tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50428414327435590802024-03-06T12:02:31.796-08:00Attorney Seth Carey Esq.A blog educating clients and the public about their legal rights.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-20031187896021231032017-09-13T21:48:00.001-07:002017-09-13T21:48:09.015-07:00Options for Recovery of Personal Property in Maine<h1 class="entry-title">
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Secured creditors are often faced with uncooperative borrowers
following a default, resulting in the need to resort to legal action to
recover collateral. In the State of Maine, there are two basic remedies
available to creditors to pursue recovery of personal property by legal
action. One is a replevin action and the other is a forcible entry and
detainer action.<br />
<br />
A replevin action may be commenced in either the District or Superior
Court. A replevin action is commenced by filing a complaint for
replevin with the court along with a motion for writ of replevin and
supporting client affidavit. Once these documents are filed with the
court, the court sets a date and time for the hearing on the motion for
writ of replevin. The complaint and related documents are then served
on the defendant along with the notice of hearing. At the hearing, if
the court grants the motion the plaintiff must then provide the court
with a bond from a bonding company in order to be able to obtain the
writ of replevin. The bond amount must be twice the value of the
collateral to be recovered. Once the writ of replevin is issued by the
court, it is given to the sheriff who then serves it on the defendant
and recovers the collateral. This requires coordination with a
repossession agent who can take actual possession of the collateral.
Once recovered, the collateral is sold and the lawsuit is pursued to
conclusion, resulting in a final judgment confirming the plaintiff’s
right to possession of the collateral and a monetary judgment against
the defendant for any deficiency balance, if the plaintiff proves its
case.<br />
<br />
A forcible entry and detainer action may be plenary or summary in
nature and can only be filed in the District Court. In the plenary
action, the complaint demanding possession of the equipment is filed
with the court and served on the defendant. If the defendant files an
answer, then the parties may proceed with discovery, motion practice,
and ultimately a trial, if needed. If the summary forcible entry and
detainer process is used, then the defendant is served with a complaint
and a summons which has a return day for the hearing. The defendant is
not required to file an answer to the complaint but can simply appear on
the return day and contest the matter. The case is to be tried on the
return day if the court schedule permits. Hence, the summary procedure
requires that the plaintiff have a witness available for trial on the
return day if the defendant appears and contests the matter. The
parties can also be ordered by the court to participate in mediation on
the return day, using court appointed mediators who are present on the
return day to mediate cases. Whether the summary or plenary procedure
is used the result, if the plaintiff prevails, is the issuance of a writ
of possession which is then served on the defendant by the sheriff, who
demands possession of the collateral. No bond is required in a forcible
entry and detainer action.<br />
<br />
If you are a creditor and are interested in recovering your property please contact me today. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-72397905304094905932016-03-01T09:27:00.002-08:002016-03-01T09:27:51.945-08:00Defenses to Criminal Charges: The common defenses that criminal defendants can raise to defend against criminal charges.<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
To convict a criminal defendant, the prosecutor must prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As part of this process, the defendant is given an opportunity to present a defense. There are many types of defenses, from "I didn't do it" to "I did it, but I was too drunk to know what I was doing." Here are some of the most common defenses that criminal defendants can raise.</div>
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The Defendant Didn't Do It</h3>
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Most often defendants try to avoid punishment by claiming they did not commit the act in question.</div>
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The Presumption of Innocence</h4>
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All people accused of a crime are legally presumed to be innocent until they are convicted, either in a trial or as a result of pleading guilty. This presumption means not only that the prosecutor must convince the jury of the defendant's guilt, but also that the defendant need not say or do anything in his own defense. A defendant may simply remain silent, not present any witnesses, and argue that the prosecutor failed to prove his or her case. If the prosecutor can't convince the jury that the defendant is guilty, the defendant goes free.</div>
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Reasonable Doubt</h4>
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The prosecutor must convince a judge or jury of a defendants guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." This heavy burden of proof in criminal cases means that judges and jurors are supposed to resolve all reasonable doubts about the defendants guilt in favor of the defendant. With such a high standard imposed on the prosecutor, a defendant's most common defense is to argue that reasonable doubt of guilt exists.</div>
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The Alibi Defense</h4>
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An alibi defense consists of evidence that a defendant was somewhere other than the scene of the crime at the time it was committed. For example, assume that Freddie is accused of committing a burglary on Elm Street at midnight on Friday, September 13. Freddie's alibi defense might consist of testimony that at the time of the burglary, Freddie was watching Casablanca at the Maple Street Cinema.</div>
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The Defendant Did It, But...</h3>
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Sometimes a defendant can avoid punishment even if the prosecutor shows that that the defendant did, without a doubt, commit the act in question.</div>
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Self-Defense</h4>
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Self-defense is a defense commonly asserted by someone charged with a crime of violence, such as battery (striking someone), assault with a deadly weapon, or murder. The defendant admits that he or she did in fact commit the crime, but claims that it was justified by the other person's threatening actions. The core issues in most self-defense cases are:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Who was the aggressor?</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Was the defendant's belief that self-defense was necessary a reasonable one?</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">If so, was the force used by the defendant also reasonable?</li>
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Self-defense is rooted in the belief that people should be allowed to protect themselves from physical harm. This means that a person does not have to wait until he or she is actually struck to act in self-defense. If a reasonable person in the same circumstances would think that he or she is about to be physically attacked, that person has the right to strike first and prevent the attack. However, an act of self-defense cannot use more force than is reasonable -- someone who uses too much force may be guilty of a crime.</div>
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The Insanity Defense</h4>
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The insanity defense is based on the principle that punishment is justified only if the defendant is capable of controlling his or her behavior and understanding that what he or she has done is wrong. Because some people suffering from a mental disorder are not capable of knowing or choosing right from wrong, the insanity defense prevents them from being criminally punished.</div>
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The insanity defense is an extremely complex topic; many scholarly works are devoted entirely to explaining its nuances. Here are some major points of interest:</div>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Despite popular perceptions to the contrary, defendants rarely enter pleas of "not guilty by reason of insanity." When they do, judges and jurors rarely uphold it.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Various definitions of insanity are in use because neither the legal system nor psychiatrists can agree on a single meaning of insanity in the criminal law context. The most popular definition is the "McNaghten Rule," which defines insanity as "the inability to distinguish right from wrong." Another common test is known as "irresistible impulse": a person may know that an act is wrong, but because of mental illness he or she cannot control his or her actions (this person is described as acting out of an "irresistible impulse").</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity are not automatically set free. They are usually confined to a mental institution until their sanity is established. These defendants can spend more time in a mental institution than they would have spent in prison had they been convicted.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">An insanity defense normally rests on the testimony of a psychiatrist, who testifies after examining the defendant, his or her history, and the facts of the case. Courts appoint psychiatrists at government expense to assist poor defendants who cannot afford to hire their own psychiatrists.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 5px 13px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">Once a defendant raises his or her sanity as a defense, he or she must submit to psychological tests conducted at the behest of the prosecution. This can be a very painful and humiliating experience, one that many defendants choose to forgo rather than rely on the insanity defense.</li>
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Under the Influence</h4>
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Defendants who commit crimes under the influence of drugs or alcohol sometimes argue that their mental functioning was so impaired that they cannot be held accountable for their actions. Generally, however, voluntary intoxication does not excuse criminal conduct. Defendants know (or should know) that alcohol and drugs affect mental functioning, and thus they should be held legally responsible if they commit crimes as a result of their voluntary use.</div>
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Some states allow an exception to this general rule. If the defendant is accused of committing a crime that requires "specific intent" (intending the precise consequences, as well as intending to do the physical act that leads up to the consequences), the defendant can argue that he was too drunk or high to have formed that intent. This is only a partial defense, however, because it doesn't entirely excuse the defendant's actions. In this situation, the defendant will usually be convicted of another crime that doesn't require proof of a specific intent. For example, a defendant may be prosecuted for the crime of assault with specific intent to kill but only convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, which doesn't require specific intent.</div>
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Entrapment</h4>
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Entrapment occurs when the government induces a person to commit a crime and then tries to punish the person for committing it. However, if a judge or jury believes that a suspect was predisposed to commit the crime anyway, the suspect may be found guilty even if a government agent suggested the crime and helped the defendant to commit it. Entrapment defenses are therefore especially difficult for defendants with prior convictions for the same type of crime.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-40995329497735861182015-09-19T20:19:00.002-07:002015-09-19T20:19:34.469-07:00Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge<h1 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #e1deca; border-bottom-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 28px; margin: 10px 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></h1>
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Quick Guide For Common Criminal Charges</span> </b></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Every case is different, but here are a few of the most common defenses to a criminal charge.</b></span></h1>
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In order to convict you of a criminal charge, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a pretty lofty standard, and during any trial the defendant may present a defense in order to raise such a reasonable doubt. Most defenses break down into one of two categories: (1) I didn't do it or (2) I did it, but I shouldn't be held responsible.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1. I Didn't Do It</b></h3>
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The most basic defense to any criminal charge is to simply prove that you didn't do it.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Innocent Until Proven Guilty</i></b></div>
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One of the hallmarks of the American legal system is the presumption that you are<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><u><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/criminal-procedure-faq.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Criminal Procedure FAQ">innocent until proven guilty</a></span>.</u> This isn't just an ideal, it's an actual legal presumption, which means the judge and jury must assume you're innocent until they are shown otherwise. This is why a defendant can "<a href="http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-rights/fifth-amendment-right-against-self-incrimination.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Fifth Amendment Right Against Self-Incrimination">plead the fifth</a>", remain silent, and not offer a shred of evidence to support his or her claim of innocence and still prevail. It is the prosecutor's job to prove a defendant is guilty, not a defendant's job to prove that he or she is innocent. So what does a prosecutor have to show?<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Beyond a Reasonable Doubt</i></b></div>
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The prosecutor must demonstrate to the judge or jury that there is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://dictionary.findlaw.com/definition/beyond-a-reasonable-doubt.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Definition: ">no reasonable doubt of your guilt</a>. If any reasonable doubt can be shown, any at all, then the prosecutor has failed and you should be found innocent. Because this standard is so high, most defendants concentrate on raising some reasonable doubt to the prosecutor's allegations.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I Have an Alibi</i></b></div>
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One of the primary ways defendants prove that they didn't do it is to demonstrate that they couldn't have done it. An<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://dictionary.findlaw.com/definition/alibi.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Definition: ">alibi</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>defense is evidence that you were somewhere else, often with someone else, and thus couldn't have been the perpetrator. By demonstrating to a judge or jury that it is likely that you weren't present at the crime scene, you are creating a reasonable doubt of your guilt.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. I Did It, but Shouldn't Be Held Responsible</b></h3>
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Many defendants admit that they did the act, but claim for one reason or another, that they shouldn't be held responsible. Here are a few examples of this type of defense:</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Self-Defense</i></b></div>
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This is a common defense when someone is charged with causing some form of physical violence (assault, battery, etc). The defendant flips the story, and demonstrates that rather than being the aggressor, he or she was actually the victim and was acting to protect themselves from harm.<br />
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<a href="http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-law-basics/self-defense-overview.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Self-Defense Overview">Self-defense</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is an ancient defense that exists in most legal systems, and is predicated on the belief that people have a right to defend themselves from physical injury. Proving such a defense can be tricky since a defendant will generally have to demonstrate that self-defense was necessary, the belief of physical harm was reasonable, and that the response was reasonable. For example, responding to an assailant's threat to punch you by shooting them is almost certainly an unreasonable response.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Insanity Defense</i></b></div>
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Although it makes for fascinating TV dramas, in real life defendants rarely plead insanity as a defense. Judges and jurors are very skeptical of these claims, and because of the abstract nature of this defense, it can be very difficult to actually prove.<br />
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The theory behind an<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/insanity-defense.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Insanity Defense">insanity defense</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is the notion that in almost every criminal law, there is a "mental" or "intent" element. Often, the required mental state is that you must have intended to perform the criminal act. If a defendant is precluded from an understanding of what they're doing because of mental illness, then they can't possess the mental state that the criminal charge requires. From a policy standpoint, we also tend to think that it would be more appropriate to send someone who is truly insane to psychiatric care, not to prison. Thus, even if a defendant is successful in an insanity defense, they will be sent to a psychiatric institution, not set free.<br />
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So how do courts define "insane"? The most popular definition is the McNaughten test which defines insanity as "the inability to distinguish right from wrong". To successfully win an insanity defense, a defendant will rely on testimony from a psychiatrist, and will undergo extensive psychiatric testing which can be painful and humiliating.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Under the Influence Defense</i></b></div>
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Related to the insanity defense, some defendants defend themselves by claiming that they were under the influence of drugs, and could not have had the mental state necessary to commit the crime. In other words, they were too high to really know what they were doing. Only a few states allow this defense, and even then, it is only a partial defense. At best, it will lower the crime you are convicted of to a lesser crime.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Entrapment Defense</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://dictionary.findlaw.com/definition/entrapment.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(241, 164, 14); border: 0px; color: #006699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Definition: ">Entrapment</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>defenses are appropriate when a government official induces you to commit a crime. Common examples of this are prostitution stings or drug sales. The theory is that the government shouldn't be allowed to push you into committing a crime and then convicting you for it.<br />
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This defense won't be successful if the judge or jury believes you were predisposed to committing the crime, however. So even if an undercover officer offered to sell you illegal drugs, if you have a history of drug use, then an entrapment defense isn't likely to be successful.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-77565591110867495592015-09-19T20:11:00.002-07:002015-09-19T20:12:37.613-07:00The Top Ten Mistakes that Divorcing Couples Make<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt;">The Top Ten Mistakes that
Divorcing Couples Make:</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When your marriage comes to an
end, it can get complicated. The problem, of course, is that a lot of
difficult decisions must be made, and these decisions have life-long
consequences. It is difficult to know exactly what to
do. This is why it is critical that, if you a seeking a
divorce, that you obtain the services of <a href="http://www.milwaukeechildsupport.pro/aboutus.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">an
experienced family law attorney</span></a><u>.</u> Most of these
mistakes have their root in what might be called "folk
wisdom". In other words, legal advice offered by your
neighbor's cousin who just got a divorce, or by a television show.
A good lawyer will help you avoid these disastrous mistakes:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10. Quit your job. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In most divorces, there are two on-going financial
issues. They are child support and maintenance. An
urban legend has it that if you quit your job during the time your divorce
is pending, the court will be unable to order to you pay maintenance or
child support. Following this hair-brained advice is
disastrous. If the court finds that you have deliberately quit
your job, it will be determined that you are <a href="http://www.milwaukeechildsupport.pro/articles/shirking.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">"shirking"
your responsibilities</span></a>, and the judge will order you to pay the
same amount you would have been ordered to pay had you still been
working. The problem, of course, is that you are no longer work and,
therefore, you will begin accruing delinquencies. This could end up
being a lien against your real estate, and your tax refund will be
intercepted each until until the delinquency is satisfied.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9. Move away. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some people think that, if a divorce is imminent, <a href="http://www.milwaukeechildsupport.pro/articles/movewithyourchild.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">moving
away</span></a> will throw a monkey wrench into the proceedings.
