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Can I get a protection from abuse order if I am a survivor of sexual assault?

Yes! Usually to get a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order, the abuser and survivor need to be family or household members or dating partners. Pine Tree Legal Assistance helps survivors of sexual assault get PFA orders across the state of Maine. Contact your local sexual assault advocacy center to connect to our services!
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Protection from Abuse in Maine: Getting Ready for Your Hearing & Next Steps

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 with a lawyer. Need to start at the beginning of the process? Read the first part of our guide: Protection from Abuse in Maine: First Steps &… More
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Rights of Maine Renters: Paying Rent

Important Resources to Prevent Eviction Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
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Rights of Maine Renters: Landlord Coming Into Your Home

Can my landlord come into my house or apartment at any time? No. If your landlord wants to come into your home to make non-emergency repairs, or inspect the apartment, they must give you "reasonable notice." This means at least 24 hours notice. If the landlord does give you “reasonable notice” you can’t refuse them entry to the unit. You don’t… More
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Maine Child Protection: What happens when DHHS investigates a household?

This is the second part of our guide to Child Protection proceedings in Maine. It covers what can happen when DHHS investigates a household because they believe that a child may be at risk of being harmed.
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Maine Child Protection: What does DHHS do when they get a complaint of child abuse?

This guide is the first in a series about what happens when DHHS gets involved with families. This guide covers the very first steps in the Maine Child Protection process - our other guides cover later parts of this process. If you are in a situation where DHHS is becoming involved with your family, start here.
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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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Rights of Maine Renters: Sale or Foreclosure of Building

Has the building or home you rent been sold or foreclosed on? You still have rights as a renter!
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Rights of Maine Renters: Subsidized Housing

What is "Subsidized Housing?" There are different kinds of subsidized housing. Some are public housing, and some aren't. If your rent goes by your income, your housing is “subsidized.”  This is true even if your house or apartment is owned by a person or company, and not the government.