Please be aware that the information provided is subject to change at any time due to funding restrictions and/or changing priorities. While we will try to keep the page updated and complete, we offer no guaranties regarding the information provided.

Unless otherwise noted, these are statewide agencies.

If we have missed your organization, or know of changes that should be noted, please email us at: info@mbf.org

Please click on the area in which you need assistance:

                                                  
                  
CLASS ACTIONS

Maine Equal Justice Partners - (MEJP) - provides legal representation to low income people in administrative forums and in courts through a litigation network of pro bono attorneys willing to handle class action, welfare reform and other cases which Pine Tree Legal Assistance in prohibited from taking. Call 626-7058.

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic - through law students at the University of Maine School of Law, provides free legal services to qualifying low-income individuals in Cumberland, Northern York, Sagadahoc, and Southern Androscoggin Counties.  Call 780-4370 or 1-877-780-2522.  

Maine Criminal Defense Lawyers

Maine Pre-Trial Services, Inc. - provides bail supervision for defendants in Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin, Knox, Washington, Kennebec and Aroostook Counties.  Many of our sites employ specialty case managers who work with criminal defendants with Co-Occurring disorders and substance abuse issues.  Provides Case Management services for adult defendants participating in the Maine Adult Drug Treatment Court in Cumberland, York Androscoggin, Hancock Penobscot and Washington Counties.  

Sentencing Options - develops and promotes structured alternatives to incarceration for people convicted of a criminal offence - Call 761-6937.

CONSUMER

Attorney General - Consumer law information.

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic - through law students at the University of Maine School of Law, provides free legal services to qualifying low-income individuals in Cumberland, Northern York, Sagadahoc, and Southern Androscoggin Counties.  Call 780-4370 or 1-877-780-2522.  

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656; Lewiston & Augusta toll-free 784-1558.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - provides legal information and assistance to low-income Mainers via its statewide hotline in legal areas including: family law, consumer law, debt collection and bankruptcy, contracts, torts, real estate and foreclosure and other civil matters.  VLP does not provide assistance in criminal cases including DUI.  A limited number of clients receive legal advice and/or representation from volunteer  attorneys and law students.  Call 1-800-442-4293 or 207-774-4348.

DIVORCE/CUSTODY

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic - through law students at the University of Maine School of Law, provides free legal services to qualifying low-income individuals in Cumberland, Northern York, Sagadahoc, and Southern Androscoggin Counties.  Call 780-4370 or 1-877-780-2522.  

Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS)- operated by the Maine State Bar Association, for a $25 fee, LRIS will refer you to a member attorney who will not charge for the first half-hour of consultation.  Services beyond the half hour will be at the attorney's standard fees.  You are not obligated to hire any attorney referred by LRIS, and the service will make a second or third referral at no charge if you are unhappy with the first half-hour consultation referral.  LRIS does not provide free or reduced fee services.  We do use multiple search fields to match you with the most appropriate attorney for your needs.  Call 1-800-860-1460 or go to www.mainebar.org/lawyer_need.asp for an online request form.  

Legal Secretaries Association Family Law Project - available in Kennebec and Somerset Counties. Instructs users as to the information needed and forms required in order to establish parental rights and responsibilities, determine child support, and gather information for a court hearing in the area of family law. Experience legal secretaries are available at the Waterville District Court on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community (MCWWC) - provides personal, career, job, and business development services to displaced homemakers, single parents and other workers in transition. Call 621-3437.

Penquis Law Project - provides legal assistance to low and moderate income individuals who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and who would otherwise be without counsel and/or representation.  We assist individuals in their family law matters, including protection orders, divorce, parental rights and post-judgment motions.  Services are provided free of charge.  We serve Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox Counties.  Call 973-3671 or 1-800-215-4942.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656; Lewiston 784-1558.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - provides legal information and assistance to low-income Mainers via its statewide hotline in legal areas including: family law, consumer law, debt collection and bankruptcy, contracts, torts, real estate and foreclosure and other civil matters.  VLP does not provide assistance in criminal cases including DUI.  A limited number of clients receive legal advice and/or representation from volunteer  attorneys and law students.  Call 1-800-442-4293 or 207-774-4348.

Help Me Law Web Site - providing legal information for low-income people in the State of Maine.  This includes easy to read self-help information on topics such as divorce and tenants rights, Medicaid and food stamps, as well as information about free or low-cost legal services in Maine.  Most of the information comes from these Maine legal services providers: Pine Tree Legal Assistance; Legal Services for the Elderly; Volunteer Lawyers Project; Maine Equal Justice Project; Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project; Disability Rights Center; Maine Attorney General's Office; Maine State Bar Association and the Maine Courts.  Find them on the web at www.helpmelaw.org.

Court House Assistance Project - volunteers are available to assist with divorce and custody issues -Lewiston District Court, Every Friday, 12:30-3:00 PM. (To confirm dates call 623-7777); Springvale District Court, 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 9 AM-12 PM. (To confirm dates call 324-5762); Biddeford District Court, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 9 AM-12 PM. (To confirm dates call 324-5762); Bath/Brunswick District Court, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9 AM-12 PM. (To confirm dates call 774-8211); Portland District Court, every Wednesday, 1:30-4:30 PM. (To confirm dates call 774-8211); Augusta District Court, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 10 AM-1 PM. (To confirm dates call 623-7777); Waterville District Court, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 9 AM-12 PM. (To confirm dates call 623-7777); Bangor District Court, once a month, call 941-3040 to confirm dates.