It will not. In order to file a divorce petition, the law requires
that only one of the parties be a resident of the county for at least
thirty days. If you move away, you will probably be driving this
distance to court; and you will likely not be awarded primary placement of
the children because it is you who has made the situation more difficult.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8. New boyfriend or
girlfriend</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. This is an
especially bad idea if there are children involved. If, while your
divorce is pending, you meet this other person who you simply cannot live
without, keep it a secret. In making placement decisions, the court
and the the guardian ad litem will, at the very least, think it is bad
form. It will also make settlement discussions much more
difficult, and there are many other <a href="http://www.milwaukeechildsupport.pro/articles/newboyfriendgirlfriend.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">disastrous
consequences</span></a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. Nit-picking and
niggling. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before you go into divorce
negotiations, make a list of your priorities. It is expensive and
counterproductive to engage in divorce litigation over an extra hour or two of
placement, or over possession of inexpensive pieces of personal property, no
matter what the sentimental value.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. Get arrested. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If a person going through a divorce is going to be arrested,
it will most likely be for domestic violence offenses or for operating under
the influence of alcohol. Once the divorce is started, it is utterly
counterproductive to argue with one another. If the police are called,
someone will be arrested, and it will usually be the man. Once you have a
<a href="http://www.milwaukeecriminaldefense.pro/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">criminal charge pending</span></a>,
complete with conditions of bond that prohibit contact with your spouse, you
have created a road-block for yourself that may be nearly
insurmountable. Similarly, don't allow your new-found freedom to drive
you over the edge. A drunken driving charge creates similar obstacles.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Fighting the
GAL. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The guardian ad litem is a lawyer,
hand chosen by the judge, to investigate the circumstances of the case, and to
make a recommendation to the court as to what is in the best interests of the
children. The judges place great weight in the opinion of the
guardian. It is a fatal mistake, then, to take an adversarial approach
with the guardian. You may as well come to court and curse directly
at the judge.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Give away the farm. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some people, especially those who are unrepresented by
counsel in a divorce, are inclined to give away the farm in
negotiations. There are various motives for doing this. They
may truly believe that no price is too great to be rid of their spouse.
Others are motivated by the guilt of infidelity. Either way, it is
a very bad idea to agree to a property division, child support order, or a
maintenance order that is not objectively fair under the law. The
emotional agony will subside with time. The judgment is permanent.</span></div>
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negotiations. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When approaching settlement
discussions in a divorce case, it is critical that each party bear in mind
that-- with some exceptions-- this is going to be a final solution.
In other words, try to reach an agreement that will endure. Do not make
agreements that merely placate the other for a short time; that is, an
agreement that merely kicks the can down the road. For example, if
there are young children, and if the parents plan to live in entirely
different cities after the divorce, it is preposterous to agree to a shared
placement schedule. Once the children start school, such a shared
placement schedule is entirely unworkable. The only thing such an
agreement accomplishes is to delay the real negotiations to a time when things
will be much more difficult to resolve.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Win at all costs. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The family court is described as a court of equity.
This means that the judge is obligated to do what is fair to the
parties. Almost by definition, a "fair" decision will
make neither party happy. There rarely is a winner and a loser in a
divorce. If you approach your divorce with the attitude that you are
going to destroy your spouse financially and emotionally, you are making a
grave mistake. Firstly, you will spent monumental amounts of money
on a fool's errand. Secondly, if the judge gets the impression
that you are vindictive and you are over-litigating the case, it will
back-fire. Do not seek out the divorce attorney whose reputation is
that of a shark. Seek out the <a href="http://www.milwaukeechildsupport.pro/aboutus.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">attorney who
is smart, a skilled negotiator, and who has years of experience in family court</span></a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Drag your feet. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whether to divorce your spouse is a very difficult decision
to make. Consequently, people drag their feet. If your marriage is
not functioning, though, this is a grave mistake. Couples will try
the proverbial "trial separation" that always seems to work
flawlessly on the soap operas. This is nothing short of magical thinking,
though. There are issues that exist that prevent your marriage from
functioning properly. Living separately will not resolve those
issues. It only masks the symptoms of profound problems of living
together that are not getting any attention. Meanwhile, only bad things
can happen while the couple lives apart. It may be the <a href="http://www.milwaukeechildsupport.pro/articles/newboyfriendgirlfriend.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">new boyfriend
or girlfriend</span></a>. It may be that one spouse is a
spendthrift who wracks up tens of thousands of dollars in debt. At the
time of the divorce, this is marital debt that will be divided equally.
So, if your marriage is not functioning, you must file for divorce.
It is critical to understand that the filing of the petition for divorce is not
a point of no return. The family law in Wisconsin provides numerous
ways for the couple to reconcile even though a petition has been
filed. It is possible to seek a stay of proceedings so that the
couple may live together in an attempt to reconcile. There is a 120
day waiting period built into the law to give the parties every opportunity to
work things a out. There is no doubt that the family is far better
off if the couple is able to resolve their differences. You do not
move toward that outcome, though, by dragging your feet.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-16085908260040246942015-09-19T19:52:00.001-07:002015-09-19T19:52:54.606-07:00<h1>
That Guy in the Bushes With the Video Camera? He's From your Employer's Insurance Company!</h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
</div>
<h3>
Top 5 insurance company moves when conducting surveillance on people claiming workers compensation benefits.</h3>
<img alt="" class="alignright" height="160" src="http://35mh912n47152xlv5yz9o3s6.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3105216251_64440fbbc8_m.jpg" width="240" />Recently there was a woman caught on the Price is Right while
collecting workers compensation benefits. She did not look very disabled
while jumping up and down with excitement.<br />
<br />
This story has gotten much attention and caused outrage. It feeds
into the false perception that everyone on workers compensation is just
scamming the system.<br />
Insurance companies are not innocent victims and go to extremes to
show a claim is fraudulent. Here are five examples that we have
personally witnessed.<br />
<br />
<strong>1.</strong> We represented several clients who were losing
their jobs after a plant closure. These individuals had been given
restricted duties instead of being paid wage loss benefits. A
surveillance van actually sat in our parking lot during a group
consultation. Was this a legitimate activity check or just harassment?<br />
<br />
<strong>2.</strong> Another client has been in a wheelchair since the
1980s due to a spinal cord injury. The only dispute was regarding
current home modifications. The insurance company hired a private
investigator to see if he would secretly get out of his wheelchair after
25+ years. This shows the depths of insurance company paranoia.<br />
<br />
<strong>3.</strong> One client lost her arm in an industrial machine.
An investigator showed up at the hospital within hours of amputation
trying to get a sample for a drug test. Emergency care was still being
administered and she was appropriately unavailable.<br />
<br />
<strong>4.</strong> An insurance company lawyer made a big deal about
surveillance video showing our client working on a vehicle in his
garage. This was a concern because he was disabled from being an auto
mechanic. Turns out the vehicle was a model car and our client was
hunched over a workbench in pain.<br />
<br />
<strong>5.</strong> A private investigator lied to a doctor’s office
to obtain confidential medical information. This individual claimed to
be our client’s relative and wanted to know about treatment including
the next appointment date.<br />
<br />
<em>Carey & Associates never charges a fee to evaluate a
case. We have represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for
more than 45 years. Call (207) 364-7826 or message us for a free consultation.</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-60756548443710057012015-02-17T14:22:00.003-08:002015-02-17T14:22:50.915-08:00SOCIAL SECURITY: Your Ability to Work<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Residual
Functional Capacity</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
order to know whether you can work, the Social Security Administration (SSA)
needs to know what you are still able to do, after considering the effects of
your disability. For instance, if you can still sit and type, but you can’t
walk or stand for three hours, the SSA will use this information to show you
can probably do some kinds of work but not others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
Is Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
learn what your capabilities are, a disability claims examiner works with a
medical consultant at <a href="http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/disability-determination-services.html"><span style="color: windowtext;">DDS</span></a> (Disability Determination
Services, a state agency that works for the SSA) to perform an RFC (residual
functional capacity) assessment on your claim. The consultant will determine
what level of exertion you are capable of, and what restrictions limit the jobs
you can do. The medical consultant will rely on your medical record and your
doctor’s notes about your functional abilities and restrictions to come up with
your RFC. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
Level of Activity Are You Capable Of?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
physical RFC determines whether you can be expected to do sedentary work,
light work, or medium work. For instance, if your doctor has restricted you to
walking and standing no more than two hours per day, your RFC will be for
sedentary work. Here are the various exertional levels that could appear in your
RFC.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sedentary
work.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> This
means you have the ability to lift no more than ten pounds at a time, and
occasionally lift or carry things like files or small tools. A sedentary
job is mostly sitting, but you must be able to walk and stand
occasionally.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Light work.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> This
means you can lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, and frequently lift or
carry up to ten pounds. Light work requires frequent walking and standing
and the ability to push and pull with your arms or legs. If you can do
light work, you can do sedentary work.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Medium
work.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> This
means you can lift up to 50 pounds at a time, and frequently lift or carry
up to 25 pounds. If you can do medium work, you can also do light and
sedentary work.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heavy
work. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
means you can lift up to 100 pounds at a time, and that you can frequently
lift or carry up to 50 pounds. If you can do heavy work, you can do
medium, light, or sedentary work.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Very heavy
work.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> This
means you can lift objects that weigh more than 100 pounds, and frequently
lift or carry 50 pounds or more. If you can do very heavy work, you can do
all other levels as well.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
RFC will also include any <a href="http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/disability/how-combining-exertional-and-non-exertional-li"><span style="color: windowtext;">non-exertional restrictions</span></a>, such as not
being able to stoop, use your fingers, or remember instructions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
Your RFC Is Used</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
disability claims examiner at DDS will first use your RFC to determine if you
can be expected to do your prior job. The examiner will look at your <a href="http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page10-38.html"><span style="color: windowtext;">work
history for the past 15 years</span></a> to see what type of work you know how
to do. If your prior job was sedentary and your RFC is for sedentary work (or
higher), the claims examiner will probably find you should be able to return to
your job, unless your RFC has further non-exertional restrictions. (If you have
mental or emotional limitations, such as memory problems from a psychiatric or
neurological disorder, or you are unable to concentrate, DDS should create a mental
RFC for you as well.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Note
that to be considered able to work, you must be able to work full time, attend
work regularly, be productive at work, and not need to take frequent rest
breaks. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If the disability examiner
determines you can’t do your prior job, the examiner will then use the SSA’s
medical-vocational rules grid to determine whether, given your RFC, your age,
your education, and your skills, you should be able to learn another job. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If you do not think you can work anymore and want me to help you apply for SSDI, or have already applied and been denied, please contact me and let me help you get the compensation you have earned through your years of hard work. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-2268039332858195292015-02-16T19:49:00.001-08:002015-02-16T19:49:20.445-08:00WORKERS RIGHTS IN MAINE<div class="rteleft" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<h3 class="toc_header" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #f1f5f8; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px; border-top-left-radius: 7px; border-top-right-radius: 7px; border: 1px solid rgb(199, 216, 234); clear: right; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.62em; margin: 3em 0px 6px; orphans: auto; padding: 1em; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
WORKERS RIGHTS IN MAINE</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinexgsi45-Nkwem5FFsxs8SvpM1KdO-y20Nd1XrbkmPIh5KMrmIgKTK8LeQKxyRMImCdtIZIKbBiotfPbhKUL8PY2SswkGaSMBw-NJVA8nKY2mBQFwlhD7Aj1iT7OMNtNPy44ehXUZfr-e/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinexgsi45-Nkwem5FFsxs8SvpM1KdO-y20Nd1XrbkmPIh5KMrmIgKTK8LeQKxyRMImCdtIZIKbBiotfPbhKUL8PY2SswkGaSMBw-NJVA8nKY2mBQFwlhD7Aj1iT7OMNtNPy44ehXUZfr-e/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a very general outline of your rights as a worker in Maine. It covers basic questions you might have after losing your job. I also explain how the unemployment benefit system works. You may be unemployed because you were laid off or fired, or you quit. The facts of your particular situation will affect your rights under the law. This is an overview of your general rights.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you belong to a union, check with them about more rights you may have under your union contract. Some city and town employees have special rights. Also, if your employer has an employee handbook or written employment policies, those may give you more rights than the ones explained here. A contract between you and your employer might give you more rights.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
If you think you have been treated illegally or wrongfully denied unemployment benefits, please contact me for a free consultation.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Termination" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
<h3 class="toc_header" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #f1f5f8; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 7px; border-bottom-right-radius: 7px; border-top-left-radius: 7px; border-top-right-radius: 7px; border: 1px solid rgb(199, 216, 234); clear: right; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.62em; margin: 3em 0px 6px; orphans: auto; padding: 1em; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Termination of Employment</h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can my boss fire me without a good reason?</b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
In most cases, yes. Maine employers and employees work under a system called "employment-at-will." This means that you are free to quit your job whenever you want. Your employer is also free to fire you for any reason or no reason at all. The only limit is that your employer cannot fire you based on discrimination or retaliation.<br />
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can I quit or be fired without notice?</b></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
The general rule is yes. However, if your employer has a policy that asks you to give a week or two of notice, you should give notice. This also policy forces the employer to give you the same amount of notice, or pay you your regular pay for the week or two after you are let go.<br />
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 18px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What if my employer and I have an employment contract?</b></div>
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If you can prove that you and your boss entered into an agreement that says you can be fired only for specific reasons - for example, "for good cause" - this contract may be binding on the employer. To appeal a discharge, follow the steps in the agreement or personnel policy.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I work for the town. Can I be fired without notice?</b></div>
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Some city and town employees have a right to notice and a short hearing before they are fired. To see if you have this right, look at your job description, the town's policies or the town's ordinances.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What if my work place is unionized?</b></div>
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Where a labor contract exists between your employer and your union, you probably have a grievance process and cannot be discharged without good cause. Even if you are not a union member, you may still have rights to union representation if you are going to be fired.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Discrimination" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Illegal Discrimination</h3>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Did my employer discriminate against me when I was fired?</b></div>
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Discrimination involves singling you out because of the group or class you belong to.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Illegal discrimination</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is unequal treatment because of your:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">race or color</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sex (including pregnancy)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sexual orientation</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ancestry or national origin</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">religion</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">age</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mental or physical disability</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">genetic predisposition</li>
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For example, if you were fired because your boss wanted to hire his nephew in your place, this is not illegal discrimination. However, if you were fired because your boss thinks a man would do a better job, you have been fired illegally.<br />
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<i>**It's important to remember, that if the actions of your employer do not fit into any of the above categories, unfortunately you have not been discriminated against, in the eyes of Maine law.</i><br />
<i> </i> </div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My boss laid off 10 older workers for "lack of work," and then hired 10 younger workers. Is this illegal?</b></div>
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It could be. One way to prove illegal discrimination is to show that the employer gave a false reason for firing you. You can also prove illegal discrimination by showing that workers in a protected group were harmed by a decision while workers not in the protected group were helped by the same decision. Your facts could prove the boss discriminated against you and the other workers based upon age.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I quit because my co-workers constantly called me racist names. What can I do about this?</b></div>
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You can bring a discrimination claim even if you quit your job. But you usually have to show you told your boss or someone else in the company about the harassment. The company must stop your co-workers from harassing you. If the company does not stop the harassment, and you feel you have to quit, you may still bring a claim. Your claim is called "constructive discharge."<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What if I get fired because I complained about discrimination?</b></div>
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It is illegal to fire a worker because of a complaint about discrimination. This is called "retaliation."<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What protection do I have if I lost my job because of illegal discrimination?</b></div>
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The Maine Human Rights Act specifically protects all Maine workers from discriminatory treatment. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act protect workers who work for employers with 15 or more employees.</div>
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If you have lost your job because of illegal discrimination, you I can file a complaint for you with the <a class="ext" href="http://www.maine.gov/mhrc/file_a_complaint/index.htm" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Maine Human Rights Commission</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>within<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">300 days<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>after you were fired.</div>
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Some federal laws also protect workers. If you were discharged over a safety issue, I can file a claim with the U.S. Department of Labor in Augusta.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Are there any other reasons why my termination might have been illegal?</b></div>
