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Maine Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Tax Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Maine on
Q: Q: File bankruptcy or hire a debt company like freedomdebtrelief (d0t) com? Unemployed, 61yrs w/~54k in cc debt.

Unemployment runs out before I can collect social. I have no 401k or savings, I can't pay the minimums and don't know even know which debt companies are reputable? Does using a debt company prevent me from applying another recourse later?

Robert Keyes
Robert Keyes
answered on Dec 23, 2022

Several thoughts.

First - if your only income is Social Security and you have no significant assets you don't need to do anything since creditors cannot garnish SS income.

Second - I have never had a client who had anything good to say about debt consolidation companies....
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Tax Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Maine on
Q: Q: File bankruptcy or hire a debt company like freedomdebtrelief (d0t) com? Unemployed, 61yrs w/~54k in cc debt.

Unemployment runs out before I can collect social. I have no 401k or savings, I can't pay the minimums and don't know even know which debt companies are reputable? Does using a debt company prevent me from applying another recourse later?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Dec 19, 2022

I've had several clients tell me that they've tried "debt relief" companies, but none were happy with the results (if any).

The going rate for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, for attorneys fees plus court costs, is about $2,000, for a simple, straightforward case....
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Does the three different good time laws in Maine violate constitutionality and or are they discriminatory!
Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Dec 1, 2022

I do not believe these laws have ever been challenged in court. Since good time is determined by the Department of Corrections and not considered part of the sentence but an administrative determination by stature, the Court may not find a constitutional violation in the difference statutes. You... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Collections and Small Claims for Maine on
Q: What are my options for getting out of this cosign situation?

I cosigner a car loan a few years ago with my girlfriend at the time. We broke up, and she refused a pay it, and has been on the run to stop ot from getting repossessed. I can't afford to pay it. What are my options? I live in maine.

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Nov 26, 2022

Find the car, repossess it if your name is on it, then sell it and pay the proceeds on the loan. There’s really no other way for you to get out from paying its. If your name is not on the title, then you’ll need to sue her to resolve this.

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Collections and Small Claims for Maine on
Q: What are my options for getting out of this cosign situation?

I cosigner a car loan a few years ago with my girlfriend at the time. We broke up, and she refused a pay it, and has been on the run to stop ot from getting repossessed. I can't afford to pay it. What are my options? I live in maine.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Nov 27, 2022

I agree with Attorney Denison's answer. The only thing I would add is you could always contact the lender, explain the situation, and see if they will remove you from the loan under any set of circumstances.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Maine on
Q: How long can they hold you in a dry tank inside the county jail in New Hampshire?

My wife was picked up on tuesday. Today is now Saturday. Her warrant was out of York county maine, but she was picked up in Stratford county New Hampshire. They have held her inside a dry tank I'm assuming because they thought she must have been trying to smuggle something in. She has not been... View More

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Oct 29, 2022

Since she was arrested and being held in a NH jail, NH's rules of procedure and extradition will apply. You will want to consult with a NH lawyer for these questions. I'm only licensed to practice in Maine. In Maine, a person arrested is required to appear before the Court within 48 hours... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Do I have a right to move into a vacant home that I’m half owner of to protect it while waiting for probate to end?

I inherited a house 50/50 with my sister. She’s agreed to sell me her share but won’t allow me to move in even though I own half of it and the house is empty. She has her own house. It’s doubtful the case will go to probate and someone needs to watch the house and protect it from break ins as... View More

Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on Oct 20, 2022

You should hire a lawyer to advise you about this situation.

Based on what you have said, it appears as if title to the house rests with the estate. Therefore, no one has a right to occupy the property until and unless it is deeded to them.

You should be able to negotiate a lease...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Maine on
Q: Dating someone aboard. What do they need to get a visitors visa

I am dating someone aboard. They are Ukrainian and have a history of traveling. What requirements are they need to get their Visitors visa? One concern they have is they have only around 6k USD and that concerns them they will not meet the financial requirements. Is there any support that I can... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 26, 2024

To obtain a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) for the United States, your Ukrainian partner will need to meet several requirements and provide documentation to support their application. Here are some key points:

1. Nonimmigrant Intent: They must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and prove...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: In maine is it legal for my child to record on her school bus if she has felt unsafe or bus driver has been retaliating

She used her phone to record bus driver being really bad to these kids. She then told her boss and to me, if you have nothing to hide then why should it matter

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

There is no criminal statute prohibiting a recording on a school bus. There may be school related policies against it, but it would not be a criminal violation.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Hello can you tell me what typical commission fees would be on the sale of a 170 acre farm estate?

