Acknowledging and Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Pine Tree Legal Assistance acknowledges and celebrates each November as Native American Heritage Month.  The work of our Indigenous Peoples Unit is important to our work promoting fairness and justice for all.  We are committed to finding a better path forward to support In
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What happens if I am sued for a debt in Maine District Court?

What happens if I am sued for a debt in district court?   If you are sued for a debt in district court, the creditor is the Plaintiff and you are the Defendant.  
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COVID-19 Stimulus Checks & Public Benefits Eligibility in Maine

Posted and up-to-date on 4/29/2020 Introduction Many people who will get a stimulus check under the CARES Act may also receive public benefits. You may be worried about whether getting a stimulus check will change your eligibility for public benefits.
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Maine Public Benefits & COVID-19 FAQ

Posted and up-to-date on 12/15/2020 I need MaineCare, TANF, and/or SNAP (food stamps), where do I go to apply? These services are run through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
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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

Wabanaki and Quinnehtuhqut Legal News

The Wabanaki Legal News is published by Pine Tree Legal Assistance - focusing on news of special interest to Native Americans in Maine. We also publish the Quinnehtuhqut Legal News - a newsletter for Native Americans in Connecticut.

What to Do if You are Denied Entry to Canada Because of a Past Criminal Conviction

Note: This article is very old! It was created in 2013 and may not be accurate today. We are working on updates and will post them soon. 
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Can I Get Rid of a Lien on my Car or Truck?

Introduction Sometimes a creditor who successfully sues you on a debt will place a lien on your vehicle to "secure the judgment."  They do this by filing a document with the Maine Secretary of State's office where vehicle registrations are recorded.
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Debt collectors are calling me. What can I do?

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.
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Can a Creditor Put a Lien on My House?

Yes. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.