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Your employer may not fire you solely because: </div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you complained about not getting overtime pay or minimum wages</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you reported a workers compensation injury or filed a workers compensation claim</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the state is taking money out of your paycheck to pay child support</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the state is taking money out of your paycheck to collect an overpayment of public benefits</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you were called for jury duty</li>
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Also, some public benefit programs, like General Assistance, provide more protections. Your employer cannot penalize you because the state or town asked for information about you, to determine whether you qualify for help.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Leave" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Leave of Absence and Termination</h3>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can I be fired if I miss work because I'm sick?</b></div>
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If you qualify for leave under a Maine or federal law, it may be illegal for your employer to fire you. If you have worked for your employer for a year or more, and you have a sickness that requires you to go to the hospital or see a doctor regularly, you may qualify for Family Medical Leave.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can I be fired if I miss work because I need to take care of my child?</b></div>
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Maine and federal law also let you take time off from work to take care of your child and other family members. If your child has a serious sickness, you may qualify for Family Medical Leave. If your child has a cold and you only need to miss a day or two, Maine's Family Sick Leave Act lets you take your paid vacation or sick time to care for your child.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How do I know if the law protects my time off?</b></div>
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Your time off could be protected by one or more of these laws:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Federal Family Medical Leave Act</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Maine Family and Medical Leave Requirements</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Maine Family Sick Leave</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Employment Leave for Victims of Violence</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Maine Human Rights Act</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Americans with Disabilities Act</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Absence for Emergency Response</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Leave Relating to Reserve Training or Military Service (family members as well as service members)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Leave of Absence as a Legislator</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Employment Leave Due to Extreme Public Health Emergency</li>
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You can also ask your boss or your company's human resources manager if you qualify for leave. Get a note from your employer that says your leave is approved. Make sure the note gives the day you must return to work.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="After" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Your Rights After You Have Been Discharged</h3>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My boss fired me without telling me why. How can I find out why I lost my job?</b></div>
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You have a legal right to this information. Ask your employer<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in writing</b></i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to tell you the reason you were fired. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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If your employer doesn't answer within 15 days, he may be liable for up to $500. If you have to bring a court action, he can also be ordered to pay your attorney's fees, if you win.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I am afraid my personnel file contains damaging information. How can I find out?</b></div>
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<span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Write</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to your employer and request a copy of your file. You do not have to pay for the copy unless you already got a copy during the same year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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If the employer does not give you a copy of your file within 10 days after your request, he can be fined $25.00 a day for each day he refuses (up to a fine of $500.00). You can go to court to enforce this right. The court can also order that your employer pay your attorney's fees, if you win.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I was fired a month ago and still haven't gotten my final paycheck. Are they allowed to do this?</b></div>
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Once you have left work, ask for your final paycheck. If necessary, make your request in writing, or have me do it. Your employer must pay you on the next regular pay day or within 2 weeks, whichever is earlier. This check should include any vacation pay your employer owes you. If you are not paid in full, you can sue for three times the amount owed, plus attorney's fees.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My boss claims that I'm not getting my last check because I owe him money. Is this legal?</b></div>
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No. Your employer cannot keep wages from you to settle a debt he claims you owe.<br />
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Exception:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If he accidentally overpaid you wages at an earlier time, and you quit voluntarily, he can take that overpayment from your last paycheck. If your employer loaned you money,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>you signed a note about the loan, he can keep the amount you owe.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I worked for my employer for three years. Am I entitled to severance pay?</b></div>
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Under Maine law you may be eligible for severance pay, equal to 1 week’s pay for each year of employment, if all of the following are true:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you worked at the company for three years or longer<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you do not have a contract that gives you the same or better severance pay and<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the company (or part of the company) has shut down or moved at least 100 miles away<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you did not accept employment at the location where the company moved<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the company employed 100 people or more sometime during the year before it closed<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</b></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the company was not forced to shut down or move due to disaster or calamity</li>
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If your company filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 (reorganization), you will not get severance pay, because the company hasn't really shut down for good. This can change if the company later changes to Chapter 7 (liquidation). Then the company must pay severance pay in the amount ordered by the bankruptcy court.</div>
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Your Rights to Your Pension Fund and Insurance Benefits</h3>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do I have any right to money I paid into a pension fund?</b></div>
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Yes. You are vested 100% in all contributions you have made to a pension fund maintained by your employer. You also have the right to the investment return on that money. Ask your employer for a copy of the Summary Plan Description for details.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Am I entitled to receive Social Security benefits?</b></div>
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Not until you retire at age 62 or older or become totally disabled.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do I have a right to receive any employer contributions to a pension or profit sharing plan?</b></div>
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Yes, but only if you are "vested" in that benefit. Private pension plans are controlled under the federal Employment Retirement Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This law requires that you have a non-forfeitable right to all or a portion of your benefit after a certain number of years of service with the employer. </div>
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Currently, a plan may have either a "cliff" vesting schedule or a "graded" one. "Cliff" vesting is much more common in traditional "defined benefit" plans. With "cliff" vesting, you will not be vested at all until you have completed 5 years of service. At that point, you are totally vested. If your plan is a "defined contribution" plan, it may have three-year cliff vesting or six-year graded vesting for any employer contributions.<br />
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These rules may vary depending upon when you left employment. The rules in place when you left will decide our entitlement. There are different rules for plans run by the government, such as city or state, or by church-sponsored plans.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do I have a right to receive an immediate distribution of my vested benefit under a pension plan?</b></div>
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Not in all cases. First find out if you are in a "defined contribution" or a "defined benefit" plan.<br />
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In a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">defined contribution plan</b>, you have your own account in which you may be fully or partially vested. Examples of defined contribution plans are:</div>
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Most often, defined contribution plans distribute vested account balances to participants within a year of termination, but not in all cases.</div>
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In a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">defined benefit plan</b>, you will generally not get a distribution until you reach normal retirement age (often age 65), or early retirement age (often age 55). Again, you should ask your employer for a copy of the Summary Plan Description for details.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What rights do I have if I think I am entitled to a vested benefit and a distribution, but my employer denies my application for benefits?</b></div>
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Under ERISA, you have the right to appeal any denial of benefits to the Plan Administrator. This is often your employer or a pension plan committee set up by your employer. Generally, you have 60 days to appeal a denial of benefits. Then the Plan Administrator must respond to your appeal within 60 days. You must be given a complete written explanation of the reasons for the denial and a citation to the plan document. If your appeal to the Plan Administrator fails, you have the right to appeal to the federal court. Your rights are described in detail in the Summary Plan Description.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">May I continue my health insurance even after I terminate employment?</b></div>
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If your employer had 20 or more employees on a typical business day and maintained a group health plan, you may be entitled to continue your health insurance. This is called "COBRA Continuation Coverage." This coverage is also available to your spouse and your dependents. Ask your employer when you leave if COBRA coverage will be offered. Write a letter to the employer indicating your possible interest and keep a copy of that letter.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How will I know if I'm eligible and when must I elect this coverage?</b></div>
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Your employer must notify the Health Plan Administrator within 30 days of the date your job ended. Then the Administrator has another 14 days to notify you of your COBRA rights. You then have 60 days - from the date you lost coverage, or from the date the Administrator sent you the notice, whichever is later - to elect COBRA coverage. If you elect coverage, it will be effective back to the date your insurance ended. Your employer and health plan provider can be subject to substantial fines for failing to provide COBRA coverage. Also, your employer could be found liable in a court case if he fails to offer COBRA coverage in violation of the law and you have medical needs. Get legal advice.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How long will this continuation last and how much will it cost me?</b></div>
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The COBRA coverage can last up to 18 months after you lost your job (and extends to 36 months in some cases). Coverage will end automatically if you miss a premium payment. Until recently, the cost was about 102% of the cost when you were employed. But, if you became eligible for COBRA after September 1, 2008, you may have another chance to get benefits, at a lower cost. If you:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">elect COBRA coverage</li>
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you may only have to pay 35% of the premium under a special program. If you earn more than $125,000, you may have to pay more than 35%.</div>
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This new lower cost program also lets people who did not elect COBRA, or lost benefits after electing COBRA, to re-elect benefits. If you are eligible to re-elect, you should receive a notice from the health insurance plan. If you think you may be eligible, call the plan and ask about the "Recovery Act COBRA premium reduction program."<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If I have family coverage, must I elect to continue both my coverage and the coverage for my dependents?</b></div>
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You have the right to elect COBRA coverage separately for yourself and your dependents. You can keep your coverage and decline for your dependents, or you can decline your own COBRA coverage and elect coverage for one or more of your dependents.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What if I can't afford COBRA coverage?</b></div>
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Check to find out if you or your children are eligible to receive MaineCare, Contact:</div>
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Maine Department of Health and Human Services:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-877-543-7669</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or</div>
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Consumers for Affordable Health Care:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-800-965-7476</b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="UC" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Unemployment Benefits</h3>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">NOTE:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Over the past several months, the number of weeks for which Maine workers can qualify has been in flux. The Maine Department of Labor does a good job of keeping workers up to date.<br />
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Unemployment benefits are for workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. Generally, you can draw these benefits for up to 26 weeks (but see note and link above for information about extensions).<br />
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Basically, to qualify you must:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">file a claim and</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be partially or totally unemployed, and </li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">have earned a minimum amount of money in a specific period of time, and</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be able and available to work, and</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be actively looking for a job</li>
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Read more about these requirements below.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How do I find out if I am eligible?</b></div>
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As soon as you are out of work, file a claim.</div>
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You can do this in one of three ways:<br />
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<li>Online </li>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Phone: 1-800-593-7660 TTY: 1-888-457-8884 </li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mail: Get forms from your nearest<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Career Center</span><a class="ext" href="http://mainecareercenter.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a>. Some town offices also have the forms. Follow the mailing instructions on the form.</li>
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You will be asked to give information about your employment history, the reason for your job loss and your availability for work.<br />
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Your eligibility is based on your having earned a minimum amount in the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">first four</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of the last five completed calendar quarters (Jan. - March, April - June, July - Sept., Oct. - Dec.). If you haven't earned enough during that year, the agency will then look at your<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">four most recent</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>completed quarters. You must also have earned a certain amount in each of two quarters during this period. (Workers who are employed in seasonal industries have their benefits calculated differently.)<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What happens if my employer's report of why I was let go is different than mine?</b></div>
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A deputy at the Employment Security Office will contact both you and your employer and request more information about the reason for separation. Generally, you have to wait out a disqualifying period if you quit your job without good cause or were fired for misconduct.</div>
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The deputy will review the information from both parities and reach a decision about your eligibility.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Are there any circumstances in which I can quit work and still collect unemployment benefits?</b></div>
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Yes. If you leave for "good cause" related to your work. For example, you left because of unsafe conditions or other labor law violations, such as sexual harassment. It must be a situation which would have forced a reasonable person to quit. You also must show that you made a serious effort to solve the problem before you were forced to leave your job.</div>
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You may qualify in some cases where you had to leave work because you or an immediate family member was ill. You:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">asked for time off, or a change in hours or shift, due to the illness,</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">your request was prompt and reasonable, and</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">your employer refused.</li>
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You must still be "able and available" for at least part-time work.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What if I had to leave my job to follow my husband or wife to a new location, or to escape domestic violence?</b></div>
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When you have to leave your job to follow your spouse, you should be able to collect benefits. To qualify, you must wait to file until you are at your new residence, and "be able, available, and actively seeking suitable work". Also, you may qualify if you are forced to leave your job to protect you or any member of your immediate family from domestic violence. Or you left your job because staying would have been dangerous for you or an immediate family member. You should qualify as long as you can show that you did everything within reason to try to keep your job.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My employer says that I was fired for having "a bad attitude". Can I collect benefits?</b></div>
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Maybe. Being fired in itself is not a disqualification. However, you will have to regain eligibility if you were discharged for "misconduct connected with the work."</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The law defines "misconduct"</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>as "a culpable breach of [your] duties and obligations to the employer or a pattern or irresponsible behavior, which...[shows] a disregard for a material interest of the employer." In other words, you acted irresponsibly, didn't do your job, and didn't act in your employer's best interests. Misconduct includes:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not performing reasonable tasks and following instructions; you did this knowingly or repeatedly</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">violating reasonable rules that you knew about and that are enforced fairly; your violation was unreasonable</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">violating rules that are so common everybody knows about them; your violation was unreasonable</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">being late to work after being warned</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">dishonesty about your training or education or other qualifications, or dishonesty about anything that could hurt the business</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">drinking or being drunk on the job</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">using illegal drugs or being under the influence during the job</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">missing work for more than 2 days because you were in jail</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sleeping on the job, unless allowed</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">abusive behavior, except when necessary for self-defense</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">destroying or stealing the property of others</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">causing a dangerous situation</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">conviction of a crime in connection with your job, or that reflects badly on your ability to perform your job</li>
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However, misconduct<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cannot</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>be based solely on:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a single mistake</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">poor performance if you were making a good faith effort</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">absence due to illness if you made a good faith effort to tell your employer, or</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">protecting yourself or your children from domestic violence if you made every reasonable effort to keep your job</li>
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Get legal advice, if you can, to help you evaluate a "misconduct" charge.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What do I have to do to remain eligible for unemployment compensation during the time I am receiving benefits?</b></div>
