What should I know before buying a used car in Maine?

Introduction

Owning a car is necessary for many people in Maine. Especially in rural communities, having a car may be the only way you can get to work, buy groceries, and get to school or medical appointments.  

Cars are getting more expensive all the time – buying a car may be one of the biggest financial decisions you have to make. Know your rights and some information about the car-buying process before you start shopping. This article covers some of the most important things to know before you buy a car in Maine.

Land Installment Contracts, Options to Buy, and Rent-to-Own Agreements in Maine

Introduction 

Understanding the kind of purchase agreement you have when you are trying to buy land or a home is very important. Often when people buy land or land and a house (sometimes called 'real property') they take out a mortgage or loan and are given the deed to the property when they buy it, and before they move in. But this is not the only way to buy property. Many people use different kinds of purchase agreements to find a place to live. Land installment contracts, options to buy, and rent-to-own agreements are three common kinds of purchase agreements. 

  

Protection from Abuse in Maine: First Steps & Frequently Asked Questions

A Protection from Abuse Order is a Court Order that can help protect you and your children from people who are a threat to you. You can get a Protection from Abuse Order against: -your spouse or ex-spouse, someone who you live with or used to live with, your current or former dating partner or intimate partner, anyone who has stalked you or sexually assaulted you...

Rights of Maine Renters - How to get your security deposit back and what to do if you don't

Introduction

This article will walk you through the basics of security deposits in Maine, from what you should do before you move in, to what you can do if you don't get your deposit back when you move out. It explains what security deposits are, and steps you can take to make sure you get your deposit back when you move out.

You can use this article if:

Applying for FEMA Assistance and How to Appeal FEMA Assistance Decisions

Applying for Help from FEMA and How to Appeal FEMA Assistance Decisions

Applying for Help from FEMA:


1. When can I apply for FEMA assistance?


FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA assigns each storm or event with a specific code. Each event has a different due date for applying for assistance.

Here are the two most recent FEMA events for Maine: 

PTLA Volunteer Expectations

Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) volunteers play an important role in creating and sustaining an environment that is respectful of others, committed to excellence, and attentive to the highest ethical standards. 


Please review and adhere to the volunteer expectations outlined below. Doing so will help ensure that volunteer actions are consistent with PTLA values and prioritize the safety and well-being of PTLA  clients and community members.

 

Tragedy in Lewiston

Our offices are open today, Monday, 10/30, including our Lewiston office. We will work to heal our communities together.

Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the people who lost their lives and to everyone in the Lewiston area affected most by this tragedy. We urge everyone to do anything you can to stay safe.

Mainers' Legal Rights in a Disaster

Last Updated: Friday, February 9, 2024 

Introduction 

Maine communities have been hit hard by storms and flooding - with the storms on December 18th, 2023, and January 10th and 13th, 2024 being some of the most destructive. We know you have questions and will do our best to answer them, but some of these issues (like the availability of FEMA help) are still developing. When possible we will link to official government sources for more resources and information.

Subscribe to Public