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, …
National Health Center Week
This week is National Health Center Week (NHCW)! NHCW gives us a chance to recognize the dedication of Community Health Center teams. Did you know MLSA works with Community Health Centers in Montana to offer free legal help? Since 2015, MLSA’s Montana Health Justice Partnership (MHJP) has connected low-income patients facing health-harming legal problems with …
How to Serve Divorce Papers in Montana
Do you know how to serve divorce papers? To start a court case for divorce, you file a Petition and a Summons with the court. Then you have to serve your spouse with the Petition and Summons. One of the questions we frequently get is “but how do I serve my divorce papers?” To answer …
I Have Mold in My Rental Unit
Frequently Asked Question: I have mold in my home and my landlord isn’t fixing it. What can I do? Answer: You have rights. Your landlord must make repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the rental in a fit and habitable condition. If your landlord does not make necessary repairs, you have …
Do you know how to protect your security deposit?
When you move out, it’s a good idea to clean the unit, keep a copy of the condition report, and give your landlord your new address. There are steps you can take if your landlord refuses to return your security deposit. The first step is to send your landlord a letter asking for your deposit …
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Do you know the warning signs of elder abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation? -Being without necessary food or medical care. -Being prevented from seeing friends or family. -Feeling concerned about something you were convinced to purchase that you do not really need or want. -Feeling uneasy about how someone handles your money. -Feeling uncomfortable about how …
Free Fishing
Father’s Day is coming up, which means free fishing! By Montana law, each year on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends any person (resident or nonresident) may fish within the state without a fishing license. You can find the 2024 Montana Fishing Regulations online or at a local sporting goods store. Montana Legal Services Association …
Natural Disasters
You have rights and options. The Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center put together a list of the resources available to those who have been affected by a natural disaster. The topics include disability rights, disaster benefits and assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, tax relief, and more. Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides legal tips to help …