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Student Loan Project

Welcome to PTLA’s Student Loan Project! We provide free legal services to student loan borrowers. We help people with:
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Maine Zoom Mediation in Family Matters

Posted and up-to-date 8/2022
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Student Loans & COVID-19 FAQ

Posted and up-to-date on 9/20/2023
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Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act

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. This article is a brief summary of who may be eligible, and how to find help and more information.
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What you need to know before you go to court in Maine

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
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Tips for Giving Evidence in Court

When you are giving evidence in court, explain exactly what happened in the clearest way you can. You should only talk about what you know. This means what you saw, what you felt, what you heard, and what you did.
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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:
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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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The Tax Consequences of Divorce or Separation

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 mind if you are recently divorced or separated.