Articles
Featured Content April 2025
This is a guide for adults in the state of Maine who want to change their legal name and/or gender marker. This guide is especially written for trans or gender non-conforming people - but can be used…
Featured Content March 2025
The state of Maine has a lot of older homes, and unfortunately that means we also have a lot of lead paint. This article covers what you and your family should know about lead: the risks, your rights…
Featured Content March 2025
This guide is for parents in the state of Maine who need someone else to take care of their children if they cannot. You might need someone to take care of your children if you know you’ll be unable…
Featured Content January 2025
Cars are getting more expensive all the time – buying a car may be one of the biggest financial decisions you have to make. Know your rights and some information about the car-buying process before…
Featured Content January 2025
This article explains the first steps in the process of getting a Protection from Abuse Order (often called a 'PFA') in the state of Maine. It also lists many resources where survivors can get help…
Featured Content January 2025
If you owe someone money, they can try to collect it from you by taking you to court. This guide will help you understand the court process and the rights you have. You are the debtor. The person who…
Featured Content November 2024
What is an Application to Proceed Without Payment of Fees?
The Courts in Maine don't want to stop you from going to court just because you cannot afford to pay the court fees.
Featured Content August 2024
Can my landlord turn off my utilities or change the locks on my door or kick me out without going to court? No. It is illegal for your landlord to throw you out by force. Your landlord must get a…
Featured Content July 2024
General Farmworker Rights
There is a law in the United States called the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
Featured Content July 2024
Maine law allows you to take unpaid leave from work when one of your family members is deployed. Here are the requirements:
Featured Content July 2024
Going to court on your own can be scary, but there are many resources to help you get ready. This article is written for two of the most common kinds of court cases in Maine:
-Small claims
-Eviction
Featured Content July 2024
About DHHS and Child Abuse and Neglect
DHHS Child Protective Services investigates reports of child abuse. There are 5 different things that DHHS can do:
Featured Content July 2024
Sometimes landlords react to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by taking action against the victim. There are state and federal laws that can help if this happens to you.
Featured Content July 2024
Is sexual harassment covered under the Maine Human Rights Act?
The Maine Human Rights Act bans harassment based on:
Featured Content July 2024
Introduction
Understanding the kind of purchase agreement you have when you are trying to buy land or a home is very important.
Featured Content June 2024
Decide what you want to do. If you do not want to stay, but you need more time to move, call your landlord or the landlord’s attorney to see if you can settle the case. Your landlord must take…
April 2025
This information tells you about some of the benefits you may be able to get if you lose your job. It includes only benefits which are administered by the Maine Department of Labor.
April 2025
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) finds that you have gotten too much money in your Social Security benefit, they will send you a Notice of Overpayment. Social Security overpayments can…
March 2025
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
February 2025
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
February 2025
Many parents and guardians are feeling scared by recent news about changes to the laws about immigration officials in schools and you may have concerns about sending your children to school. This…
January 2025
Many Protection from Abuse cases are handled without a lawyer. If you believe that the other side will have a lawyer, or if there are complicated issues involved in your case, you may be better off…
January 2025
Maine law gives tenants an "implied warranty of habitability." This means that your landlord must promise that your home is safe and fit to live in.
January 2025
Statewide Help
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to low-income households for their energy bills.
December 2024
What is a Power of Attorney? Where can I learn more about Powers of Attorney in Maine?
December 2024
How does domestic violence affect children?
Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.
December 2024
In Maine, if you cannot pay your tax bill for the property you live on, there is something you can do. Your city or town can decide that you don't have to pay some or all of it. This is called a "…
December 2024
Who is protected by the mobile home park laws?
This section applies to you if you own your mobile home and rent a lot in a mobile home park. Also, these "Rights of Maine
December 2024
Are you about to rent a place in Maine? Brush up on your rights, and other things you should know before you rent with our Tips for Tenants in Maine! Here’s Pine Tree Legal’s checklist of questions…
December 2024
Lists resources for people in Maine who are separating or going through divorce: where to get legal and financial help, and other support services.
November 2024
This article will walk you through the basics of security deposits in Maine, from what you should do before you move in, to what you can do if you don't get your deposit back when you move out. It…
November 2024
We have drafted three form letters to help you respond to debt collectors. These letters will not fit all situations, but they address some of the most common issues.
November 2024
How the Maine courts determine child support amounts.
