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Rights of Maine Renters: Heat and Utility Charges for Common Areas

If you live in an apartment building, you may find out that you are paying for heat, lights, or other utilities for "common areas." This includes, for example, hallways, basements, or a common hot water heater or furnace. It is illegal for your landlord to make you pay those costs alone. For example, the hall lights should not be hooked up to your… More
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Rights of Maine Renters: Cable TV, Dishes, and Antennas

If I live in an apartment building, can my landlord stop me from getting cable TV, a satellite dish or an antenna? Generally, no. Your landlord can only refuse to allow these installations if they have "good cause" to deny that particular company. "Good cause" could be:

Small Claims Forms

Important Notice: We encourage you to learn more about Small Claims Court in Maine before using these forms.
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How to Handle Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Overpayments

SSI benefits are the benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that come on the 1st of the month. If SSA finds that you have gotten too much money in your SSI benefit, they will send you a Notice of Overpayment.
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Maine Sexual Assault Resources: Sexual Assault and Schools

If you (or your child) have been sexually assaulted at school, there are laws that can help protect you. One of the most important laws is called Title IX (Title Nine). Title IX says that schools that get federal funding cannot discriminate based on sex. This includes almost all elementary schools, high schools, and colleges. Title IX says that… More
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What happens if I am charged with a crime in Maine? Can I get a lawyer?

How do I know if my legal issue is "criminal?" In Maine there are three basic kinds of “charges” for “offenses against the state.”
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Healthcare Resources for Maine Children Who Have Experienced Violence

How does domestic violence affect children? Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.
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How To: Get Ready for a Disclosure Hearing in Maine

A disclosure hearing can happen once a creditor has a judgment against you for money you owe. Sometimes the creditor must take you to court to find out what property and income you have. This is called a disclosure hearing. This guide will walk you through what to expect at a disclosure hearing, and what you will need to know to go in prepared.… More
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Falling behind on student loan debt? Here's what you need to know

This guide lays out your options for many different student loan debt situations. Is this guide for you? You may use this guide if:

Maine Fair Housing Newsletter

The Fair Housing Newsletter is a publication of Pine Tree Legal Assistance, through the Fair Housing Initiative Program, Maine. It covers important fair housing information and developments, and highlights other fair housing resources.