What If Maine Law Is Violated?
This office cannot possibly prosecute all violations of Maine law. As a matter of policy, we must confine our activities to those cases where large numbers of consumers are being harmed by fraudulent or deceptive practices. If your complaint is one of several similar complaints against a company and Maine law is being violated, we may decide to file suit against the company. In that situation, your complaint will be part of the State's case against the company.
If we sue, we will not be acting as your private attorney but instead we will be acting on behalf of all Maine consumers. The relief we ask that court to grant, however, may include a request that you get your money back or the product you purchased, replaced or repaired.
Other Maine Alternative Dispute Resolution FAQs
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Q:
What Is Complaint Mediation?
A: Complaint mediation is a way to settle disputes where the two parties to the dispute work through a third person to solve their problem. It is a simple and informal … More -
Q:
How Does Consumer Mediation Service Work?
A: Your complaint is reviewed to determine if it can be mediated. If it appears that it can be, a copy of your written complaint is then forwarded to the business for its … More -
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How Do I Start The Mediation Process?
A: To start the mediation process, fill out a Consumer Complaint Petition, available from the Consumer Protection Division. Fill out the form completely and legibly. … More -
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How Long Does It Take?
A: An average complaint takes five to six weeks to work its way through the system. Some will take longer. Please be patient! The mediator assigned to your case is a … More -
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New Information, Settlement, Etc.
A: If you receive any additional information after sending in your complaint that we should know about, please send it to us in writing. Likewise, should you settle the … More -
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What Complaints Are Not Mediated?
A: We do not mediate disputes between private parties (i.e., where neither party is a business), business versus business disputes, disputes outside of our jurisdiction … More -
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Does Mediation Work?
A: We cannot guarantee mediation will work or that you will receive everything you want. But we do believe mediation often works, and works well. If our mediation efforts … More -
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What If Mediation Doesnt Work?
A: If our attempts at mediating your complaint have been unsuccessful and there is nothing more we can do, there are still several things you can do for yourself. For … More -
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Do I Have To Have Mediation?
A: Mediation is a voluntary process; the parties must agree in writing that their dispute will be conducted under the applicable mediation rules of the AAA. This may be … More -
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How Is A Mediator Chosen?
A: Upon receipt of the Request for Mediation or the Submission to Dispute Resolution, the AAA will appoint a qualified mediator to serve on the case. The parties will be … More
Alternative Dispute Resolution Sub-categories
| Arbitration | Mediation |
How To Prepare to Meet With Your Lawyer
How To Prepare to Meet With Your Lawyer
What is Mandatory Settlement Conference?
Alternative Dispute Resolution