October 2024
Is the electric company trying to charge you for a previous resident’s utility debt? Sometimes when a previous resident owes money to a utility company, the company will contact the current resident…
September 2024
Introduction
Many people use self-storage facilities for a variety of reasons. It is important to know your rights when you put your property in a self-storage unit.
September 2024
General assistance (called GA after this) is a program run by every town to help people who don't have enough money to pay their necessary expenses. You may be eligible if your basic living costs are…
August 2024
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program for low income families with children. It provides cash benefits each month, and may also help you pay high housing costs. TANF is funded…
August 2024
Learn about how the Food Supplement Program/SNAP works in Maine, where to apply, who is eligible, and more.
August 2024
Información para inquilinos sobre desalojos de viviendas y recursos para negociar si el dueño de su vivienda intenta desalojarle.
August 2024
Xuquuqda Kiraystayaasha Maine: Ka Saarista (Somali)
Gogoldhig
Maqaalkani waxa uu ka jawaabayaa su'aalaha aadka laisu weydiyo ee kiraystayaasha Maine ay ka qabaan xuquuqdooda. Gobol kastaa wuxuu…
August 2024
Direitos dos Locatários de Maine: Despejo (Portuguese)
Introdução
Esse artigo responde algumas perguntas comuns que locatários no Maine têm sobre seus direitos. Cada estado possui diferentes leis…
August 2024
Ntomo ya ba locataire na Maine: Kobima na ndako (Lingala)
Ebandeli
Mokanda oyo ezali koyanola mituna mingi bafuti ndako na Maine bazali na yango na makambo matali ntomo na bango.
August 2024
Resous Enpòtan pou Evite Degèpisman
Yo mande w degèpi? Ou pè yo pral mande w sa byento?
August 2024
Introduction
Cet article répond à certaines questions courantes que se posent les locataires de l’état du Maine au sujet de leurs droits.
August 2024
FEMA is a government agency which often provides assistance funds for people affected by severe weather. This article describes the process of applying for FEMA aid, and how to appeal a FEMA decision…
August 2024
The Transitional Transportation Program helps working parents pay for transportation for 12 months after they can no longer get TANF because of earnings from a job. If you get PaS benefits, instead…
July 2024
What to do if you get a notice of overpayment of SNAP/Food Supplements from DHHS.
July 2024
Introduction
This page covers free and low-cost phone services available to Mainers.
June 2024
Federal student loans can be intimidating and confusing. In this article we will explain types of federal student loans, repayment plans and situations, and loan discharge and forgiveness programs.
June 2024
This information is to help you if you need to change a Department of Health Human Services (DHHS) Child Support Order.
May 2024
Posted and up-to-date on 9/20/2023
April 2024
You can file a Three-Person Petition (also called a Three-Party Petition) in District Court. Under the Maine Child Protection laws, three or more people can file a Child Protection petition, asking…
March 2024
This guide is the first in a series about what happens when DHHS gets involved with families.
February 2024
Non-consensual pornography, also called revenge porn, is a fast growing area of sexual abuse. A new Maine law makes posting revenge porn illegal. Learn how to protect yourself if you become a victim.
January 2024
Two laws in Maine protect people with disabilities. Both laws make it illegal for government agencies to discriminate against people with disabilities. Government agencies must also take steps to…
January 2024
Landlords may not discriminate against you because of your: race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental impairment, religion, ancestry or national origin, getting welfare, being a single…
January 2024
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
September 2023
Who is covered by the “assistance animal” law?
The law applies to people with disabilities. Under this law, you have a disability if:
September 2023
Has the building or home you rent been sold or foreclosed on? You still have rights as a renter!
September 2023
The agreement you make with your landlord affects what rights you will have. You may sign a written agreement called a lease. When you rent without a lease, you become a "tenant at will."
August 2023
How do I know if my child’s sexual behavior is normal or a sign of abuse?
As a caregiver, you may be worried about a child if they start displaying sexualized behaviors.
July 2023
Are you or do you know someone who is trapped or unable to leave a work situation? You may be victim of human labor trafficking. There are laws to protect workers in these situations. Know the signs…
July 2023
Read this page to learn about laws that protect farmworkers, information about where to get legal help, and information about workers’ compensation, minimum wage, and federal farmworker protections.
July 2023
Yes. A person or company you owe money to can put a lien on a home that you own. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.
July 2023
What is "Subsidized Housing?"
