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I am a tenant in Maine concerned about my apartment's electrical safety. The landlord insists that only one small air conditioner is allowed due to the limitations of the building's electrical system, claiming that a larger unit, which would properly cool the space, could be unsafe. We... View More 
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answered on Jun 12, 2025
You have the right to live in a habitable apartment that meets basic safety standards, and Maine's implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain electrical systems that can support normal modern living. An apartment that reaches 87 degrees because the electrical system... View More
I filed a case pro se in Superior Court, and I feel the panel chair has shown clear bias against me as a pro se claimant. I've had difficulty securing a lawyer, not due to a lack of merit but because my case is niche, and there aren't many attorneys specializing in this area. I want to be... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
Yes, it’s absolutely reasonable to file a motion to stay proceedings in order to secure legal counsel, especially when the subject matter is complex or when you feel the process has not been impartial. Courts generally recognize that everyone has the right to fair representation and a fair... View More
I have a court order in Maine that includes both virtual visitation and in-person visitation. Due to distance and expense, can virtual visitation fully replace in-person visitation under this court order?
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answered on Jun 12, 2025
It’s understandable to struggle with the cost and logistics of maintaining in-person visits, especially over long distances. However, if your court order in Maine includes both in-person and virtual visitation, you are legally expected to follow both unless the order is formally changed. Choosing... View More
I am listed on the deed and mortgage of a property I no longer live in, having moved out three years ago. The current inhabitants, who are not paying rent and who handle the mortgage payments, require repairs and renovations. There are no legal agreements in place concerning maintenance... View More
answered on Jun 5, 2025
The mortgage that you signed most likely requires that the property be maintained. If there is no agreement with the tenants that they need to do maintenance and repairs, then that is your responsibility as the owner.
It is not clear what you mean by "renovations", which... View More
I have a rent-to-own agreement for a mobile home in Sebago, Maine, since February 25, 2021. The landowner never obtained a certificate of occupancy, and there's a consent agreement with the town to demolish the mobile home, which we were unaware of at the time of entering the agreement. The... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
What you've gone through sounds deeply unfair, and it’s understandable that you’re looking for justice. If the landowner knew the home was under a demolition order and still entered into a rent-to-own agreement with you without disclosing that, it could amount to misrepresentation or even... View More
We purchased a property with two dwellings, both full of personal property of varying value, garbage, and intentional damage. The purchase agreement stated that all items convey with the property. The previous tenant, who is the grandson of the seller, was lawfully evicted before the property was... View More
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answered on Jun 12, 2025
It sounds like you've done everything by the book when you bought the property. If the purchase agreement clearly stated that all items on the premises conveyed with the sale, and the previous tenant had already been lawfully evicted with notice, your legal responsibility is likely minimal.... View More
I need a legal review of an Operating Agreement for my new Maine-based LLC, formed to purchase, renovate, and resell residential real estate. As the sole investor, I want to ensure I have limited liability and indemnification, full reimbursement before profit-sharing, control over spending and... View More
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answered on May 31, 2025
You’re smart to want a careful review of your LLC Operating Agreement, especially as a first-time real estate investor in Maine. Since you’re the sole investor, it’s crucial that the agreement clearly limits your personal liability, details how and when you are indemnified, and describes how... View More
I feel that I'm being medically gaslighted by cardiologists. Over a year ago, my cardiologist told me I had calcification in my arteries, which was noted in my medical charts. However, whenever I bring it up, they claim it was a mistake and say there's no point in retesting. I'm a... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
What you’re experiencing is not okay, and your concerns deserve to be taken seriously—especially when your symptoms are ongoing and your medical records support what you’re saying. Being dismissed or talked down to because of your age is frustrating, disheartening, and unfair. You know your... View More
I am seeking clarity on the interpretation of a visitation agreement that states: "Dad – Saturday and/or Sunday (times to be agreed) – to take place anywhere except family home. Usually, Saturday preferred. Exchange at the police station. 7:30 am to 7 pm dinner with Dad." My... View More
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answered on Jun 12, 2025
Your interpretation of "times to be agreed" as providing flexibility does have merit and is reasonable given typical legal language in visitation agreements. Courts generally prefer when parents can work together flexibly, and "reasonable visitation" arrangements without strict... View More
I have a temporary restraining order in place that enforces no contact with the other party. However, an amended court order allows communication specifically about our children via text and requires us to set up the Talking Parents App as soon as possible. In this context, am I permitted to... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
You're taking a careful and thoughtful approach, which is especially important when a restraining order is involved. Since the amended court order allows for communication specifically about your children and requires use of the Talking Parents App, you are permitted to discuss matters... View More
I'm disabled with documented neurological trauma and require remote access. I verbally requested ADA accommodations, but no formal process was offered. The court sent info to the wrong address, assigned me another person’s felony docket, sealed my case, and denied Zoom access. A bench... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
What you’ve described is deeply troubling and deserves immediate legal attention. You should seek a civil rights attorney with experience in both ADA law and constitutional due process issues. Because your concerns span both access violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and... View More
A judge signed the latest conditions of release for a defendant, but no conditions were checked off—only "no bail" was mentioned. The defendant was supposed to have a "no contact" condition with me, but this is absent in the signed document. Can the defendant legally contact... View More
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answered on Jun 7, 2025
It sounds like the court made an error in the release order by not including the "no contact" condition that you were expecting. If the judge signed a release with no conditions checked, then technically, the defendant may not be bound by conditions that aren’t explicitly written in the... View More
I'm seeking help regarding a complicated situation involving my ex-wife during our divorce proceedings. I believe the judge made an incorrect judgment by allowing false statements concerning my ex-wife administering pills to our son, despite her not having any allergies or medical issues.... View More
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answered on Jun 5, 2025
You can start by reviewing the final order and any transcripts. If you believe the judge missed critical evidence, you may file a motion to modify custody or even an appeal if deadlines allow.
