Maine

Maine Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Maine. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Provides free civil legal help to low-income Mainers in housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer matters statewide.

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Legal Services for the Elderly

Offers free legal representation to Maine residents aged 60 and older on civil legal matters.

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Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project

Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys for free legal assistance in civil matters.

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Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Provides free civil legal help to low-income Mainers statewide in housing, family, benefits, and consumer matters.

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Volunteer Lawyers Project (Maine)

Coordinates pro bono legal services for low-income Maine residents through volunteer attorneys.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Judicial Court of Maine is the court of last resort. There is no intermediate appellate court. The Superior Court handles major civil and criminal cases. District Courts handle lesser civil cases, small claims, and certain criminal matters. Probate Courts handle estate and guardianship matters in each county.

Key State Laws & Protections

Maine Warranty of Habitability

Strong tenant protections under Title 14 requiring landlords to maintain premises in habitable condition with clear tenant remedies.

Maine Human Rights Act

Comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and credit with broad protected categories including sexual orientation.

Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act

Consumer protection law under Title 5 prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices in trade or commerce.

Maine Workers' Compensation Act

Provides medical and income benefits to injured workers with specific protections and dispute resolution procedures.

Maine Human Rights Act

Comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering employment, housing, education, and public accommodations with broad protected categories.

Maine Residential Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under Title 14, Chapter 710, with strong tenant protections including habitability and eviction procedures.

Bar Association

Maine State Bar Association
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call Pine Tree Legal Assistance at 1-866-783-3561 for free legal help in Maine.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Maine DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-866-834-4357

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Maine Paid Family Leave (2025)

Implementation of Maine's paid family and medical leave program providing up to 12 weeks of paid benefits.

Tenant Protection Expansion (2025)

New protections limiting rent increases and requiring just cause for eviction in certain municipalities.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $50-$70 (claims up to $6,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $200-$300

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $120-$200

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Mainers in housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

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Legal Services for the Elderly

Free legal services for Maine residents aged 60 and older on issues of benefits, housing, and consumer protection.

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Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic

Law school clinic at the University of Maine School of Law providing free legal services in various matters.

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State Bar Resources

Maine State Bar Association

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (207) 622-7523

Pro Bono: Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project provides free legal help to qualifying residents.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Maine

Maine has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Maine, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Maine-specific details.
Maine allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Maine sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Maine minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Maine sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Maine.