The property is in central Maine and has easement with Maine Farmland Trust.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Dec 6, 2023

Typically, the commission fees would be in the range of 5-6%, but they may be negotiable. You should contact multiple brokers and ask what their commission fees would be.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Maine on
Q: Married in NYC in 2016, moved to Maine in Sept. 2023. My wife left in Oct and is living in PA. What state do I file?

I was financial support until move. I am currently unemployed. What are the financial implications? What about savings I had before we were married?

Albert Hansen
Albert Hansen
answered on Nov 1, 2023

You may be able to file in Maine now if that is where the cause of divorce accrued. If not, Maine cannot exercise jurisdiction until you've lived here in good faith for 6 months prior to filing the divorce. The other questions cannot be answered without more facts.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: If my boyfriend is on unsupervised probation and wants to move to Maine for more job opportunities? No violations since

He has had no contact with the law since being released. He want to move to have more work opportunities and a better life. He will seek out AA meeting to keep his sobriety. There is more work in his field and support here.

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Oct 30, 2023

If he is on probation in a State other than Maine, he'll need to apply for a probation transfer to Maine. This has to be done in his home State through the probation office there.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: Can I legally own a ballistic knife in the state of Maine to keep at my residence but not on my person?

For the record I do not have one but I am curious as to whether or not I can legally own one for home protection due to my inability to legally own a firearm.

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Sep 3, 2023

It is illegal to possess a ballistic knife in Maine.

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright for Maine on
Q: I am writing a book...and was wondering if I could call if 'The Wheel of Retirement Fortune'...?

I would imagine 'Wheel of Fortune' is copywritten ...but if I interject 'Retirement' in the middle of it, shouldn't that be ok? Thanks

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Jul 27, 2023

While it is true that WHEEL OF FORTUNE is a registered trademark for games, the proposed use of THE WHEEL OF RETIREMENT FORTUNE for a non-fiction book on a financial subject would not be infringing or likely to be confused with the games.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: In Maine, Rule 11 hearing, is that hearing used to tell the court you're saying no to a final plea deal from the State?
Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

A Rule 11 hearing refers to a guilty plea hearing for a felony charge.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: In Maine, after all plea negotiations and no deal made, do you go to court to tell judge you're not going to take a plea
Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

The case will be scheduled for a docket call, which is the time to tell the Court no plea agreement has been reached and the case will then be scheduled for a trial.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Probate for Maine on
Q: My mother passed away and left the house with a reverse mortgage. Do I have do deal with it or can I walk away.

There is no will. A friend of hers had power of attorney and took care of her bills. The last of her bank account was used to cremate her and there are no liquid assets. There is another person still living in the house that doesn't seem motivated to move out that had lived there for free in... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jul 20, 2023

Yes, you can step back and do nothing. The lender will foreclose and acquire the house and the heirs will have no personal responsibility to pay the reverse mortgage.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: What is the expected punishment for a Class E misdemeanor in Maine for a first time offender?

Took money that I saw left at am ATM thinkin it was lost.

Hunter J Tzovarras
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answered on Jun 23, 2023

The maximum penalty for a Class E misdemeanor is 180 days in jail and $1000 fine. It is rare for someone to be sentenced to the maximum sentence. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, and the individual, it is possible to receive no jail time for a Class E misdemeanor.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Maine on
Q: Is my daughter, the defendant in her divorce case, required to respond to her husband's lawyer after filing for divorce

The lawyer emailed her some legal papers. One was about discovery something

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 9, 2023

YES. If she is representing herself, she must comply with all court rules and procedures. This case arises under FAMILY LAW. You need to discuss with an attorney in your jurisdiction that specializes in this kind of law. Thank you for using Justia, Ask a Lawyer.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: In ME, 1987-1988. Was it legal for a 14yo girl to be impregnated by a 17yo male? Does offspring have any civil option?

I am an adoptee seeking this info to find out if it's possible that my bio father isn't listed on my birth certificate to avoid sex offender registry in 1988 before romeo and Juliet laws.

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jun 3, 2023

This would be better addressed by an attorney licensed in Maine. Orange County Unbundled Legal Services.

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