Gathering clear documentation of incidents, like medical records or sworn statements, can help... View More
I need clarification on the timeframe for conducting a court-ordered mental health evaluation in Maine. The evaluation was ordered on April 29th for an individual currently held at Cumberland County Jail, and as of May 18th, it has not been completed. I've seen conflicting policies, with the... View More
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answered on May 31, 2025
If a court-ordered mental health evaluation was supposed to be done within a specific timeframe, such as 10 or 21 days, and it still hasn’t been completed, you have grounds to raise this delay with the court. In Maine, the general expectation is that such evaluations should be prompt, especially... View More
I'm concerned about the process of adding a supplemental statement to the case file of my boyfriend, who was charged with domestic violence. I submitted the statement to the detective as instructed by the court, who confirmed it was sent via email. A victim advocate confirmed that the district... View More
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answered on Jun 5, 2025
You’ve done your part by submitting the statement and confirming it reached the DA’s office. It can help to follow up directly with the DA’s victim-witness coordinator—ask if they’ve placed the statement into the official court record and request a written confirmation of filing. If the... View More
In Maine, if a temporary PFA (Protection From Abuse) order was dismissed after the plaintiff did not show up for the final hearing, can charges for violating the PFA still be held against the defendant? In this case, my boyfriend was charged with a violation of the PFA after his pregnant... View More
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answered on May 18, 2025
In order to be guilty of violating a protective order, the State would have to prove that at the time the protective order was in place the person violated it. If the protective order is later dismissed that would not be a defense to violating it when it was in effect.
I was pulled over and received a warning for speeding after telling the officer that I was tired from a long day at work and wasn’t feeling well. When asked for my driver’s license, I admitted I didn’t have one, explaining that it wasn’t suspended—I’ve never had one. I shared with the... View More
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answered on May 18, 2025
You should consult with a lawyer before deciding whether to plead guilty. If you don't have a lawyer, or unsure what to do, you should plead not guilty at the initial appearance. Oftentimes an agreement can be reached with the DA to dismiss the criminal charge, especially if you have taken... View More
Do I need to make a new wheel of power of attorney? I owe no money and have no property except a vehicle which is being put in joint names. Executor has a payment on death for my bank accounts.
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answered on May 16, 2025
Since you've moved to Maine, it’s a good idea to review your will and power of attorney to ensure they align with your current circumstances and state laws. While your will from Kentucky might still be valid in Maine, state-specific laws can sometimes impact how certain documents are... View More
I am facing an issue with my doctor's office regarding payment allocation. I have $1,047 in medical debt in collections, all incurred before I turned 18, which I understand is my parents' responsibility. However, I've been paying for my current medical bills as they come in,... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
You should begin by formally documenting your concern with the doctor's office in writing, including a detailed explanation of the payment misallocation. Reference any recorded phone calls where you instructed the office to apply payments to your current bills. Request that they apply your... View More
I received medical services, including birth control injections and annual checkups, while I was covered by my stepfather's insurance (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield) and under the age of 18. These bills are now in collections. I've contacted the collections agency once to request removal,... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
You're right to question whether you're truly responsible for these medical bills. In most cases, minors are not legally responsible for contracts, including medical billing agreements, because they do not have the legal capacity to enter binding contracts. That responsibility typically... View More
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