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You must file a separate claim<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">each week</b>. When you file you will have to show that you are serious about looking for work and not rejecting reasonable jobs. You may be able to qualify if you are looking for part-time work only. This rule applies if you normally work part-time or need to work part-time because a family member is sick or disabled or because of domestic violence.</div>
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You must be physically "able and available" to work. After you have been unemployed for over 12 weeks, you may be expected to take a job outside your usual field of work and for a lower wage than you were receiving. In some cases you can work and get partial benefits.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Denial" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Your Rights if You are Denied Benefits</h3>
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If the state denies your claim, you have the right to appeal.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What if the deputy decides that I am not eligible?</b></div>
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You will get a written decision telling you why you were found ineligible, what the disqualification period will be, and how to re-qualify.</div>
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This notice will also tell you how to appeal this decision.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You must file an appeal within 15 days of the date of the deputy's decision.</b><br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What do I do after I file the appeal?</b></div>
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You may take your case before an administrative hearing officer of the Employment Security Commission.</div>
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You have the right to have - or not to have - a lawyer at this hearing. You can tell your side of the story, have other witnesses speak on your behalf, ask the employer's witnesses questions, and show any paperwork that supports your claim.</div>
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If the hearing officer decides against you, you have the right to request another appeal. This second appeal goes to the Unemployment Insurance Commission. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This appeal must be filed within 15 days of the date the hearing officer's decision was mailed to you.</b><br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do I automatically get another hearing?</b></div>
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No. The three-member Commission can base its decision on the information from the last hearing,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">or</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>grant you a new hearing.</div>
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New hearings are generally held at this level only if:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the first hearing was unfair, or</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you have important new evidence</li>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is the Commission my last chance to have my case heard?</b></div>
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No. You can appeal to Superior Court and even to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. However, you probably won't be allowed to add new evidence to the record on appeal. So, be sure that you submit all of the information you need to make your case during the agency hearing. Also, you should get help from a lawyer, if you haven't already.<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You must file any appeal within 30 days.</b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Training" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Job Training and Education Programs</h3>
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You may get education or job training through Maine's Competitive Skills Scholarship Program. This program helps you get education, training, and support so you can get a better job. This program only applies to certain "high demand" jobs defined by the state. The Maine Career Center has more information about "high demand" jobs. If you qualify, this program offers support for apprenticeships, certificate programs, and two and four year degrees.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How do I qualify?</b></div>
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You may be eligible to receive training through this program if you are:<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ptla.org/povertyguidelines.htm" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Poverty Guidelines </span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A Maine resident</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">18 or older</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do not already hold a degree beyond high school, or your post-secondary degree is in a field where you cannot find a job</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You qualify for the training or education program in question</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for your family size, see income guidelines (see chart below)</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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A Competitive Skills Scholarship can give you up to $8,000 per year if you are studying full-time, and $4,000 per year if you are studying part-time.<br />
</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What will the scholarship cover?</b></div>
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You can use the money for:</div>
<ul class="arrowlist" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21px; list-style: disc url(http://www.ptla.org/sites/all/themes/professional_theme/images/bullet_green.gif); margin: 0px 0px 12px 15px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tuition and fees that cannot be covered by other "reasonably available" public scholarships and assistance.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Books, supplies, tools and equipment required by your educational or training program.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Child care, transportation, and other necessary support as determined by the Department of Labor.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Education you need before you participate in the program (such as basic math or a GED).</li>
</ul>
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Child care, transportation, and other unanticipated or emergency costs related to your program do not count against the $4,000 or $8,000 limit. For more information or to apply for a Competitive Skills Scholarship, contact your local<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Career Center</span><a class="ext" href="http://www.maine.gov/labor/careerctr/index.shtml" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a>.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Programs" style="border: 0px; color: #21759b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></div>
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Other Programs that Can Help</h3>
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The sudden loss of a steady paycheck can quickly break your budget. Here are some federal, state and local programs which may help you.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Food Supplements</b></div>
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This is a federal program run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The income and limits are higher than you may think, and most families with children qualify even if they own "excess assets." The program is designed to provide help fast. Single individuals and families can get food supplements. Apply at your local DHHS office<a class="ext" href="http://gateway.maine.gov/dhhs-apps/office_finder/" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a>.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Temporary Assistance for Needy Families</b></div>
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TANF helps children who have an absent or disabled parent. Families with an unemployed parent can also qualify. There are income and asset limitations. Apply at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="Apple-converted-space">your local DHHS office</span><a class="ext" href="http://gateway.maine.gov/dhhs-apps/office_finder/" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a>. DHHS also runs the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Parents as Scholars</span><a class="ext" href="http://www.mejp.org/sites/default/files/PAS.pdf" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(PaS) program for eligible parents who are interested in going to college to train for more highly skilled, better-paying jobs.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)</b></div>
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Low-income households can get help with their fuel bills. Apply at your<span class="Apple-converted-space"> county CAP</span><a class="ext" href="http://www.mainecommunityaction.org/about-us/cap-agency-locations/" style="border: 0px; color: #0a5aa3; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Community Action Program).<br />
</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">General Assistance</b></div>
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General Assistance is run by each Maine town and funded by both local and state money.<br />
</div>
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The program is a "safety net" to help people who cannot meet their most basic living expenses.<br />
</div>
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Go to your town office to apply. You will need proof of income and expenses such as rent, food, fuel and utilities.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-42216708639284019892015-02-12T20:43:00.002-08:002015-02-12T20:43:22.808-08:00Top Ten Things to Know if You Get Into a Car Accident<h3 id="post-117">
<span style="color: black;"></span></h3>
<h3 id="post-117">
<span style="color: black;">Top Eleven Things to Know if You Get Into a Car Accident </span></h3>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67" src="http://www.theticketclinic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/images.jpeg" height="140" title="images" width="359" /><br />
In today’s busy world, with so many driving distractions, car
accidents are becoming increasingly frequent. Your initial response at
the time of the accident can make all the difference in the outcome.
Here are some dos and don’ts if you are involved in a car accident.<br />
<br />
1. Be prepared and organized before an accident happens. Too
often when a police officer asks for “registration and insurance”, the
driver cannot locate these important documents. It is a good idea to
have an envelope with a copy of the registration and proof of insurance
in the glove box. Failure to show proof of insurance or registration
may result in a ticket.<br />
<br />
2. If you are in an accident, calling the police is the best way
to ensure that the scene is preserved and that any injured people are
promptly treated. If injured, make sure to fully explain your injuries
to the officer at the accident scene. This may protect any recovery
that you might have relating to the injury. If necessary, accept medical
treatment and go to the hospital for proper care.<br />
<br />
3. Be prepared to provide information (proof of insurance and a
copy of your drivers license) to the responding police officer.<br />
<br />
4. Do not admit liability to the other driver. In Florida and Maine,
statements made to the investigating police officer are “protected” and
cannot be used against the driver in court. Explaining how the accident
occurred to the police officer will not negatively effect the driver in
court. This protection applies so long as the driver does not leave
the scene of the accident.<br />
<br />
5. If you are in a busy intersection, it is a good idea to secure
the scene before the officer arrives. This may prevent other vehicles
from colliding with your car. Both drivers should engage their flashing
lights and use cones or flares if you have them. Having a safety kit
in the trunk with these tools is also a good idea.<br />
<br />
6. Make sure that you are properly insured. A large percentage of
drivers carry no insurance, in violation of the law. Obtaining
uninsured motorist insurance coverage may protect you if you are in an
accident with an uninsured driver. Speak with your insurance agent about
this type of car insurance.<br />
<br />
7. Preserve any evidence that you can. Using a cell phone or
other camera, take photos that you think might help you later, whether
in court, or when describing the accident to the police officer or your
insurance company.<br />
<br />
8. Contact your insurance agent or company. You’ve paid those
insurance premiums for a long time! If you need help from your insurance
company, now is the time to ask for it. They can help you with your
medical bills, property damage claims, and in some instances, a rental
car.<br />
<br />
9. If you are given a ticket for the accident, contact me for help. I am knowledgeable about the laws and about possible defenses
and may be able to help you resolve the ticket with no points or costs. <br />
<br />
10. If you have an accident with an unattended object (parked car,
pole, bushes, etc.), the law requires that you report the accident.
Leaving the scene without reporting it could result in your arrest for
leaving the scene of an accident. It is a good idea to wait outside of
your car when the police arrive, as the officer needs a “wheel witness”
to identify the driver, to prosecute the case in court. Remember, your
statements to the officer about the accident are protected in Florida and Maine
and cannot be used to convict you in court. If you are still in the car
upon the officer’s arrival, then the officer can identify you as the
“driver” and proceed with the case in court.<br />
<br />
11. If you are injured and it was not your fault you <u><i><b>must go to the hospital</b></i></u> to qualify for us to file a personal injury claim on your behalf, (or your passengers). (Remember passengers can recover monetarily if they are injured and no it will not come out of your friend the driver's pocket- that is what their liability insurance is for!) A doctor must evaluate you and make a medical record of your injuries soon after the accident. I will help you get follow up treatment and physical therapy if necessary and have insurance cover it.<br />
<br />
Call, message and come see me for a free consultation!<br />
<br />
Buckle up and drive safely!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-26163921688458222052014-01-14T12:59:00.001-08:002014-01-14T12:59:59.810-08:00Can Creditors Garnish My Wages Once I Have Retained a Bankruptcy Attorney?<div class="section" id="section-0" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Creditors may be able to garnish your wages by getting a court judgment against you when you don’t pay your debts on time. If you are facing garnishment, filing for bankruptcy might help. Once you file, your creditors cannot garnish your wages, and we may be able to help you avoid garnishment even before you file.</div>
</div>
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Automatic Stay</h2>
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Whether you use Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic “stay,” which halts all collection proceedings against you. Your creditors cannot continue any collection efforts or begin new ones, including wage garnishment and foreclosure. However, if you have previously filed a case that was dismissed in the past year, your automatic stay is only effective for 30 days, and if you had two previously dismissed cases, you do not receive an automatic stay but you can ask the court for one.</div>
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Preventing Wage Garnishment</h2>
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Simply hiring a bankruptcy attorney does not trigger an automatic stay, nor does it stop a creditor from garnishing your wages. Once you receive notice that your wages are about to be garnished, you can file for bankruptcy quickly, before your wages are actually garnished. Filing quickly, with or without the assistance of an attorney, will put your automatic stay in place before your creditors get a chance to take your wages.</div>
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Hiring an Attorney</h2>
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If you hire an attorney to file bankruptcy for you, your attorney may choose to send a letter of representation to your creditors, identifying himself as your attorney. While such a letter does not automatically stop garnishment proceedings, your creditors may choose to stop garnishment because of your pending bankruptcy case since they know garnishment must stop once your case is filed.</div>
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Voluntary Halt to Garnishment</h2>
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When your creditor receives a letter of representation, particularly if the letter states that you are about to file bankruptcy, the creditor may decide against pursuing a garnishment order since it may end up costing him more than it is worth. By the time the creditor considers paying court costs and attorney fees, he may decide the hassle and cost of garnishment is too much when balanced against the low chance that the creditor will get paid. However, this is the creditor’s choice, and the only thing that guarantees a halt to garnishment is an automatic stay from a bankruptcy filing.</div>
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Let us know if you would like to talk about bankruptcy or debt resolution.</div>
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-Seth T. Carey, Esq. </div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-78703283635150651342013-12-19T19:33:00.002-08:002013-12-19T19:33:26.941-08:00How to Sue Your Bank in Small Claims Court and Get Back Overdraft and Other Fees<div class="clearfix" id="content_header" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 217, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Fighting Bank Fees in Court</h2>
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We've all had the experience of getting fees from our bank that seemed suspicious and going through the customer service nightmare. Did you know that the majority of big banks' profit comes from overdraft and other fees? Sounds rather predatory to me, yet that is the world we live in as corporations become more and more powerful. </div>
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Bank customer service representatives often aren't authorized to give back large amounts in fees, even if the fees were in violation of the bank's user agreement or the law. Filing a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>lawsuit <span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>should never be taken lightly because there's always the possibility that your bank will end up fighting you hardcore and you'll lose and have to pay their attorney's fees. But in many cases, it's not worth the bank's time and money to send an attorney to small claims court, which means you may win with a default judgment. If you're interested in suing your bank in small claims court, here's how to do it:</div>
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<b>Keep Meticulous Records</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />From the very moment your bank charges you an unwarranted fee, you need to begin keeping meticulous records. This can and should include screen shots of your online bank account, records of phone calls (and recordings as well, as it is legal to record phone calls in Maine, but not Massachusetts), and anything else that can help your case. The more documentation you have, the more likely you are to win.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<b>Know the Law<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>While you can sue over just about everything, if you're not suing over a broken law or breach of contract, you won't win. Know what law or provision of your user agreement your bank is in violation of. Banks, for example, are currently not allowed to charge overdraft fees without your explicit consent via an opt in provision. They also can't violate their own user agreement by, for example, charging you an overdraft fee when you didn't overdraft. You can also sue for negligence if your bank did not change something you asked them to- like taking you off of overdraft protection. Excessive charges, which many states classify as penalties, may also entitle you to sue. For example, it may not be legal for your bank to charge you two hundred dollars in overdraft fees.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<b>File Your Complaint<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>One of the great benefits of small claims court is that you don't need a lawyer, and the filing fee is usually less than a hundred dollars. Of course, this means it's not worth it for you to sue over twenty dollars, but if your bank has charged you hundreds of dollars in fees, it certainly is. You can also sue for damages you incurred as a result of the fees- if, for example, your electric bill was late you can sue for the late fees.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<b>What to Expect<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Customers who sue their banks often receive a settlement offer before ever going to court. This is the amount the bank is offering to compensate you and is legally binding once you sign it. It's generally unwise to accept less than the money the bank owes you, but it's also a good idea to avoid getting greedy. If you're suing for 10,000 dollars in damages on a hundred dollars in overdrafts, your bank is likely to fight you, and if you lose you could end up paying their attorney's fees.</div>
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If the bank does not call you, or you decline the settlement offer, you will then have to prove your case in court. This is where your documentation and any witnesses you have become extremely important. In many cases, the bank will not send a representative. It's generally not worth their time or money to pay an attorney hundreds or thousands of dollars just to avoid refunding bank fees. If this happens to you, you will likely get a default judgment. However, you still need to be prepared to prove your case because different judges have different approaches to default judgments.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
After you get a judgment in your favor, you don't automatically get the money. You will then have to collect on it. Your state's small claims court will have information available to you on how to collect, and if your bank does not pay in a timely manner you may be entitled to late fees, interest, etc. Oftentimes getting a bank to pay after you have won the suit is the most difficult part of suing, but stay focused on getting your money. When people begin suing banks in court, it becomes more difficult for banks to cheat customers with exorbitant, unfair, or illegal fees!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-48194377231212177322013-12-17T21:49:00.002-08:002013-12-17T21:49:34.618-08:00How To Form a Maine LLC<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span><span style="font-size: small;">Here are the steps you need to take to form an <a href="http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/limited-liability-company"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">LLC</span></a>
in Maine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">1. Choose a Name for Your LLC</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Under Maine
law, an LLC name must one of the following: "limited liability
company" or “limited company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” “L.C.,”
or “LC”; or, in the case of a low-profit limited liability company, “L3C” or
l3c.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from the names of other business
entities already on file with the Maine Secretary of State. Names may be
checked for availability by searching the Maine Secretary of State’s <a href="https://icrs.informe.org/nei-sos-icrs/ICRS"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">business name database</span></a>.
