Maine Q&A by Practice Area

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Maine Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: Maine stop and identify laws?

I am trying to determine whether Maine has any stop and id laws

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Feb 28, 2021

Yes, Maine does. See 17-A M.R.S. § 15-A.

P.S. This is a criminal law question, not civil litigation.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maine on
Q: Can my landlord kick me out for filing a complaint regarding my family’s safety?

We filed a complaint that snowmobiles being started in the garage below us were causing gas fumes in our home. I have a pregnant wife and three small children home all day having to breathe it. Our land lord says they should be able to use their garage how they please without worrying about gas... Read more »

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Feb 28, 2021

The question is whether the landlord's use of the garage "renders the dwelling unit unfit for human habitation." If so, "then a tenant may file a complaint against the landlord in the District Court or Superior Court. The complaint shall state that:

A. A condition,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: I have no heirs and would like ideas as to how I might plan for my house and property and savings once I am gone.

I'm not interested in donating to huge charities whose CEOs earn 6-figure salaries.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Feb 23, 2021

This is a pretty open-ended question, the answer to which will depend on, among other things, your priorities, values, and goals. I would suggest you start a conversation with someone who can help you achieve what you want to accomplish. That person could be a financial adviser or an attorney who... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: My dad passed away two years ago and my stepmom passed a year ago,my step brother has taken over the house ,

We know of nothing will wise and he has taken over everything do I have any right to the house,as of this year the house is still in my dad's name even at the town,his name hasn't been removed from the tax title and no other name is on it

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Feb 22, 2021

More facts are needed to answer this question, but assuming upon your dad’s death, title to the house passed to your stepmom and, upon your stepmom’s death, title to the house passed to your stepbrother, then you would need to have an enforceable agreement or right with respect to the house... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: My wife and I live in Maine. My name is not on the deed to our home only hers. Can her family have me removed if she die

My wife and I live in Maine. My name is not on the deed to our home only hers. Can her family have me removed if she died?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Feb 22, 2021

More facts are needed to answer this question, but assuming upon your wife’s death, title to the home will pass to someone other than you, then yes, that person would typically have the right to exclusive possession of the property, which means you could be removed, assuming you do not have an... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Maine on
Q: Can children testify in a custody hearing in state of Maine?
Robert Guillory Esq
Robert Guillory Esq answered on Feb 8, 2021

yes they can but judges dont like to have them testify, if they will testify often the judge will ask the parents if the kids can talk to the judge without the parents present, it takes both parties to agree to that otherwise the kids get on the witness stand and both parties hear what they have to... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Maine on
Q: How do I prove the other parent's home is unfit for our children? The judge is taking his word about problems being fixe

We have been trying to co-parent for three years and in that time the condition of his home has been unfit for the children. I have informed him several times to fix issues for the children and he tells me they are but they are not fixed. Told him if not fixed we would go to court. Here we are and... Read more »

Robert Guillory Esq
Robert Guillory Esq answered on Feb 8, 2021

What you really need here is for the court to appoint a guardian ad litem who can go visit both homes and speak with the kids and report back to the court. These usually cost money but sometimes the court can find someone to do it for nothing if you both cannot afford one. it is pretty impossible... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Maine on
Q: During covid times, going through a custody hearing, how do I speak for myself, bring a witness or present documents?

Other parent has been around there whole life but his living conditions are why we are in court after warning him several times to improve them or we're going to court. But I am the bad parent for keeping them from him for 3 months until we went to court? Their 8 and 9.

Robert Guillory Esq
Robert Guillory Esq answered on Feb 6, 2021

in most Maine courts during covid hearings are conducted via the zoom video conferencing platform. Preliminary motions and conferences are being done by telephone conferences. At some point your case will have a pretrial conference and you will tell the judge or magistrate how many witnesses you... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maine on
Q: I have two pending misdemeanors in Wyoming from 2014. DWI where I blew a .075 and a speeding ticket, how do I proceed?
Anthony M. Avery
Anthony M. Avery answered on Feb 5, 2021

Hire a competent attorney in WY to represent you. He will obtain the charging instruments and look for an upcoming hearing date where other crimes are on the Docket. You are basically turning yourself in, while your attorney arranges the best plea he can get for you, which is hopefully that day... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: We’re buying a Maine home with inlaw unit with our only child and his wife, no mortgage.

Both familes are sharing the cost of the property. Should we put it in JT with ROS to protect all parties, or just put it in the name of my son and his wife.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Feb 3, 2021

The answer depends on a number of factors, including what the goals of the parties involved are. I would recommend you discuss your situation with a Maine attorney, who can provide you with guidance and advice once he or she has a better understanding of your circumstances and needs. My partner,... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Can someone file a lawsuit regarding a property they don’t own?
Anthony M. Avery
Anthony M. Avery answered on Feb 3, 2021

Yes, it happens constantly. Boundary Line Disputes and Easement Suits necessarily involve others' land. The defendant in Ejectment Suits may dispute title. Many other causes of actions are filed dealing with land titled to someone else other than the plaintiff.