Legal Secretaries Association Family Law Project - available in Kennebec and Somerset Counties. Instructs users as to the information needed and forms required in order to establish parental rights and responsibilities, determine child support, and gather information for a court hearing in the area of family law. Experience legal secretaries are available at the Waterville District Court on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656; Lewiston 784-1558.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - provides legal information and assistance to low-income Mainers via its statewide hotline in legal areas including: family law, consumer law, debt collection and bankruptcy, contracts, torts, real estate and foreclosure and other civil matters.  VLP does not provide assistance in criminal cases including DUI.  A limited number of clients receive legal advice and/or representation from volunteer  attorneys and law students.  Call 1-800-442-4293 or 207-774-4348.

York County Community Action Corporation - available in York County only. Provides assistance to low income pro se litigants in family law issues. Call 324-5762.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic - through law students at the University of Maine School of Law, provides free legal services to qualifying low-income individuals in Cumberland, Northern York, Sagadahoc, and Southern Androscoggin Counties.  Call 780-4370 or 1-877-780-2522.  

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence - The Coalition and it's member project's work includes: providing services for victims of domestic abuse and their children; public education and school-based prevention programs; training for volunteers, professionals, and intervention programs; developing public policy and supporting legislation that protects and empowers victims of domestic violence and holds perpetrators accountable; and providing visibility and a voice to victims of abuse.

Penquis Law Project - provides legal assistance to low and moderate income individuals who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and who would otherwise be without counsel and/or representation.  We assist individuals in their family law matters, including protection orders, divorce, parental rights and post-judgment motions.  Services are provided free of charge.  We serve Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox Counties.  Call 973-3671 or 1-800-215-4942.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656; Lewiston 784-1558.

Safer Families in Eastern Maine - available in Washington County. Operated by Pine Tree Legal, provides representation to low-income domestic violence victims. Call 942-8241.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - provides legal information and assistance to low-income Mainers via its statewide hotline in legal areas including: family law, consumer law, debt collection and bankruptcy, contracts, torts, real estate and foreclosure and other civil matters.  VLP does not provide assistance in criminal cases including DUI.  A limited number of clients receive legal advice and/or representation from volunteer  attorneys and law students.  Call 1-800-442-4293 or 207-774-4348.

Consumer Law Guide - as provided by the State of Maine.

Do Your Own Divorce Video - contact Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community at 621-3437.

Guide to Small Claims Proceedings - as provided by the State of Maine.

Maine Law & Civics Education - MLCE is a coalition formed to support law related education in Maine.  The coalition members include University of Maine School of Law, the Maine State Bar Association, the Maine Bar Foundation and University of Southern Maine's College of Education.  The types of programs include: Youth Court, High School Mock Trials, .  For more information visit their web site.

MSBA Pamphlets - over 15 different topics - go directly to their site, www.mainebar.org.  

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - materials on over thirty topics - too many to list here - go directly to their site.

Tel-Law - operated by the Maine State Bar Association (MSBA), offers recorded messages on over 60 topics. Available 24 hours a day by touch-tone phone, cost is that of a regular toll call. Call 622-1460.

Maine Community Mediation Coalition - service available in Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscatiquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington and York Counties. Provides mediation services to low income and elderly Mainers to resolve conflicts with neighbors, landlords, family members and others. Call 772-4070 in Portland, 621-6848 in Augusta and 973-3586 in Bangor.

Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) - operated by the Maine State Bar Association, for a $25 fee, LRIS will refer you to a member attorney who will not charge for the first half-hour of consultation.  Services beyond the half hour will be at the attorney's standard fees.  You are not obligated to hire any attorney referred by LRIS, and the service will make a second or third referral at nor charge if you are unhappy with the first half-hour consultation referral.  LRIS does not provide free or reduced fee services.  We do use multiple search fields to match you with the most appropriate attorney for your needs.  Call 1-800-860-1460 or go to www.mainebar.org/lawyer_need.asp for an online request form.

Legal Services for the Elderly - provides free legal services to Maine’s socially and economically needy citizens aged 60 and over. Hotline: 1-800-750-5353.

Disability Rights Center of Maine - works to promote the rights of people with disabilities. Call 626-2774.

Maine Civil Liberties Union (MCLU) - provides free (if the party is unable to pay) representation in cases involving Civil Rights issues Call 774-5444.

IMMIGRATION

Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project  - Provides free and low-fee legal assistance to low-income Maine residents statewide concerning immigration law and related legal issues, including family based immigration, naturalization, removal defense, assistance to non-citizen domestic violence victims, and immigrant eligibility for public benefits, among other issues.  Walk-in consultations available weekly in Portland, and appointments available twice a month in Lewiston.  Call 780-1593 or 800-8505 for more information.