You may reserve a name for up to 120 days by filing an <a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/llc.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Application for Reservation of Name</span></a> with
the secretary of state. The reservation must be filed by mail. The filing fee
is $20.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">2. File a Certificate of Formation</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">A Maine LLC is created by filing a <a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/llc.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Certificate of Formation</span></a> with
the Maine Secretary of State. The articles must include the LLC's name and
address and the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent. The articles
must be filed by mail. The filing fee is $175. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">3. Appoint a Registered Agent</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Every Maine LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. This
is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal papers on the
LLC’s behalf if it is sued. A registered agent may be (1) an individual who
resides in Maine, or (2) a business entity
authorized to do business in Maine.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Maine. Carey Law is happy to be your registered agent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">4. Prepare an Operating Agreement</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">An LLC <a href="http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/llc-operating-agreement-30232.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">operating
agreement</span></a> is not required in Maine,
but is highly advisable, especially if there is more than one member.
If an operating agreement is created, it need not be filed with the Articles of
Organization. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">5. Publication Requirements</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">None.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">6. Comply With Other Tax and Regulatory Requirements</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Additional tax and regulatory requirements may apply to your LLC. These may
include:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>EIN:</strong> If your LLC has more than one member, it must obtain
its own IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), even if it has no employees.
If you form a one-member LLC, you must obtain an EIN for it only if you elect
to have it taxed as a <a href="http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/corporation"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">corporation</span></a>
instead of a <a href="http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/sole-proprietor"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">sole
proprietorship</span></a> (disregarded entity). You may obtain an EIN by
completing an online application on the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">IRS website</span></a>. There is no
filing fee.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Business Licenses:</strong> Depending on its type of business and
where it is located, your LLC may need to obtain other local and state business
licenses.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">7. File Annual Reports</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">All LLCs doing business in Maine
must file an Annual Report with the Maine Secretary of State every year by June
1. You can obtain a <a href="http://www10.informe.org/aro/form_download.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">preprinted
annual report</span></a> form from the secretary of state’s website. The
report may be filed <a href="http://www10.informe.org/aro/index_on.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">online</span></a>,
or by mail. The filing fee is $85 for domestic LLCs, $150 for foreign LLCs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">8. Foreign LLCs Doing Business in Maine</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">To do business in Maine,
all LLCs organized outside of the state must register with the Maine Secretary
of State. Foreign LLCs must appoint a registered agent for service of process
physically located in Maine.
To register, file a <a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/formsnew/mllc12.pdf"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Statement of
Foreign Qualification to Conduct Activities</span></a> with the secretary of
state. The application is filed by mail. The filing fee is $250. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">The completed application must be accompanied by a Certificate of Existence
or Good Standing from the foreign LLC’s home state, dated nor more than 90 days
prior to the filing of the certificate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Before filing, make sure the LLC’s name is available in Maine
by checking the <a href="https://icrs.informe.org/nei-sos-icrs/ICRS"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Maine
business name database</span></a>. If the name is not available, the foreign
LLC must adopt a fictitious business name for use in Maine and submit with the
application a Statement of Intention to Transact Business Under an Assumed or
Fictitious Name (available <a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/corp/formsnew/mllc5.pdf"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">here</span></a>).
An additional $40 fee must be paid when filing the statement.</span><br />
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-59316220480207361812013-11-19T07:23:00.000-08:002013-11-19T07:23:02.287-08:00 Landlords: Look Out for “The Professional Tenant”<div class="headline_area">
<h1 class="entry-title">
Landlords: Look Out for “The Professional Tenant”</h1>
</div>
<b><a href="http://massrealestatelawblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2012/02/bank-robber.gif"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-4564" height="300" src="http://massrealestatelawblog.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2012/02/bank-robber.gif" title="bank robber" width="281" /></a>Avoid The Professional Tenant Like The Plague</b><br />
Using best practices to screen and select good tenants is the most
important thing a landlord can do to avoid costly
non-payment and eviction problems down the road. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In my practice, I have come across a sub-set of tenants
which are extremely dangerous to Massachusetts landlords. They should be
avoided like the Plague. I like to call them <b>Professional Tenants</b>. Here is the <b>profile of a typical Professional Tenant</b>. <br />
<ul>
<li>History of eviction history and/or delinquency with prior landlords</li>
<li>Surprising (and dangerous) knowledge of landlord-tenant law</li>
<li>Background in real estate, engineering, contracting</li>
<li>Marginal to bad credit: prior history of nonpayment collections, judgments or bankruptcies</li>
<li>Gaps in rental history</li>
<li>Non-existent or incomplete prior landlord references</li>
</ul>
<b>The Professional Tenant’s Scheme</b><br />
Shortly after moving in, they will start to complain about small
issues with the rental property. Some will complain to the local board
of health to have the landlord cited for code violations. (The state
Sanitary Code can trip up even the most conscientious landlord.) Then
the Professional Tenant will stop paying rent, claiming they are
“withholding rent” due to bad property conditions. Of course, these
tenants completely ignore the smart practice that any withheld rent be
placed in an escrow account. Then the Professional Tenant will assert
the landlord violated the last month rent and security deposit law, and
ask for their deposit back, trying to set up the landlord for a triple
damage claim.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, months go by and the Professional Tenant has failed
to pay any rent and the minor code violations, if any, are repaired. The
landlord is forced to start eviction proceedings, only to be met with a
slew of counterclaims and defenses from the Professional Tenant. The
Professional Tenant then sends the landlord a myriad of document
requests and interrogatories which automatically delays the eviction
hearing by 2 weeks. If the Professional Tenant is really savvy, they
will demand a jury trial, which in most small District Courts can delay
the eviction by weeks and typically months. Meanwhile, the entire time,
the Professional Tenant has still not paid any rent. Months and thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees later, the
landlord finally gets his day in court. And the Professional Tenant
doesn’t show up, leaving the landlord with a worthless judgment for
thousands in unpaid rent and a trashed apartment.<br />
<br />
<b>Screen and Screen Again</b><br />
The sad thing is that because landlord-tenant law is so
tenant friendly, there is not much a landlord can do to avoid this
situation, other than not rent to the Professional Tenant in the first
place! Once a landlord has signed a lease with a Professional Tenant,
they are stuck until the tenant violates the lease. My advice to
landlords is to make screening the most important thing you do as a
landlord, and do the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Invest in good credit history checks.</li>
<li>Follow up with landlord references</li>
<li>Check employment info</li>
<li>Check prior bankruptcies</li>
<li>If someone seems fishy, they probably are</li>
</ul>
If you find yourself stuck with a Professional Tenant, give me a
call. There are certain things an experienced eviction attorney can do
to prevent or minimize these shenanigans. At least you will be fighting
back against what I perceive as scam artists.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-61675121580751345842013-09-10T19:15:00.001-07:002013-09-10T19:15:43.677-07:0050 ways to cut the Rumford budget<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F2yLSC3Cd90" width="459"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-67047626571989761252013-07-22T20:22:00.003-07:002013-07-22T20:22:46.046-07:00Trademarks vs. Copyrights<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Trademarks vs. Copyrights</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Trademark</b> - Provides protection for a name, logo, or any
other type of design that identifies a company's products or services.
This is a means of differentiating brands from their primary
competitors. Trademark owners get exclusive rights, the ability to
license branding, and the ability to pursue litigation for infringement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Copyright</b> - Gives protection for original works of
authorship that are published and unpublished. Copyrights give their
owners the exclusive rights over any forms of expression that they have
created. They are given the right to reproduce the work in any form as
well as the ability to benefit from it financially.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Trademark or Copyright</b> - Trademarks secure the branding
under which products and services are sold. Creative or intellectual
creations should be copyrighted in order to secure the rights for
profiting on its reproduction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br />
</span><div style="clear: none; float: left; width: 300px;">
<h4 class="nopadBottom" style="text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Trademark Items</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Images</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Letters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Logo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Packaging</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Phrases</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tags & Labels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Words</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div style="clear: none; float: left; width: 300px;">
<h4 class="nopadBottom" style="text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Copyright Items</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Movies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Musicals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Novels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Original Authorship</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Poems</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Software</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Songs</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-77709539432332961202013-07-16T15:10:00.001-07:002013-07-16T15:10:28.432-07:00“My Debt is a Charge-off. Do I Still Need to Pay It?”<h2 class="entry-title"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“My Debt is a Charge-off. Do I Still Need to Pay It?”</span></h2><div class="entry-content"> A common debt-related myth is that once a creditor records a “charge-off” (where your account is declared as a bad debt and a loss is recorded by the creditor), then the creditor no longer has a right to attempt further collection on that written-off debt.<br />
<br />
<span id="more-63"></span><br />
Here’s a quote from a bogus “debt elimination” website that pretends to be a valid source for consumer education in financial matters: “They cannot collect one penny,” the website says. “If you see charge-off on the account they are trying to collect on your credit report it is illegal for these debt collectors to collect one penny. The original creditor took the bad debt as a loss when they filed their income tax and got a credit benefit from the IRS.”<br />
<br />
This statement is completely 100% FALSE. Aside from the fact that there are millions of debt collection lawsuits/judgments that prove otherwise, this ridiculous pronouncement does not even make sense from an accounting perspective.<br />
<br />
When a creditor records a charge-off, they are forced to “write off” the uncollected balance (which usually happens after 180 days of delinquency). Naturally, this translates to less income, which lowers the corporate tax owed for that year. Even on this point, the website gets it wrong, because this is not a “credit benefit from the IRS,” but rather a lower tax bill because the company made less money to be taxed on.<br />
OK, so far so good. But let’s say the creditor is successful through the collection process and recovers 50% of the balance that was written off. What happens next? Simple. The recovered amount is recorded as an ADJUSTMENT on a separate part of their bookkeeping ledger, usually in a section called “Allowance for Loan Losses.”<br />
<br />
Here is a direct quote from the official corporate Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by one of the world’s largest credit card banks:<br />
<br />
“Allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio. Attribution of the allowance is made for analytical purposes only, and the entire allowance is available to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the overall portfolio. Additions to the allowance are made through the provision for credit losses. Credit losses are deducted from the allowance, and subsequent recoveries are added.”<br />
There you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth. The allowance account is the amount reserved for estimated losses against loans made. When the company record a charge-off loss, it must be deducted from that allowance account. The important bit is that “subsequent recoveries are added” to the allowance account. In other words, in plain English, “it all comes out in the wash.” The recovered funds are simply accounted for separately. And that *new* income is properly taken into account, offsetting a portion of the loss previously declared.<br />
<br />
So what does all this mean to you if you have a charge-off account? It’s very important that you understand that a charge-off does NOT relieve you from your legal obligation to repay the debt. You are still on the hook to pay that debt (or settle it!). This fact is well known to anyone who has spent more than a few days working in the debt/credit industry, on EITHER side of the fence. Only an absolutely CLUELESS amateur (or a deceitful con-artist peddling a bogus “debt elimination” program) would claim otherwise. Yet if you surf to your favorite search engine and type in “debt elimination,” you will quickly find dozens of websites that make this absurd claim.<br />
<br />
Don’t buy into this nonsense and ignore charge-off accounts just because you read on some website that you’re no longer responsible. It’s vitally important to (a) understand the status of your debt accounts, and (b) work toward achieving a resolution on those accounts. Otherwise, you might just be facing a lawsuit that turns into a judgment, which could lead to a wage garnishment or a lien on your property.<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-54170478005518276172013-04-11T10:56:00.002-07:002013-04-11T10:56:42.085-07:00Divorce: Husband Hiding Assets?<br />
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Unfortunately, as you go through the divorce process, your husband may try to take advantage of the situation by hiding income and/or assets. How can you tell? Are there steps you can take to help ensure you have an accurate accounting of your family finances?</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
For starters, be on the lookout for certain telltale signs that your husband has some dirty tricks up his sleeve And, make sure you work with a qualified divorce team to help ensure that you have the professional expertise and support required to receive a fair settlement.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
(For example, in many divorces, a lifestyle analysis will be conducted by your divorce financial planner to establish a clear picture of your standard of living during the marriage. Not only can this lifestyle analysis be used to help determine alimony and child support, but it also serves as an invaluable tool to help determine if there could be hidden assets and/or income. The reason is simple. Once you analyze the couple’s marital living expenses and connect those expenses to all known sources of income, assets and loans, it is fairly easy to see if there is a mismatch. If the amount of living expenses exceeds the amounts of known income, assets and loans, a giant red flag appears! Discrepancies like this are one telltale sign of concealed income and/or assets. The goal of a lifestyle analysis in essence, is to determine if the amounts of reported income, assets and liabilities were sufficient to fund their marital lifestyle.)</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
After that, you also need to be fully aware of the most common unethical practices husbands use. Here is a small sampling of some of the tactics that can come into play. If your husband wants to undervalue or disguise/hide marital assets he may:</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Purchase items that could easily be overlooked or undervalued.</b>Maybe no one will notice that expensive antique/carpet that’s now at his office? Were you wondering why he recently made several significant additions to his coin/stamp/art collection?</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Stash money in a safe deposit box, somewhere in the house or elsewhere. </b>Think through your husband’s recent habits and activities. Does anything lead you to believe he is hiding assets in actual cash?</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Under-report</i></b><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> income on tax returns and/or financial statements. </b>If it’s not reported, it can’t be used in a financial analysis.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overpay</i></b><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> the IRS or creditors. </b>If your husband overpays, he can get the refund later, after the divorce is final.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Defer salary, delay signing new contracts and/or hold commissions or bonuses.</b> This sneaky trick means this income won’t be “on the books” during the divorce proceedings.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Create phony debt.</b> Your husband can collude with family members and/or friends to establish phony loans or expenses. Then, he can make payments to the family members or friends, knowing that he’ll get all the money back after the divorce is final.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Set up a custodial account in the name of a child, using the child’s social security number. </b>He could also use his girlfriend’s social security number, in which case it might be difficult to locate the account.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Transfer stock</b>. Your husband may transfer stock/investment accounts into the name of family members, business partners or “dummy” companies. After the divorce is final, the assets can be transferred back to him.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></b>The list goes on and on . . . and it certainly begs the question: Why would a husband do any of these things? There are many possible reasons. He may fear not having enough money after the divorce. He may feel he’s getting revenge for an infidelity. Maybe he’s just greedy and feels that he deserves it! Whatever the reason, hiding assets, income and debt is not only unethical; it’s also illegal and subject to severe penalties <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">IF</span></b> discovered.</div>
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But even so, the burden of proof is often on the spouse with less financial resources (typically the woman) to prove any such unscrupulous behavior. That’s why women must play it smart. They must become knowledgeable and keep their eyes wide open. And ideally, they must be financially aware and involved from the onset of their marriage. Consistent involvement from the get-go is critically important for two reasons: 1) If your husband has been hiding income/assets over years or decades, it will become virtually impossible to trace/find them, and 2) Being financially aware and involved is in the foundation of happy marriages where a divorce is not even a possibility. Should your husband become incapacitated or die, a working knowledge of your assets/liabilities and income/expenses and where all your accounts and important documents are located will be vitally important.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
To detect schemes using financial statement manipulation, timing is important. Benchmarks are key. At one point in time, the target was not scamming, the marriage was solid, and generating income was a good thing. Finding that benchmark point in time helps figure out ways to “triangulate” what is truth and what is deception. Red flags describe noticeable changes in the financial <i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">status quo. </i>Somewhere between the cause and effect, the red flag sticks out.”<br />
<br />
I would be happy to help you wade through this discovery process and determine if in fact your husband (or wife!) is planning on hiding assets. We will help put the kabosh on that! <br />
<br />
Seth T. Carey, Esq. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-87874448604156328652013-04-11T10:49:00.000-07:002013-04-11T10:49:04.794-07:00<section class="guide-info">
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<h1 class="article-title" itemprop="name">
<small>Out-of-State DUI - What happens when you get a DUI on vacation? </small>
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<article class="body article-body" itemprop="articleBody">
Many people know what can happen if they get a DUI in the
state where they live. A tougher question for most people is what
happens to their license at home when they get a DUI in another state.<br />
<br />
You live in State A and you are on vacation in State B. You are
driving to your hotel from the restaurant and you had a couple of
drinks with dinner. You don't know the area very well so you are
driving slowly, trying to find the hotel. A police officer stops you.
