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I was scheduled for a jeopardy hearing at the end of February regarding a CPS case, but it has been over five months with no resolution. Recently, we had a mandatory settlement conference between CPS and my attorney, where CPS attempted to cease reunification despite not having sufficient evidence.... View More 
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Maine, there isn't a strict limit on how long a jeopardy hearing can be delayed, but it’s generally expected that these proceedings occur promptly to ensure the child’s welfare is addressed in a timely manner. However, delays can happen due to various factors, including scheduling... View More
I'm facing a Class D Misdemeanor charge in Maine, and the state is withholding all evidence from me, despite my right to access it under 501-1 A. Even with an official Motion to Dismiss, Compel, and other attempts, the DA claims I can't have it, and a judge has sealed the records. I... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Your situation raises significant due process concerns under Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 16, which governs discovery rights in criminal cases. Maine law generally requires prosecutors to disclose evidence to defendants, with limited exceptions for witness protection or confidential... View More
I am currently living outside the country, but before leaving, I paid off my vehicle and had the title sent to my mother's house, where the truck was being stored. In April 2025, my mother forged my signature on the title and sold my truck without my permission. I have no evidence, as she held... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Vehicle Title Forgery Analysis
Your mother's actions constitute forgery and theft by conversion under virtually all state jurisdictions, representing both civil and criminal violations with potential felony implications. Forgery of vehicle title documents typically constitutes a... View More
I am currently under a court order that prohibits any direct or indirect contact with a specific individual. I recently received messages from this person on a messaging app, which expressed that they missed me. I took screenshots of these messages to save them for court. Is reading these messages... View More
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answered on Apr 8, 2025
Reading the messages would not be considered contact, but any response would be contact.
I live with my parents, and they have opened two packages addressed to me without my knowledge. The most recent package contained a phone that I purchased to communicate with my lawyer. Is it legal for them to open my packages without permission, even if I live in their home?
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
It is understandable to be concerned about privacy, especially when it comes to personal items like packages. Legally, if you live with your parents and they are the ones paying for the household or managing it, there may be some gray areas depending on where you live. In many cases, unless you... View More
I worked as a confidential informant for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with a promise that my identity would remain confidential. Despite this agreement, my statement, including my address and phone number, was included in the discovery paperwork in a case involving a controlled buy. As a... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
You would want to speak to a civil rights lawyer to see what options exists for the breach of confidentiality. You should also report any threats or vandalism to law enforcement. I'm not a civil lawyer so can't provide any advice or answers beyond this.
I have encountered issues with Anthem not paying for my children's well check-ups, resulting in my account being sent to collections, which has negatively impacted my credit as I'm trying to buy a house. Despite numerous calls to Anthem, I receive different reasons for their lack of... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
This is an incredibly frustrating and stressful situation, especially with your health and your family’s care on the line. If you’ve submitted all required documents and Anthem is still refusing to pay without clear reason, that could be considered bad faith on their part. The fact that the... View More
I hired an electrician to complete the electrical work for a new two-story garage. However, the work has been incomplete for over a year, and he does not respond to texts or voicemails. Upon investigation, I discovered he never held a valid license in Maine and had lied about his qualifications. I... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
That’s a frustrating and disappointing experience, especially when you trusted someone to do a major job on your property. In Maine, electrical work must be done by a licensed professional, and hiring someone who misrepresented their qualifications can open the door to legal consequences for... View More
I am a father of 1-year-old twin boys with my ex-girlfriend. We were co-parenting together in the same apartment to save on expenses. She left the apartment last night with our boys because she doesn't want my mother to be involved in their lives, as she feels her "rules as a mother"... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Since you have signed the birth certificates for your twins, you are legally recognized as their father. However, without a formal custody agreement or court order, you do not have established legal custody or visitation rights. To secure your parental rights, you should begin by filing a petition... View More
I discovered that my criminal record incorrectly states I was charged and convicted of two counts of aggravated trafficking in 2013. In reality, I only faced and accepted a plea for a conspiracy to commit trafficking charge with one count dismissed. Now, I am currently being charged with aggravated... View More
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answered on Mar 30, 2025
You will want to contact a lawyer who defends drug trafficking cases. If the prior convictions are alleged incorrectly, the lawyer can obtain the court files and move to strike the incorrect priors alleged in the Indictment.
