Make sure to get your agreement in writing! If something goes wrong, people who do not have written documents are often left without legal recourse. In court, you need documents to prove an agreement exists. If there’s a dispute (like who owns a car or house), just saying it isn’t enough. You need a document …
Rights and Risks Under the Missoula Camping Ordinace
The Missoula Camping Ordinance was created to address the increase in unsheltered individuals camping in public areas in Missoula County. In response to a high number of questions about the ordinance coming in, we put together an article to help folks understand the rights and risks under the ordinance. In the article you’ll find answers …
Did you know your landlord cannot legally shut off your heat?
Snow is beginning to fall and temps are dropping across the state, which means it is time to remind everyone about your utility shut off rights. Your landlord must maintain utilities like heat, running water, electricity, and gas. You have rights if your landlord shuts off your utilities. Learn about your options in our article …
What to do after you’ve been served.
Take a deep breath. Read all the papers. The papers will tell you what the case is about and what you need to do. The sooner you read the court papers, the faster you can take action. It is important that you do not wait because court cases have strict deadlines. Learn more in our …
Address Confidentiality
No, you can ask the court to keep your address private. In our article How to Keep Your Address Confidential on Order of Protection Forms, you can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about address confidentiality as well as links to resources to help you with safety planning. Need more help? MLSA provides free civil …
Did you know that it is illegal for debt collectors to abuse, harass, or lie to you?
A debt collector can contact you by phone, text, or email about a debt you don’t think you owe or can’t afford to pay. But there are certain actions that can be illegal for a debt collector to do. If a debt collector breaks the law, you might have a legal claim against them. Visit …
Fair Hearing Process: Administrative Reviews
An Administrative Review is the first step of the Fair Hearing Process. It is an informal phone call where you can talk to someone from the Office of Public Assistance (OPA) about your case before the Fair Hearing happens. It’s a chance for you to explain why you think there was a mistake with your …
Young Adult Resource
If you are at least 16, emancipation is a way for you to be treated like a legal adult before you turn 18. When you are emancipated, you are free to act on your own and your parents or guardian is no longer responsible to support you. If you are considering emancipation, it is important …
Tips for Representing Yourself in Court
Do you have questions about representing yourself in court? If you do not have an attorney, representing yourself in court is called “proceeding pro se” and you are called a “pro se litigant.” We have a resource answering the questions we hear most often from folks preparing to represent themselves. Learn how to plan for …
You can apply for the Montana Property Tax Rebate starting today, August 15!
The Montana Property Tax Rebate is a rebate of up to $675 a year of property taxes paid on your primary residence for the 2023 tax year. To qualify, you must have: -owned and lived in a Montana residence for at least seven months in 2023; -had property taxes, including special assessments and other fees, …