There are different kinds of subsidized housing. Some are public housing, and some aren't.
July 2023
To change your name, or the name of a minor in your care, you will usually need to file a petition with the Probate Court in the county where you live. There are some special procedures for changing…
June 2023
You can't pay all of your bills? How to you decide which ones to pay? The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project provides this helpful guide.
June 2023
What to watch out for if you are offered a "pension loan" or "pension advancement."
June 2023
Can I Get Free Care at the Hospital?
Yes. All hospitals in Maine must give free care to poor people without health insurance. You have to meet these criteria: Your income is below the guidelines,…
May 2023
Introduction
The Maine Homestead Exemption may lower your property tax bill. It makes it so the town won't count $25,000 of value of your home for property tax purposes.
February 2023
Maine State Housing Authority’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program provided money to help renters pay for rent, electric bills, or other expenses to help avoid homelessness. Right now, Maine…
December 2022
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
December 2022
Recursos importantes para prevenir el desalojo
¿Van a desalojarlo? ¿Le preocupa que pueda ser desalojado pronto?
December 2022
Wax Yaalaha Muhiimka ah ee looga Hortagayo Guri Ka Saarid
Miyaa lagu saarayaa? Ma ka werwersantahay in dhakhsi lagu saari rabo?
December 2022
Recursos Importantes para Evitar o Despejo
Sendo despejado? Preocupado que possa ser logo?
December 2022
Makambo ya motuya mpo ete babimisa yo na ndako te
Bazali kobimisa yo na ndako? Obangi ekomela yo kala te?
December 2022
Kreyòl
Lalwa nan eta Maine plizoumwen klè sou pwoblèm lokatè (li plis sou dwa lokatè nan Maine nan seksyon kote nou pale kesyon lojman lokatif), lwa yo pa fin twò klè sou dwa moun ki rete nan motèl,…
December 2022
Motels, hôtels et pensions (French)
Êtes-vous en train de vous faire expulser ? Craignez-vous de vous faire bientôt expulser ?
Pour en savoir plus sur vos droits en cas d’expulsion, assistez à une…
December 2022
Motels, Hotels, and Rooming Houses (Arabic)
قانون ولاية ماين واضح إلى حد ما بشأن العديد من قضايا المستأجرين (اقرأ المزيد عن حقوق المستأجرين في ماين في قسم الإسكان الإيجاري لدينا)، القوانين أقل وضوحا…
December 2022
This is a very general outline of your rights as a worker in Maine. It covers basic questions you might have after losing your job. We also explain how the unemployment benefit system works. You may…
December 2022
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
October 2022
Divorce or separation can mean big changes on your taxes. Spousal support, also called alimony, and a name change are just a few things you may need to consider. Here are some tax tips to keep in…
October 2022
en español
September 2022
An injured spouse claim can help you get back your part of a tax refund from a joint tax return. It applies where the IRS has intercepted the refund to offset a debt owed by your spouse but not by…
September 2022
Do you get a health care tax subsidy for health insurance you bought through the "federal marketplace." Learn about your duty to report certain financial changes.
September 2022
I've just received a "Notice of tax due" letter from the IRS. What is this? The IRS sent you this letter because it believes you have not paid the total amount of taxes that you owe.
September 2022
Why do I need to know who is a "qualifying child?"
If you have children, there are some tax credits you might be able to claim.
September 2022
Introduction
Tax scams can take many forms. They may be after money, or trying to steal your identity - either way, the more you know, the better you will be able to avoid these scams!
September 2022
Posted and up-to-date on 9/19/2022
September 2022
Get Maine Power of Attorney for a Child form here
September 2022
In 2015 Maine updated its laws about families. This law is called the Maine Parentage Act. It took effect on July 1, 2016. “Parentage” is a legal word. It means the legal relationship between a child…
September 2022
Posted and up-to-date 8/2022
September 2022
This page explains how child support collection works in Maine. The law and the process are different in every state.
September 2022
This page explains how child support collection works in Maine. The law and the process differ from state to state. Maine has several tools to collect both current and overdue child support. These…
August 2022
As with all commercial products, buyer beware! Pre-paid debit cards are often viewed as convenient alternatives to cash and expensive checking accounts. While there may be many advantages to these…
July 2022
There are many good online resources to help you file a VA benefits claim.
July 2022
Introduction
The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 is a law that may allow many combat-injured veterans to claim a refund or credit from the IRS.