We have a vacation home in Maine that my wife and I own jointly. We want to put this property into our already established Revocable Trust, which contains all relevant instructions. What steps do we need to take to complete this transfer?
answered on Mar 27, 2025
Generally, you just need to have a deed prepared to transfer the property into the trust. If there is a mortgage on the property, that may need to be refinanced. Otherwise, it is a fairly simple matter.
I provided digital art services valued at $200, and the client was expected to pay immediately, although sometimes they would wait until the launch. This is the first time I've encountered a delayed payment. Despite initially being responsive, the client has now blocked me and hasn't... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
That’s an awful situation, especially after putting time and effort into your work and expecting to be paid fairly. Even without the written agreement in hand, if you have any emails, messages, or proof of the work you delivered and their initial acceptance or response, you still have something... View More
I have custody of my 9-year-old child, while the mother has visitation rights. The mother chose the child's last name without consulting me when the child was born. I want to change my child's last name, but the mother does not agree. What legal steps can I take to change my child's... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Maine, to change your child's last name, you will need to file a petition with the court. Since the mother disagrees, you will need to provide a strong reason for why the change is in the best interest of the child. Courts typically consider factors such as the child’s relationship with... View More
On November 26, 2021, my business partner and I signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement for a property in Kennebunk, ME. Our offer was initially backup, but after signing a backup addendum, we were put in the primary position to purchase the property. However, the selling agent later claimed we were... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It seems you have a valid case to seek compensation, but the outcome will depend on several factors. While the Maine Real Estate Commission ruled in your favor, their decision likely focuses on the agent's conduct rather than financial restitution. This means that the ruling alone may not... View More
On February 14, 2025, my doctor prescribed Flexeril, a medication I previously informed him was causing side effects. Specifically, the medication was leading to leg spasms. What steps can I take to pursue a medical malpractice case?
I want to know if it's illegal to buy an inexpensive shampoo from Walmart, then resell it as-is in a bottle with my business label, marketing it specifically for use on wigs and not human hair. I have not checked for any trademark or patent issues related to the original shampoo, nor have I... View More
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answered on Mar 20, 2025
Yes, this would be illegal for several reasons. You cannot simply rebrand and resell someone else's product without permission, as this violates trademark laws and intellectual property rights of the original manufacturer. The original company invested in developing, testing, and marketing... View More
I am concerned that my electric company is overcharging me, so I am planning to install an independent meter to record my electric usage and any discrepancies over the next 6 months. What evidence do I need to gather, and how can I prepare to take legal action if overcharging is confirmed?
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It's understandable to be concerned about potential damage to your equipment, especially with the clause in the moving company's contract. Here are a few key points to consider:
**1. Contractual Clauses and Liability**: While the contract may include a clause that excludes... View More
I am the oldest sibling living in the house of an estate in Maine with my younger brother. There is no will, but there is a probate proceeding and I haven't been informed of any court dates or mediation details. My younger sister wants to sell the property, which would leave my brother and me... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
As a sibling living in the inherited property, you have important legal rights that need protection immediately. Since there is no will, Maine's intestate succession laws apply, governed by Title 18-C of the Maine Revised Statutes Maine. Under Maine intestacy laws, all siblings typically... View More
In Maine, if I only receive mail at a particular address, does that make me a tenant, and what documents are necessary to prove residency at that address?
I'm currently going through a divorce with my ex-husband, who has obtained an ESA designation for our family dog after our separation. He is withholding the dog from me, despite us sharing its care during our marriage. There are no legal agreements or court proceedings addressing the... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In a divorce, pets are typically treated as property, meaning they are divided like other assets unless there is a specific agreement in place. The fact that your ex obtained an ESA designation for the dog may complicate things slightly, as this designation may grant him certain rights to the dog... View More
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