He smells the drinks on your breath. He has you doing roadside
gymnastics. Before you know it you have been arrested, taken a breath
or blood test, and been charged with DUI. You bail out of jail and fly
home. What is going to happen? What should you do about it?<br />
In almost every state a DUI arrest triggers two separate series of
events. The first series of events is the administrative license
suspension process through the State B Department of Motor Vehicles and,
possibly, your state.
The second is the prosecution for DUI through State B's courts. How you
handle these things can have a serious effect on your future.<br />
<br />
<strong>Department of Motor Vehicles</strong><br />
<br />
Every state has a procedure for suspending a person's license
before the case goes to court. There are two possible reasons for the
suspension - that your BAC was over the limit or you refused a test.
Usually this begins when the arresting officer sends a report to State
B's motor vehicle office. In some cases it begins at the time of
arrest. In either case you have a limited time to appeal the
suspension. That time will vary from state to state. Sometimes your is
suspended while you are waiting for the hearing; it varies from state
to state. So far this suspension only affects your right to drive in
State B. If you fail to request a hearing or you lose a hearing after
requesting one your license suspension is final. In almost every state a
final suspension is reported to the driver's home state (in this case
State A.) Depending upon State A's law, your license to drive in any
state may be suspended. This varies, too. In Maine it would not affect
your right to drive. In Massachusetts you will be suspended until the
State B suspendion is over. You will probably have to take an alcohol
school in either State A or B and pay a reinstatement fee to every state
that suspended you.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Criminal Case</strong><br />
<br />
The officer or court also gave you a summons with a court date
to come and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. In some cases you may
have bailed from court and entered a plea at that time. <strong>Important
deadlines usually begin to run from the plea date. If you miss them
your ability to win the case may be seriously affected. If you fail to
appear a warrant will issue for your arrest and your license will be
suspended. </strong><br />
You should have an attorney before the initial court date. If
you are convicted there may be fines, jail and license suspensions. In
almost every state a conviction is reported to your home state. Your
home state will suspend you for the longer of the State B suspension or
as your record in your home state requires. For example, imagine you
are from Maine, you had a Maine OUI two years ago, and are convicted of
DUI in State B. State B treats it as a first offense and, gives you a
fine and a 90 day license suspension State B then reports the conviction
to Maine. Maine will give you a three year suspension because this is a
second offense based on your Maine record.<br />
<br />
You cannot ignore the criminal case and hope it never affects
you. If you fail to take care of the case a warrant will issue for your
arrest and your license will be suspended. If you are convicted but
fail to take the alcohol school and get your license reinstated, the
suspension remains in effect. Every state reports the suspensions to
the National Driver Registry. Every state checks the NDR when issuing
or renewing a license. If your state finds out you are suspended in
State B they will refuse to issue or renew a license, even if the
conviction was never reported to them.<br />
Other problems include being arrested on warrants if you are stopped for some reason and being barred from foreign travel.<br />
<br />
<strong>What to do.</strong><br />
<br />
The first and best thing to do is to hire a DUI lawyer in
State B, the state you were in when you got the DUI. The sooner you do
that the better. Important deadlines often start to run from the time
of your arrest or shortly after. I would be happy to discuss the matter with your further.<br />
<br />
Seth T. Carey, Esq.</article><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-35307954033362654442012-12-11T16:27:00.001-08:002012-12-11T16:27:18.743-08:00Bar/Club/Restaurant Liability for Intoxicated Patrons- New England<table><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" valign="top" width="604"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>DRAM SHOP ACTS</b></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<td colspan="3" valign="top" width="604"><h2>
<b>Bar/Club/Restaurant Liability for Intoxicated Patrons</b></h2>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Dram Shop Acts of all the New England states.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>SUMMARY</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">In
general, dram shop acts allow someone who has been injured by an
intoxicated individual to sue the establishment that served alcoholic
beverages the intoxicated individual. Connecticut makes someone who
sells liquor to an intoxicated person liable if the intoxicated person
injures another and limits recovery to $250,000 in a single accident.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Maine
makes sellers liable if they negligently or recklessly provide
alcoholic beverages to a visibly intoxicated individual or a minor. The
law sets a standard to determine recklessness and limits damage awards
to $250,000 per accident. It also makes a seller</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
attendance at an approved server education training course and
implementation of responsible server practices admissible as evidence
that the server was not negligent.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">In
Massachusetts, someone who suffered physical injury, property damage, or
consequential damage may sue a licensed liquor seller who served an
intoxicated person.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">New
Hampshire makes a seller liable if he negligently or recklessly provides
alcoholic beverages to a minor or intoxicated individual. Proof that
someone served without requesting proof of age is admissible as evidence
of negligence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Rhode
Island makes sellers liable if they negligently or recklessly serve
alcoholic beverages to a minor or intoxicated individual. The law sets
the standard for determining recklessness. It allows evidence about the
seller</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
serving practices to be admitted. It requires the insurance
commissioner to collect and keep data on liquor liability insurance cost
and claims.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Vermont
makes a seller liable if he provides alcoholic beverages to: a minor,
an apparently intoxicated person, someone after closing time, or someone
whom it would be reasonable to expect would be under the influence as a
result of the amount served. Evidence concerning the seller</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
responsibility is admissible and may include, among other things,
training servers in liquor law and how to recognize that patrons are
becoming intoxicated.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>CONNECTICUT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Connecticut
makes sellers liable if they sell alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated
person who injures a person or property because of the intoxication.
Under the act, the maximum amount an injured person can recover is
$250,000 for injuries to a single person and $250,000 in aggregate for
injuries to more than one person. The law requires aggrieved parties to
give notice to the seller within 60 days, but the time it takes, up to
120 days, to appoint an executor, administrator, conservator, or
guardian does not count toward the deadline. Suits must be brought
within one year (CGS § 30-102). The Connecticut Supreme Court recently
established a common law (judge made) right for a person to file a
negligence lawsuit against a seller. The decision is described in OLR
Report </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><u><a href="http://cga.ct.gov/2003/olrdata/jud/rpt/2003-R-0151.htm" target="_top">2003-R-0151</a></u></span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5042841432743559080" name="P63_3215"></a>. But legislation later prohibited such suits if the drinker is at least 21.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>MAINE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
Maine Dram Shop Act makes someone who negligently or recklessly sells,
gives, or otherwise provides liquor to a minor or to a visibly
intoxicated individual liable for damages proximately caused by the
minor</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s or intoxicated individual</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
consumption. Such service is negligent if the server knows, or if a
reasonable and prudent person in similar circumstances would know, that
the individual is a minor or visibly intoxicated. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Such
service is reckless if the server intentionally serves while knowing
that the individual is a minor or is visibly intoxicated and the server
consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving the
liquor will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others. The
disregard of the risk, when viewed in light of the nature and purpose of
the server</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
conduct and the circumstances known to the server, must involve a gross
deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable and prudent
person would follow in a similar situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
act allows damages to be awarded for property damage, bodily injury, or
death proximately caused by the consumption. It also allows damages to
be recovered in accordance with other state laws.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
act limits damage awards under the act for losses other than medical
treatment against both the server and his employees to $250,000 for all
claims arising out of a single accident. Actions must be brought within
two years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Proof of the server</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
responsible serving practices is admissible as evidence that the server
was not negligent or reckless. “Responsible serving practices” may
include the facts that the server and employees attended an approved
server education training course and that the server implemented
responsible management policies, procedures, and actions. The law sets
standards for approving server education training courses.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
law immunizes sellers from damages resulting from a good faith refusal
to serve (1) to someone who fails to show proof of age or reasonably
appears to be a minor or (2) in good faith to prevent the drinker from
becoming intoxicated (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. T. 28-A §§ 2501 to 2521).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>MASSACHUSETTS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Massachusetts
prohibits selling or delivering liquor to an intoxicated person (Mass.
Gen. Laws Ch. 138 § 69). In suits for personal injury, property damage,
or consequential damage caused by, or arising out of, the negligent
service of alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person by a liquor
licensee, Massachusetts prohibits the intoxicated person from suing the
seller for injury unless the licensee</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s conduct was willful, wanton, or reckless (Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 231 § 85T). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>NEW HAMPSHIRE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
New Hampshire Dram Shop Act makes a liquor licensee and his employee
liable if he negligently or recklessly serves a minor or an intoxicated
person if he knows, or a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances
would know, that the person being served is a minor or intoxicated.
The act makes proof of service without requesting proof of age
admissible as evidence of negligence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
act allows a person who becomes intoxicated to sue the seller for
serving him only if the server is reckless. Service is reckless if the
seller intentionally serves knowing that serving the drinker creates an
unreasonable risk of physical harm to him or to others that is
substantially greater than that which is necessary to make his conduct
negligent. The following practices are among those that are admissible
as evidence of reckless conduct: (1) active encouragement of an
intoxicated person to consume substantial amounts, (2) service to
someone 16 or younger, (3) service to someone that is so continuous and
excessive that it creates a substantial risk of death by alcohol
poisoning, and (4) the active assistance into a motor vehicle when the
patron is so intoxicated that assistance is required.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
law provides that service is not negligent or reckless if the server is
following responsible business practices. These include, among other
specified activities: (1) encouraging patrons not to become intoxicated,
(2) promoting the availability of nonalcoholic beverages and food, (3)
promoting safe transportation, and (4) prohibiting employees from
drinking alcoholic beverages while working.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
law immunizes sellers from civil damages resulting from refusing to sell
alcoholic beverages (1) to someone who failed to show proof of age or
appeared to be a minor to a reasonable person or (2) in good faith to
prevent intoxication (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 507-F:1 to 507-F:8).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>RHODE ISLAND</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Rhode
Island law provides that liquor licenses do not authorize the sale or
delivery of alcoholic beverages to (1) a minor, (2) an intoxicated
person, or (3) a person of notoriously intemperate habits (R.I. Gen.
Laws § 3-8-1). The Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act establishes the
legal basis for obtaining compensation for accidents related to
intoxication. It allows anyone who suffers damage to sue a liquor
license holder and employee for negligently or recklessly serving
alcoholic beverages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">A defendant who negligently serves a minor is liable for damages proximately caused by the minor</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
consumption. Proof that a minor was served without being asked for
proof of age is a rebuttable presumption of negligence. A defendant who
serves an intoxicated individual is negligent if he knows, or if a
reasonable and prudent person in similar circumstances would know, that
the individual being served is a minor or intoxicated. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">A
defendant serves recklessly if he (1) serves a visibly intoxicated
individual, (2) intentionally serves an individual when he knows that he
is serving a minor or a visibly intoxicated individual and he
consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving the
individual will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others. The
disregard of risk must involve a gross deviation from the standard of
conduct that a reasonable and prudent individual would follow in the
same situation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Serving
practices are admissible as evidence of reckless conduct, including:
actively encouraging intoxicated individuals to consume substantial
amounts of liquor, serving a minor when the server has actual and
constructive knowledge of the drinker</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
age, and serving someone so continuously and excessively that it
creates a substantial risk of death by alcohol poisoning. It allows
proof of responsible serving practices to be admitted as evidence.