Legal Guide to Immigrants to Maine - Some basics for Non-Citizens.
 

LANDLORD/TENANT

Maine Community Mediation Coalition - service available in Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington and York Counties. Provides mediation services to low income and elderly Mainers to resolve conflicts with neighbors, landlords, family members and others. Call 772-4070 in Portland, 621-6848 in Augusta and 973-3586 in Bangor.

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic - available in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and Kennebec Counties. Through law school students, provides free legal services to financially eligible people. Call 780-4370.

Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS)- operated by the Maine State Bar Association, for a $25 fee, LRIS will refer you to a member attorney who will not charge for the first half-hour of consultation.  Services beyond the half hour will be at the attorney's standard fees.  You are not obligated to hire any attorney referred by LRIS, and the service will make a second or third referral at nor charge if you are unhappy with the first half-hour consultation referral.  LRIS does not provide free or reduced fee services.  We do use multiple search fields to match you with the most appropriate attorney for your needs.  Call 1-800-860-1460 or go to www.mainebar.org/lawyer_need.asp for an online request form.

Penquis Law Project - provides legal assistance to low and moderate income individuals who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and who would otherwise be without counsel and/or representation.  We assist individuals in their family law matters, including protection orders, divorce, parental rights and post-judgment motions.  Services are provided free of charge.  We serve Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox Counties.  Call 973-3671 or 1-800-215-4942.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656; Lewiston & Augusta toll-free 784-1558.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - provides legal information and assistance to low-income Mainers via its statewide hotline in legal areas including: family law, consumer law, debt collection and bankruptcy, contracts, torts, real estate and foreclosure and other civil matters.  VLP does not provide assistance in criminal cases including DUI.  A limited number of clients receive legal advice and/or representation from volunteer  attorneys and law students.  Call 1-800-442-4293 or 207-774-4348.

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Resource List - operated by the Maine State Bar Association, for a $20 fee you will receive a list of mediation professionals who will provide a free half-hour initial consultation, regardless of household income. Call 1-800-860-1460.

Maine Community Mediation Coalition - service available in Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington and York Counties. Provides mediation services to low income and elderly Mainers to resolve conflicts with neighbors, landlords, family members and others. Call 772-4070 in Portland, 621-6848 in Augusta and 973-3586 in Bangor.

Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Services (CADRES) - assigns dispute resolution professionals (ADR) to contested domestic relations, small claims matter, many environmental enforcement, land use and other matters. The ADR will for a fee (if parties are able to pay), assist in trying to reach dispute resolution without going to court.

Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic - through law students at the University of Maine School of Law, provides free legal services to qualifying low-income individuals in Cumberland, Northern York, Sagadahoc, and Southern Androscoggin Counties.  Call 780-4370 or 1-877-780-2522.  

Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS)- operated by the Maine State Bar Association, for a $25 fee, LRIS will refer you to a member attorney who will not charge for the first half-hour of consultation.  Services beyond the half hour will be at the attorney's standard fees.  You are not obligated to hire any attorney referred by LRIS, and the service will make a second or third referral at nor charge if you are unhappy with the first half-hour consultation referral.  LRIS does not provide free or reduced fee services.  We do use multiple search fields to match you with the most appropriate attorney for your needs.  Call 1-800-860-1460 or go to www.mainebar.org/lawyer_need.asp for an online request form.

Maine Civil Liberties Union (MCLU) - provides free (if the party is unable to pay) representation in cases involving Civil Rights issues Call 774-5444.

Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) - provides legal representation to low income people in administrative forums and in courts through a litigation network of pro bono attorneys willing to handle class action, welfare reform and other cases which Pine Tree Legal Assistance in prohibited from taking. Call 626-7058.

Penquis Law Project - provides legal assistance to low and moderate income individuals who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and who would otherwise be without counsel and/or representation.  We assist individuals in their family law matters, including protection orders, divorce, parental rights and post-judgment motions.  Services are provided free of charge.  We serve Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox Counties.  Call 973-3671 or 1-800-215-4942.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656; Lewiston 784-1558.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - provides legal information and assistance to low-income Mainers via its statewide hotline in legal areas including: family law, consumer law, debt collection and bankruptcy, contracts, torts, real estate and foreclosure and other civil matters.  VLP does not provide assistance in criminal cases including DUI.  A limited number of clients receive legal advice and/or representation from volunteer  attorneys and law students.  Call 1-800-442-4293 or 207-774-4348.

SERVICES/INFORMATION

American Bar Association Legal Help Center

Board of Overseers of the Bar

Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maine

Legal Information Institute (Cornell University)

Maine Constitution and Laws

Maine Government Agencies - Rules

NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES

Pine Tree Legal Assistance - provides free legal assistance to low-income Mainers whose household incomes are at or below 125% of the legal poverty guidelines. Currently, cases involving preservation of housing and related housing needs; maintaining, enhancing and protecting income and economical stability; improving outcomes for children; and personal safety, stability, and well-being received the highest priorities. Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. Call your nearest regional office: Portland 774-8211; Bangor 942-8241; Presque Isle 764-4349; Augusta 622-4731; Machias 255-8656 and Lewiston 784-1558.