LD1974

This bill affirms that parents are the joint natural guardians of their minor children and have equal rights in matters affecting their children.

This bill amends Maine law to state that parents are the joint natural guardians of their minor children, jointly entitled to the care, custody, control, and services of their children. It emphasizes that neither parent has rights paramount to the other regarding their children. Additionally, it asserts that the liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their child is a fundamental right. The bill clarifies that these provisions do not affect court decisions on parental rights and responsibilities or the termination of parental rights.