These include: attendance at a server training course and implementation
of responsible management policies, procedures, and actions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The law allows punitive damages to be awarded based on reckless conduct. It requires suits to be brought within three years. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
law immunizes sellers for their good faith refusal to sell to someone
who (1) does not show proper proof of age, (2) reasonably appears to be a
minor, or (3) is refused service in attempt to prevent him from
becoming visibly intoxicated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">It
requires the insurance commissioner to collect and keep records on (1)
the names and number of companies providing liquor liability insurance,
(2) the number and dollar amount of premiums for the insurance, and (3)
the number and dollar amount of claims paid (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 3-14-1 <i>et seq.</i>). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;"><b>VERMONT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">Vermont makes someone liable to another who has been injured by an intoxicated person, or in consequence of the person</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
intoxication, if he has caused another to become intoxicated by selling
or giving alcoholic beverages to (1) a minor, (2) an apparently
intoxicated person, (3) a person after legal serving hours, or (4) a
person whom it would be reasonable to expect would be under the
influence as a result of the amount served. If the alcoholic beverage
was sold or given in a rented building, the law also makes the building</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
owner liable under the same conditions. The law establishes an
affirmative defense for the landlord that he took reasonable steps to
prevent such sales or deliveries. Suits must be brought within two
years.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
law allows evidence of responsible actions, taken and not taken, to be
admitted. These may include: instructing servers about liquor laws,
intervention techniques, admonishing patrons about consumption, and
inquiring patrons about their age or degree of intoxication.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">The
act provides that it does not create a statutory right to sue a social
host for giving liquor to anyone, but this does not limit or affect a
host</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">'</span><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style'; font-size: 12pt;">s
liability for negligence. But a social host is liable under the Dram
Shop Act if he knowingly gave liquor to a minor or if a reasonable
person under the same circumstances would have known that the person was
a minor (Vt. Stat. Ann. T. 17 §§ 501 to 504).</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-68003943025564524702012-12-01T16:44:00.000-08:002012-12-01T16:44:24.481-08:00Landlord-Tenant Law in Massachusetts: Tenant's Rights<br />
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Note: While much below may be generally applicable, realize that it applies specifically to Massachusetts and may be entirely different from your state's laws... Do not rely on this info... check out the specifics for your location. </div>
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THE TENANT'S COMMANDMENTS<br />M.G.L. = Massachusetts General Laws;<br />c., sec. = Chapter and Section;<br />CMR = Code of Massachusetts Regulations.</div>
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Finder's Fee: A fee for the purpose of finding an apartment (finder's fee, <a href="http://www.lectlaw.com/files/lat07.htm#" id="_GPLITA_0" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjQ3NDg6MTAzNDpyZWdpc3RyYXRpb246NmFlYzM5ZGE4NjE4NzM1YjAxMDUwMWFiMTM3MzRjOGU6ei0xMTQ3LTUwMDg1Ond3dy5sZWN0bGF3LmNvbToxNjQyNjpiZDI2ZTc4MjI3YzNmOTkzYTRhMzVhMDdmMmI2OTAyMg" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva;" title="Click to Continue > by Vid-Saver">registration</a> fee or commission) may be collected by a licensed real estate broker or salesperson only. The fee's purpose, the amount and the date due should be disclosed to the prospective tenant prior to any transaction. The amount of the fee is a contractual agreement between the licensed broker or salesperson and the prospective tenant. There is no set amount. (M.G.L., c. 112 $87 DDD-1/2) Note: At the beginning of a tenancy, a landlord is limited to collecting first and last month's rent, one month's security deposit and key deposit (M.G.L., c. 186, $15B).This may imply that a landlord cannot collect a finder's fee for his/her own apartment.</div>
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Right Against Unlawful Discrimination: Under federal law, it is unlawful to refuse rental of any apartment because of race or color (42 USC $1982). Under state law, it is also unlawful to refuse rental of any apartment because of dependence upon public or <a href="http://www.lectlaw.com/files/lat07.htm#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjUxNTE6MTAzNDpyZW50YWwgYXNzaXN0YW5jZTpkODJjZmY0ZDEwZTM0YjUwZGEwZmZlMDE0YWUzZWU5MDp6LTExNDctNTAwODU6d3d3LmxlY3RsYXcuY29tOjE2NDI4OmYxNjkxYjAwZDM3YWJjNTBiMzljYjQxZDYzOTA0YTQ5" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva;" title="Click to Continue > by Vid-Saver">rental assistance</a>. Except in owner-occupied 2-family dwellings, the Massachusetts Fair Housing Law also prohibits discrimination against any person because of religion, national origin, age, ancestry, military background or service, sex, marital status, blindness, deafness, or the need of a guide dog (M.G.L. c. 151B sec 4). It is also generally unlawful to refuse to rent to adults with children, but there are exceptions to this rule.</div>
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This is only a summary of your rights; there may be other rules and exceptions. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and/or the Fair Housing Office in your community.</div>
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TYPES OF TENANCY</div>
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A Tenant with a Lease is one who signs a lease to rent a particular apartment for a specified time period. A lease, or rental contract between the <a href="http://www.lectlaw.com/files/lat07.htm#" id="_GPLITA_3" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjU4NjQ6MjA6bGFuZGxvcmQ6Mjc5YjRiZmFiMmVjMTI3MGQ1NDc3MjY2NzBlNzAxNGM6ei0xMTQ3LTUwMDg1Ond3dy5sZWN0bGF3LmNvbToxNTY1NjpmYzc1NmRmZWRjYzkwZjE2ZjBlYjMyOTI5MWQ4ZjAzZg" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva;" title="Click to Continue > by Vid-Saver">landlord</a> (lessor)and the tenant (lessee), is a written document which legally binds both parties. The tenant is obligated to pay a stated rent at a given interval, usually monthly, in return for a safe and habitable apartment.</div>
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A Tenant-at-Will is one who occupies a rented premises without a lease but pays rent periodically (typically monthly). The agreement for the Tenancy-at-Will may be either written or verbal. Either the landlord or tenant may terminate this arrangement by giving written notice 30 days or one full rental period in advance, whichever is longer. No reason is required to terminate. If rent is paid the first of each month, notice should be given prior to the first day of the month. However, either the landlord or the tenant may be able to give notice as late as the first day of the month itself. For extra protection send the notice both by certified mail, return receipt-requested, and by regular mail.</div>
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A Rooming or Boarding House Tenancy is different from the two other types of tenancies. Termination notices vary depending on the length of tenancy:</div>
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Length Notice Required<br /><30 days None<br />30-90 days 7 days<br />>3 months 30 days</div>
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(*Exception: The landlord is only required to give a 7-day notice if tenant is disorderly or bothersome to other tenants OR if tenant pays weekly.)</div>
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After three months of tenancy, the rooming house tenant is considered a tenant-at-will and afforded all rights of a tenant-at-will.</div>
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Rent Increases: If an apartment is either rent controlled or publicly subsidized, the landlord cannot increase the rent without receiving prior approval of the local Rent Control Board or the proper housing authority, respectively. Rent for a Tenant with a Lease can be increased only when the lease term expires. Rent for a Tenant-at-Will can be raised only when both parties agree to the increase. However, if you do not agree to it, the landlord can have you evicted. If your landlord wants to raise your rent, s/he must send you proper legal notice terminating your current tenancy. This notice may contain an offer to remain in the apartment for the increased rent. You must receive this notice at least one full rental period, but not less than 30 days, before it becomes effective. The rental increase may be any amount the landlord wishes to charge, and s/he may increase the rent as often as s/he wishes, provided that proper notice is given each time the rent is increased.</div>
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Note: Some cities or towns (e.g., Boston) allow rental increase limited to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for elderly, handicapped and low/moderate income tenants. Check with your local housing authority or rent control board to see if this applies to your city or town.</div>
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Rights Against Retaliation: Although the landlord of a Tenant-at-Will can terminate the tenancy or raise the rent without reason, s/he cannot do so in response to the tenant's exercising his or her legal rights. If the landlord tries to raise your rent, terminate or otherwise change your tenancy within six months of when you contact the Board of Health, join a tenants' organization, or exercise other legal rights, the landlord's action will be considered retaliation against you. Unless the landlord can prove that s/he is changing the tenancy for reasons other than your having exercised your rights, the landlord will not be able to raise the rent, change or terminate the tenancy. While the law does offer this protection, be aware that the landlord may attempt to retaliate against you. See information on counterclaims under "EVICTION"</div>
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Late Payment Penalty: Tenants should pay rent on time. The landlord can't charge any interest or a penalty until 30 days after the due date. However, the landlord can begin the eviction process immediately - even if the rent is only one day overdue. (M.G.L., c. 186,sec 15B). The landlord also cannot use a reverse penalty clause to encourage tenants to pay early. For example, it is illegal for a landlord who charges $400 per month to reduce the rent by 10% if the rent is paid within the first five days of the month.</div>
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Termination vs. Eviction: Termination is different from eviction. Termination is the ending of your rental agreement or lease. Either the landlord or tenant can initiate the termination of the tenancy. Eviction is the forced removal of a tenant from an apartment after termination. Eviction can only be ordered by a judge. The landlord cannot lock you out or throw you out of your apartment. (See section on Eviction)</div>
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Before Agreeing to Tenancy (or Signing a Lease) . . .</div>
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* Do not put down any money unless you are sure you want the apartment. Though you may be legally entitled to your money up until the time thelandlord formally accepts you as a tenant, practically speaking, that money may be difficult to recover.<br />* Calculate the anticipated cost of utilities (i.e., heat,electricity) based on actual usage. You must be able to pay the total cost of rent plus utilities;<br />* Know what is expected of you in terms of prepayments(e.g., last month's rent, security deposit, key deposit) or finder's fee;<br />* Check the apartment to ensure that it is in acceptable condition. Confer with the landlord/management company regarding any repairs to be made. Any agreements should be put in writing.<br />* Check with the landlord to see if subletting is allowed. In most cases, leases have a provision for subletting with the landlord's permission. If the lease does not permit subletting, and you sublet, you could be sued for breaking the lease.<br />* Evaluate the ease of contact and the response record of a non- resident superintendent to "after hours" emergencies.<br />* Talk with prospective neighbors concerning the competency and reputation of the landlord and/or management company.</div>
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Types of Tenancy Agreements:</div>
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Written Rental Agreements: According to state consumer protection regulations (940 CMR 3.17(3b)), a landlord must include the following in a written rental agreement:</div>
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* The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owners and any other persons who are responsible for the care, maintenance and repair of the property;<br />* The name, address and telephone number of the person authorized to receive notices of violations of law and to accept notice of lawsuit on behalf of the owner;<br />* The amount of the security deposit and disclosure of rights under the Security Deposit Law.</div>
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Verbal Rental Agreements: You and the landlord may agree verbally to the terms of your tenancy. However, it is safer to get all terms in writing.</div>
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Lease: A lease is merely a contract form which has been adapted for use by an individual landlord. The lease should clarify the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. ALWAYS READ YOUR LEASE BEFORE SIGNING. If wording is unclear, ask for an explanation. Within 30 days after the lease is signed, the landlord is required to furnish you with a copy for your records. If the landlord does not give you a copy within the allotted 30 days, s/he can be fined up to $300. Any provision which conflicts with the law or requires you, as a tenant or prospective tenant, to waive your rights is void and unenforceable (M.G.L., c. 186, sec. 15B).</div>
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Types of Leases: A standard fixed-term lease typically runs for a 12- month period and may or may not be renewed after the period expires. A self-extending lease is one which automatically renews itself if neither the landlord nor the tenant gives formal notice that there will be no renewal by the date specified in the lease.</div>
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Remember . . .</div>
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* Describe in the lease all rental terms, conditions and charges. During the lease term, the landlord cannot add a charge for the use of facilities that were available at no cost when the lease was signed. * Check that all blanks appearing in the lease have been filled in and that the agreed upon rent is stated. * Write into the lease all verbal promises, additional clauses or clarifications made by either party. Both you and the landlord must initial each change.</div>
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Financial Matters</div>
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Pre-payments: Pre-payments, or money to which the landlord is entitled before you move in, are limited by law(M.G.L, c. 186, sec 15B) as follows:</div>
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* the first month's rent<br />* the last month's rent<br />* one month's security deposit<br />* purchase and installation cost for a lock and key</div>
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Security Deposit and Last Month's Rent</div>
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A security deposit and the last month's rent are not the same thing, nor are they interchangeable. Last month's rent is the pre-payment to the landlord for the last month of tenancy. A security deposit is a deposit of money to the landlord to ensure that rent will be paid and other responsibilities of the lease performed (e.g., paying for damage caused by the tenant). The amount of the last month's rent and of the security deposit each cannot be greater than one month's rent. If the landlord later raises the rent, s/he can require you to increase both the amount of the last month's rent and the amount of the security deposit to equal the new rent. A landlord cannot transfer one for the use of the other without the tenant's consent. Likewise, the tenant may not use the security deposit as the last month's rent.</div>
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Receipts: Upon receiving a last month's rent and/or a security deposit, the landlord must give you a receipt for each prepayment. The following information must be included:</div>
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* the amount<br />* the date on which it was received<br />* its intended use<br />* the name of the person receiving it<br />* if an agent is involved, the name of the landlord for whom the rent is collected<br />* the signature of the landlord or agent.</div>
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If last month's rent is collected, the landlord must also give you a statement indicating that you are entitled to either 5% interest or other such lesser amount of interest as has been received from the bank where the deposit has been held, a statement indicating that you should provide the landlord at the termination of tenancy with a forwarding address where interest can be sent, and a description of the rented apartment.</div>
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THE LANDLORD IS REQUIRED TO PAY INTEREST ON BOTH LAST MONTH'S RENT AND SECURITY DEPOSIT.</div>
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Payment of Interest: Interest is payable to you each year on the anniversary date of your tenancy. On each anniversary date, the landlord must give or send you a statement indicating the amount of interest owed you for your security deposit and/or last month's rent. At the same time the landlord must give or send the interest due or a notice that you may deduct the interest from the next rental payment. If within 30 days of the anniversary date you do not receive the interest or the notice to deduct, you may deduct the interest from your next rental payment. You do not have to live in your apartment for more than 12 months to be eligible for accrued interest on last month's rent. If your tenancy terminates before the anniversary date, you are entitled to all interest accrued on last month's rent. (Interest does not accrue for that month for which the last month's rent is used.) However, the security deposit must be held for a year or more starting from the commencement of tenancy to make you eligible for 5% interest or other such lesser amount of interest as has been received from the bank in which the deposit has been held on your security deposit. Interest on both last month's rent and security deposit must be paid within 30 days of the date of termination.</div>
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The payment of interest on security deposits and last month's rent has been required by law since January 1, 1972, and April 1,1984, respectively.</div>
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Important! The law requires a landlord to hold a security deposit in a separate, interest-bearing account in a Massachusetts bank. (The landlord does not have to maintain a separate account for each deposit.) So within 30 days after receipt of the security deposit, the landlord must give you a receipt identifying the bank's name and address, the account number, and the amount of the deposit. If the landlord fails to comply, you are entitled to immediate return of your security deposit.</div>
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Statement of Condition: If a landlord or agent takes a security deposit, (s)he must give you a signed, separate written statement of the present condition of the premises. You must be given this statement when the landlord/agent receives the deposit or within 10 days after tenancy begins, whichever is later. The statement must contain a comprehensive list of existing damage including any certified violation of the State Sanitary Code or building code and a list of damages adjudicated by a court. If you do not agree with the contents of the statement, you must return a corrected copy to the landlord within 15 days after you receive the list or 15 days after you move in, whichever is later. If you do not return this list, a court may later view your failure to return the list as your agreement that the list is complete and correct in any suit that you may bring to recover your security deposit. If you do not submit a separate or corrected list of damages, the landlord must return it within 15 days of receipt with a clear written response of agreement or disagreement. This signed statement and the original condition statement are the basis upon which future deductions for damage will be made. If the landlord does not give you a Statement of Condition, you should write your own and send a copy to the landlord or agent.</div>
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Transfer of Security Deposit and Last Month's Rent: Upon sale or transfer of the building, the landlord must credit the last month's rent and security deposit with any accrued interest to the new landlord. The new landlord is required to notify you in writing that the last month's rent and/or security deposit was transferred to him within 45 days from the date of transfer. The notice must also contain the new landlord's (and agent's, if applicable) name, business address and telephone number. If the former landlord fails to transfer the pre-payments to the new landlord, s/he is still liable, but the new landlord shall also assume responsibility. If the tenant is still living in the apartment, the new landlord can satisfy his obligation by granting the tenant free rent for a period equivalent to the pre-payments made, typically one month's rent.</div>
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Damage Deduction from Security Deposits: The landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days after the termination of tenancy. However, the landlord can deduct only for the following:</div>
