST CENTER BOOK:
Kids First: What Kids Want Grown-Ups to Know​ About Separation & Divorce
Authored by Kids First Center, Portland, ME 

Other Resources:

Our staff at Kids First maintains an extensive list of agencies and organizations across the state of Maine that may be able to help you with an issue arising from or contributing to your separation and divorce:

  • Abuse
  • Anger management
  • Counseling centers
  • Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning families
  • Substance abuse
  • Crisis services
  • Many other divorce-related services
    ​
Contact the Center if you would like a referral for services in any of these areas.