Legal Services

The legal system is an intimidating arena. Laws are written in a language that is unfamiliar and confusing to most people. Having a trained advocate to help you understand your rights and entitlements can be critical when your family’s well-being is at stake. Since adoption is itself a legal process, you have already entered the legal arena, with the Department of Health and Human Services or a private adoption agency as your advocate. In the future, you may need to reach out to other resources in order to have the information and advocacy that fits for a specific situation.

The following resources serve the entire state of Maine, with exceptions noted:

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic (York and Cumberland Counties Only)
University of Southern Maine Law School
246 Deering Avenue
Portland, ME 04102
(207)780-4370

Services: Legal services for individuals who meet financial guidelines, primarily in family law and criminal matters.

Disability Rights Center of Maine
P.O. Box 2007
Augusta, ME 04338-2007
800-452-1948
(207)626-2774

Services: Information about legal rights and service systems, referral, representation at meetings and hearings, legal representation of individuals and groups, training for advocacy skills, organizing for broad systems changes.

Maine Human Rights Commission
State House Station 51
Augusta, ME 04333
(207)624-6050

Services: Investigates charges of unlawful discrimination regarding employment, housing, credit extensions, public accommodation, and education.

The Maine State Bar Association
P.O. Box 788
Augusta, ME 04332
(207)622-1460
1-800-860-1460
Tel-Law: (207)622-1470

Services:

Tel-Law, a national telephone resource line which provides recorded information on a variety of legal topics.
Alternative Dispute Resolution, a program in which people who would like to settle a legal matter outside of court can receive referrals for attorneys trained in mediation.
Lawyer Referral and Information Service, a phone-based service in which trained staff members match callers’ legal issues with an appropriate attorney or other legal resource.

Maine Victims' Compensation Program
6 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04330-0006
624-7882
800-903-7882 (Victims only)

Services: The Victims' Compensation Program provides financial reimbursement for losses suffered by victims of violent crime and their fmailies.

Patient Referral Services
One Weston Court
Augusta, ME 04330
800-883-8680

Services: This agency assists persons without medical insurance in applying for State and Federal programs that may provide coverage for medical expenses, and provides advocacy and information for people who have been denied Social Security Disability and SSI benefits.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Inc.

P.O. Box 547 88 Federal Street Portland, ME 04112 774-8211	39 Green Street Augusta, ME 04338 (207)622-4731	145 Lisbon Street, 7^th floor Lewiston, ME 04240 (207)784-1558
61 Main Street Bangor, ME 04401 (207)942-8241	373 Main Street Presque Isle, ME 04769 (207)764-4349

Services: Free legal services to people with household incomes at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Legal issues must fall under civil law. Informational pamphlets are provided on a variety of legal topics. Courthouse volunteers available for people handling their own divorce or other family law matters.

Victim/Witness Advocate Program (Portland only)
Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207)874-8300, ext. 8519

Services: Emotional support, assistance with investigative, court process, and application for Victim’s Compensation.

Volunteer Lawyers Project
P.O. Box 547
Portland, ME 04112
(207)774-4348
1-800-442-4293

Services: Free and low-cost legal advice and/or representation on matters related to divorce, domestic violence, child custody, Social Security benefits, bankruptcy, foreclosure, disability, unemployment, and other civil legal problems. Helpline for eligible persons who are representing themselves in a family law matter.

Legal Help for Children and Adolescents

Americorps/Portland West (Cumberland County only)
181 Brackett Street
Portland, ME 04102
(207)775-0105

Services: Offers juvenile offenders the chance to perform community service as restitution for criminal behavior. Uses a structured work environment as a tool for learning decision-making and relationship skills.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program
Maine District Court
RR 1, Box 310
West Bath, ME 04530-9704
(207)442-0226

Services: Volunteer-based court advocacy for children who have been abused or neglected and removed from their homes as a result.

CASA Program
205 Newbury Street
Portland, ME 04106
(207)822-4124

Services: Advocacy for juveniles involved in the court system.