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* any unpaid rent which has not been withheld validly or deducted under the law;<br />* any unpaid increase in real estate taxes which the tenant was obligated to pay under a valid tax escalator clause;<br />* a reasonable amount necessary to repair any damage caused by the tenant, any person under his/her control or any person on the premises with his/her consent. Pet damage can also be deducted. The tenant does not have to pay for reasonable wear and tear associated with normal use. However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the apartment in a clean and sanitary condition ---free of garbage and rubbish.</div>
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If the premises are damaged, the landlord must provide the following within 30 days after the tenancy ends:</div>
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* a detailed list of damages listing their nature and extent, and the repairs required to remedy them. This list must be sworn to by the landlord or his agent under the pains and penalties of perjury;<br />* written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts, indicating the actual or estimated cost of these repairs.</div>
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The landlord cannot deduct for repairs for any damage listed in the Statement of Condition or acknowledged amendments, unless the landlord can prove that s/he repaired the original damage after notification, and that new damage was caused by the tenant. The landlord must return the balance of the security deposit (if any), after all proper deductions have been made.</div>
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IF THE LANDLORD FAILS . . .</div>
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* to pay interest on last month's rent within 30 days termination of tenancy;<br />* to deposit the security deposit in a bank account;<br />* to return the security deposit (or balance after lawful deductions) with accrued interest within 30 days after termination of tenancy; or<br />* to transfer the security deposit or last month's rent to the new landlord</div>
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. . . YOU ARE ENTITLED TO TRIPLE DAMAGES, PLUS COURT COSTS AND REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES.</div>
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IF THE LANDLORD . . .</div>
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* fails to furnish you with an itemized list of damages within 30 days after termination of tenancy if deductions are made for damages;<br />* fails to make the security deposit records available for inspection during office hours; or<br />* fails to provide, within 30 days of receipt of the deposit, another (see p. 6) receipt with name and location of bank and amount and account # of deposit;<br />* uses a lease which contains provisions conflicting with the security deposit law and attempts to enforce these provisions or attempts to get you to sign a waiver of rights</div>
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. . . YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE IMMEDIATE RETURN OF YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT. THE LANDLORD CANNOT KEEP YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING MAKING DEDUCTIONS FOR DAMAGE.</div>
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HABITABILITY RIGHTS</div>
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The tenant is entitled to a safe and habitable living environment. The State Sanitary Code protects the health, safety and well-being of tenants and the general public. The local Boards of Health enforce the Code.(Note: In Boston, it is the Housing Inspection Department.) Copies of the Code may be purchased from the State House Bookstore, State House, Room 116, Boston,MA 02133, (617) 727-2834.</div>
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The Code includes the following provisions:</div>
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* HEAT: The landlord must provide and maintain a heating system in good operating order. From September 16 to June 14, every room must be heated to a temperature of at least 68oF between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and at least 64oF between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. unless the tenant is required to supply the fuel under a written lease agreement. During the heating season, the maximum heat allowable in the apartment is 78oF.</div>
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* COCKROACHES AND RODENTS: The landlord of a dwelling of 2 units or more must maintain the unit free from rodents, cockroaches, and insect infestation, and must be responsible for extermination.</div>
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* KITCHENS: The landlord must provide within the kitchen a sink of sufficient size and capacity for washing dishes and kitchen utensils, a stove and oven in good repair (except when a written lease agreement requires the tenant to provide his/her own stove and oven), and space and proper facilities for the installation of a refrigerator. NOTE: The refrigerator does not have to be provided.</div>
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* HOT WATER: The landlord must provide and maintain facilities capable of heating and supplying hot water at a temperature between 110oF and 130oF in a quantity and pressure sufficient to satisfy the ordinary use of all plumbing fixtures. Exceptions are made when the occupant is required to provide fuel for the operation of the facilities under the written lease agreement.</div>
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* STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS: Every landlord must maintain the foundation, floors, walls, doors, windows, ceilings, roof, staircases, porches, chimneys, and other structural elements of the dwelling so that it excludes wind, rain, and snow; is rodent-proof, weather tight, watertight, and free from chronic dampness; in good repair, and in every way fit for its intended use.</div>
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* SNOW REMOVAL: Every exit used or intended for use by occupants of more than one dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be maintained free from obstruction .</div>
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* LEAD PAINT: If there are children under the age of six living in the dwelling, all lead paint must be removed.</div>
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Reporting Violations of the Code: If you feel conditions exist that may violate the Code, such as the ones listed above, follow these steps:</div>
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* Call your landlord and advise him/her of the problem and request repair. In addition, put your request in writing for the record. If the landlord's response is not satisfactory, continue with the following steps.</div>
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* Call your local health department and request an inspection. It is against the law for the landlord to retaliate by raising the rent or evicting the tenant for reporting violations to the authorities within six months of request (see pages 3 and 12).</div>
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* Prepare a list of suspected violations you wish investigated. If you want a comprehensive inspection, inform the inspector.</div>
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* Make sure the inspector writes down all the violations.</div>
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* Any violation (major or minor) may be determined to be CODE ONE, one endangering the health and well-being of the tenants, by the inspector. The inspector must provide the tenant with a copy of the report and must specify a time period for the landlord to correct the violations. If the landlord has not begun repairs or contracted for repairs within this specified period of time, s/he could be subject to fines or imprisonment.</div>
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Tenant's Remedies:</div>
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The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that when a landlord fails to maintain a dwelling in a habitable condition, a tenant may properly withhold a portion of the rent from the date the landlord has notice of this breach of the warranty of habitability(M.G.L., c. 239, $8A). Rent withholding can be a useful tool to force repairs, but it is a serious step and should be dealt with carefully. You may want to get some legal advice before proceeding with rent withholding since the landlord may try to evict you for non-payment of rent. You should first appeal to your landlord in writing to make the necessary repairs. You should next contact your local board of health to inspect your apartment for health code violations. You must be current in your rent up until the time of the problem and the unsanitary conditions should be such that do not require the apartment to be vacated. If violations still exist, you should write to your landlord informing him/her that you will be withholding rent and be sure to specify your reasoning for doing so. Deciding how much to withhold is individual to the situation of the tenant (e.g., the cost for loss of heat or other major inconvenience). You need only pay the fair rent for your unit given its defective condition.</div>
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Repair and deduct is another means by which a tenant may make emergency repairs in an apartment or common living areas and deduct up to four months future rent to pay for them if three conditions are met (M.G.L.,c. 111, s.127L):</div>
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* the local board of health or other code enforcement agency has certified the health code violations the apartment as Code One violations.</div>
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* the landlord receives written notice of the existing violations from the inspecting agency.</div>
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* the landlord is allowed five days from the date of notice to begin repairs him/herself or to contract for outside services and 14 days to substantially complete all necessary repairs. (Note: A landlord may have less than 14 days to complete the repairs if ordered by the court or the local code enforcement agency.)</div>
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If the tenant qualifies under "repair and deduct," the tenant may treat the lease or rental agreement as broken, and may move rather than undertake the necessary repairs. However, the tenant must pay the fair value for the period s/he occupied the apartment and vacate the apartment within a reasonable period of time.</div>
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Shutoff Rights: The landlord cannot cause the removal or shutoff of utilities except for a temporary period during repair or emergencies. In cases when a landlord's account is about to be shut off for non-payment, state law (M.G.L., c. 164, sec. 124D) and Department of Public Utilities regulations require utility companies to notify each affected tenant in writing at least 30 days prior to the scheduled termination. Tenants may also be asked to pay part of the overdue bill to the utility and deduct that payment from their rent. Tenants should contact the Department of Public Utilities at (617) 727-3531 or (800)392-6066 for more information.</div>
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TENANT'S RIGHTS</div>
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Right Against Unlawful Entry: (M.G.L., c. 186, sec. 15B) The landlord may enter the tenant's apartment under a right of entry clause by written agreement only for the following reasons:</div>
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* to inspect the premises<br />* to make repairs<br />* to show the apartment to a prospective tenant, purchaser, mortgagee or its agents<br />* in accordance with a court order<br />* if the premises appear to have been abandoned<br />* to inspect the premises within the last 30 days of the tenancy or to determine the amount of damage to be deducted from the security deposit after notice to terminate has been given.</div>
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The landlord should be "reasonable." S/He should attempt to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit the apartment. If the landlord persists in entering your apartment in an unreasonable fashion, you should file for a temporary restraining order at your local district court.</div>
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EVICTION</div>
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IF YOU ARE A TENANT WITH A LEASE, your landlord may attempt to evict you if:</div>
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* You have not been paying your rent (Non-Payment Eviction)<br />* You or people under your control have caused excessive damage to the apartment or you have violated terms of your lease (e.g., subletting or pets without permission) (Other Cause Eviction)</div>
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Your landlord must first send you a "Notice to Quit." The terms of your lease will dictate the notice required. Typically, if you are being evicted for non-payment of rent, you must receive a 14-day notice by law, and for other-cause eviction, notice as specified in the lease,typically a 7-day notice.</div>
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IF YOU ARE A TENANT-AT-WILL, your landlord is not required to give you any reason for termination of your tenancy, but there must be reason to evict. The fact that your landlord has terminated your tenancy-at-will, however, constitutes sufficient reason. The termination notice (see "Types of Tenancies") is the "Notice to Quit."</div>
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YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR APARTMENT AFTER THE 14 OR 7 DAYS. You may only be evicted from your apartment when a judge orders you evicted. If this is the first time in a 12-month period that you are being evicted for non-payment of rent, you may avoid eviction by paying up any rent owed within ten days of receipt of the notice. The notice of a tenant's rights to cure in a non-payment case must appear on the "Notice to Quit." If the notice does not appear, as it may not in the case of a tenant-at- will, the tenant has until the date the Answer is due to pay up back rent.</div>
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NOTE: Landlords of public housing and rent-control tenants must first go through the local housing authority and rent control board, respectively, before the landlord can proceed with the eviction. Public housing and rent control tenants have the right to a hearing in front of the appropriate board on their eviction.</div>
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You may be able to avoid the court eviction procedure altogether by using alternative mechanisms.</div>
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If all else fails and the landlord is bringing you to court, be prepared to defend yourself. If you do not show up, you will default and automatically lose any defense against eviction. Even if your landlord tells you s/he has decided not to pursue eviction, you should appear on the date specified to protect yourself. You may want to seriously consider getting some legal advice before going to court.</div>
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The Summons and Complaint: After the notice period (14 or 7 days) has passed, the landlord delivers to the tenant a Summary Process and Complaint. This officially informs the tenant that the landlord is taking legal action against the tenant. The complaint will state the date of the eviction hearing and the date on which the Answer must be filed.</div>
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Answer: The Answer is a written response from the tenant stating why s/he should not be evicted. The Answer also gives you the chance to make counterclaims against the landlord. Counterclaims may include, for example,health code violations, retaliation (see pages 3 & 9), harassment, security deposit violations, or improper eviction procedure. The Answer form is available at your local district court. It must be received by both the court and the landlord by the Monday before your court date. KEEP A COPY FOR YOURSELF.</div>
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The Appeal: The judgment is entered with the clerk of the court on the Friday after the trial. If you lose the case, you may appeal the decision and request a new hearing. If you choose to appeal, file a Notice of Appeal within 10 days after the date the judgment is entered. You will be required to pay an "appeal bond" which may be waived if you are not able to afford it. It is advisable to speak with an attorney at this point.</div>
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The Execution: The execution is the judge's eviction order. If the eviction is to take place, the court will give the landlord an execution paper ten days after the judgment is entered. The landlord cannot evict you without this paper. The execution may be served by a constable or sent by registered mail. At least 48 hours before the execution is to be served, you must be given written notice of the date and time when, if you have not already left, you and your possessions will be physically removed from the apartment. The execution is good for three months. This means that if your landlord chooses to allow you to stay in the apartment s/he can later use the execution at any time within the three months. However, if within the three months the landlord accepts payment of the amount won in the summary process action and your current rent, s/he cannot use the execution at any point and must return it to the court.</div>
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The Stay of Execution: If the eviction was not your fault or you cannot find a place to live, you may be able to convince the judge to grant you a stay of execution, allowing you to stay in your apartment for up to six months. Elderly or handicapped tenants can request a stay of up to one year. However, if you are being evicted for non-payment of rent, you have no clear legal basis to request a stay. In the case of a tenant whose damages (which may arise from counterclaims made by the tenant) are less than the amount owed to the landlord(e.g., back rent), the tenant has 7 days to pay the balance, with interest and court costs, and thus avoid eviction (M.G.L., c. 239, s. 8A)</div>
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The Eviction: When the date on the execution order arrives, you must move out. The landlord is not required to give you any further notice once the eviction order has been executed. It is best to move out your own furniture. If you do not, the sheriff or constable will forcibly move you out and place your possessions in storage.</div>
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You should make a list of the stored items and any identifying marks. Your furniture cannot be put on the street unless you give permission. Though not stated by law, usual practice holds that you will be responsible for the cost of storage after the first three months. Your former landlord may also sue you for the cost of eviction (e.g., 3 months storage, constable and moving fees). If you do not get your furniture out of storage within six months, the person storing it has the right to sell it. However, you do not have to pay back rent to get your furniture out.<br />-----<br />excerpted from material by Executive Office of Consumer Affairs Boston, Massachusetts 02108 (617) 727-7780</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5042841432743559080.post-69193075295756536782012-12-01T12:37:00.002-08:002012-12-01T12:37:40.969-08:00Can I Sue My Vehicle or Homeowner's Insurance Company if They Mistreat Me When I Make a Claim?<br />
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Your insurance policy is a contract. It is an agreement where you pay premiums in exchange for the insurance company's promise to pay when a covered "loss" happens. But, what do you do if a "loss" happens but the company refuses to pay all or part of what is owed?</div>
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In many states, there is law that requires insurance companies to act in "good faith" toward their policyholders. If they deny a claim that is due or owed, or act unreasonably or recklessly, you probably have a right to bring a suit. Obviously, this would be where: (1) you have an insurance policy, (2) an event happens where you have a loss claim.<br /><br />There are three main types of legal theories or "causes of action" to bring a lawsuit against your own insurance company: (1) breach of contract, (2) violation of a consumer protection law; and/or (3) violation of "bad faith" law.<br /><br />First, where the insurance company breaks a rule under the contact, such as not paying for a damage or loss that is covered, this can be a "breach of contact". They did not meet a term or terms in the contract.<br /><br />Second, many states have laws that protect consumers who have purchased products or services for family/household use. The purchase of an insurance policy is typically included. These consumer protection laws permit damages for not just the amounts that should have been paid under the policy but also attorney’s fees, costs and other incidentals. It is difficult to get these "extra" damages awarded. Usually it within the Judge's discretion as to whether to award those. The policyholder must prove that the insurance company's actions were unfair or deceptive.<br /><br />Third, most states also have laws that allow damages if your insurance company acted in "bad faith" when handling your claim. This usually requires a higher level of proof that breach of contract. Typically, you would need to prove that the insurance company had no good reason for what they did and acted in reckless disregard of the fact that it had no such good reason. In addition to the contract damages, it is within the Judge's discretion to award interest, attorney's fees and/or costs.<br /><br />The bottom line is you don't have to have to file legal action against your company. You paid your premiums. When a claim happens, you would prefer that the insurer simply pay what is supposed to be paid. But, when the insurance company does not pay what is owed, then you may need to file an action to recover.<br /><br />These types of cases can be pretty complicated. You should consider meeting with an experience lawyer who has handled these types of cases.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026752551668162836noreply@blogger.com0