Greenbush, ME asked in Adoption and Family Law for Maine

Q: I have a question about adoption, specifically about how it is portrayed in TV shows.

I was researching a few characters in tv shows I watched and their relationships with other characters, and it described as their "adopted niece". Another character from another show was described as someones "adopted granddaughter" and I was confused. Is that something that is done with adoption, because's I only know about people being adopted as a son or daughter. I know that sometimes someone will call a close friend of their parents their aunt or uncle, but I think that is different.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Joe Lewis
Joe Lewis
Answered
  • Family Law Lawyer
  • Portland, ME
  • Licensed in Maine

A: Hi there.

Maine law only makes provisions for adopting a son or a daughter. So those other terms, while lovely and embracing, have no legal meaning.

Cheers!

- Joe

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