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1 Answer | Asked in Nursing Home Abuse for Maine on
Q: If abuse and negligence contributed to death in a nursing home, how many years does one have to go back and sue?

I know each state is different, I am asking for the state of Maine and wondered what the statute of limitations is for that state.

Michael Brevda
Michael Brevda answered on Feb 2, 2021

Most states have a 2 to 4 year statute of limitations on nursing home negligence claims. I am not licensed in Maine, so I could not tell you that state's time period to bring a nursing home abuse claim. However, delay is never a good idea if you believe you have a case. Call a local nursing... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maine on
Q: Can an at-will tenant who payed rent in full sue for constructive eviction if heat was lost and not fixed for a month?

In February 2020 I became an at-will tenant after an amicable year lease expired before I was able to find a new place. Despite my roommate moving without communicating with me: I covered the $1575 rent by myself and confirmed via text I would have another month. Heating system failed the first... Read more »

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Jan 31, 2021

Question: If I want to sue for $4,000, do I have to produce proof of every expense accrued?

Answer: Yes.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: At my second arraignment, can I ask for a court appointed lawyer if I was not offered one at the first arraignment?

I wasn't offered a lawyer because I don't face any jail time, but I would like to speak with one to discuss details about my case that may get it dropped.

Hunter J Tzovarras
Hunter J Tzovarras answered on Jan 28, 2021

The right to have a court-appointed lawyer only applies if you are facing jail time. You could hire a lawyer but the court won't appoint a lawyer in a case you don't face the risk of jail. There may be certain exceptions, such as if there are immigration consequences if you were... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Maine on
Q: I had emergency surgery in July and I have been collecting unemployment. Dr says need to file disability. Payback?

I had emergency surgery in July. Was drawing unemployment. Still am. Been looking for a job. Can't find one because I can't lift, can't stand on my feet for long periods etc. Am I going to have to pay unemployment back? My dr said that I need to file for disability. How can I file... Read more »

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II answered on Jan 26, 2021

The benefits are often administered by the same office, they just come from different funds. You should consult the UI office and see what they say about transferring the claim to a disability claim. Look online first, to see if there is info posted on the web. You are not the first person with... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Maine on
Q: What do you do when the officer forgets to put a “date served” on your summons?

I received a summons from a deputy probly a week and a half ago now, he said I had 20 days to file paperwork to the court with my lawyer, but I still don’t have a lawyer and there is no “date served” on my summons, the spot is left blank. I’m a simpleton and get anxious not knowing what to... Read more »

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Jan 20, 2021

Call the County Sheriff's Office and ask them on what date they served you. Alternatively, if there is an attorney representing the other side, her or his information will be on the summons. You can call her or him and ask them on what date the Sheriff's Office served you. Finally, the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Maine on
Q: Can my ex husband stop me from having our kids around my boyfriend?

My boyfriend lives with me and my ex is demanding he leave while I have the kids, or else he won’t give them to me. Can he do this? The kids love my boyfriend and he is so amazing to them.

Robert Guillory Esq
Robert Guillory Esq answered on Jan 19, 2021

Your ex cannot do this unless the court order you have (if you have one) says he can. You should keep seeing your children and if your ex chooses to deny your visitation you need to file a motion with the court for contempt or to enforce. ultimately it is up to a judge to decide whether or not your... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Maine on
Q: My brothers and siblings took everything jewlery,trains,etc that was of value without reporting it to the probate court.

What can I do? I have a lawyer, he hasn't petitioned the court. My Brother's lawyer keeps telling me its going to take away my part of the Estate if I pursue this.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Jan 3, 2021

You should talk with your attorney about your available rights and remedies under the circumstances.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: How can I be granted Power of Attorney by my mother who lives in a different state? I live in Maine and she is in NYC.

Can a Maine lawyer get the proper POA paperwork or do I have to go to NYC to take care of this?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III answered on Jan 3, 2021

Generally, yes, a Maine lawyer can create a valid power of attorney for your use with respect to transactions that will occur in Maine. For transactions that will occur in NY, a separate power of attorney should be prepared by a NY attorney, which will be valid in NY. You should also keep in mind... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Maine on
Q: Living Trust to protect house and property.

I submitted previous question regarding Living Trust question but wanted to try to clarify better.

Wondering about a Living Trust for home and property upon my death (with money from sale of property designated to non-profits and charities), with my brother as trustee, ,,,,,,,(,I did... Read more »

Nina Whitehurst
Nina Whitehurst answered on Jan 1, 2021

A properly drafted trust will cover the possibility of your brother predeceasing you. You should raise this issue with the attorney that is drafting this trust for you. If you don’t have an attorney drafting this trust for you, then you should because, as it should be evident to you, you do not... Read more »

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