Maine Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is a court’s official decision that resolves a dispute and establishes the rights and obligations of the parties involved. In Maine, these may arise from civil lawsuits, debt collection cases, property disputes, family law matters, or criminal restitution. They are legally enforceable once entered unless appealed or modified under a specific rule. It may result in liens, paying wage garnishments, or negative credit reporting.

What Is a Judgment in Maine?

In Maine, a judgment is defined as a decree and any order from which an appeal lies. TheMaine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 54, define what constitutes a judgment and how they are entered. It may direct one party to pay a specific amount, transfer real estate, or refrain from certain actions. Judgments carry the force of law and may be enforced by creditors, and legal remedies such as garnishments and liens may be used to recover debts.

A creditor who wins a debt collection lawsuit may obtain a money judgment requiring the other party to pay an amount. In family court, a judgment may establish child support or spousal support obligations. Regardless of the type of judgment, it may have a significant impact on finances and property ownership until terms are satisfied or expired.

Types of Judgments in Maine

Maine courts issue several types of judgments depending on the types of cases:

1. Money Judgments

Money judgments, which are the most common type of judgment, require a debtor to pay a specific amount to the creditor. These result from contract disputes, damages awarded in civil lawsuits, and unpaid debts.

2. Default Judgments

A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit or does not appear for a scheduled hearing. In this case, the plaintiff wins, and the judgment reflects the amount the defendant is required to pay.

3. Property or Lien Judgments

Creditors may secure repayment of loans by recording a judgment lien against a debtor’s property. In Maine, liens attach to real estate once recorded with the county Registry of Deeds. This restricts the sale of that property and prevents the owner from refinancing it until payments are satisfied.

4. Family Court Judgments

Family-related cases often result in judgments for child support, custody, and matrimonial compensation. Legal remedies are enforced, and failure to consent may lead to payment in wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, or property impoundment.

5. Criminal Restitution Judgments

Maine courts issue restitution judgments in some criminal cases. This requires that an offender pay their victims a certain amount for financial losses caused during a crime. These judgments have the same function as civil money judgments and remain enforceable until they are paid in full.

How to Search for Judgments in Maine

Judgments are considered public records in Maine and may be accessed through several methods:

1. Clerk of Court Offices - In each county, a District Court or Superior Court Clerk maintains judgment records. In-person searches are available, and certified copies may be obtained for a fee.
2. Maine eCourts System- Maine’s eCourts public portal allows electronic access to civil, family, and certain criminal case records, including judgments. A search may be conducted using the names of parties, a case number, or a filing date.
3. Third-Party Services - Certain commercial third-party websites are reliable and aggregate judgment records statewide. These sites offer less expensive options to obtain judgment records. Nonetheless, the interested persons may want to verify if the requested records are current before accessing them. Furthermore, the public may submit a record search request for official copies by mail to the judicial branch service center. Requesters may obtain up-to-date information on judgment records from their office.

Judgment records often contain the following information:

• Case number
• Names of the parties involved
• Court location
• The date the judgment was issued
• The judgment amount or type of relief granted

Judgment Records in Major Maine Counties

Although Maine has a small population compared with other states, it houses certain big counties that handle significant caseloads:

• Portland (Cumberland County): Judgment records finalized in the Cumberland County Superior Court are accessible through the Maine eCourts system portal and in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s office.
• Bangor (Penobscot County): Penobscot County judgments are available through the Maine eCourts public portal. In addition, the public may access records via the clerk’s office for certified copies.
• Augusta (Kennebec County): Kennebec County provides online access to judgments through the Maine eCourts public portal, with additional support available from the clerk of court.

Maine’s courts are centralized, and the Maine eCourts portal serves as the primary source for judgment searches. Although certified copies may be obtained at individual courthouses.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Maine?

In Maine, a civil judgment is valid and enforceable for 20 years from the date of entry, according to Title 14 §864 of the Revised Statutes. This makes Maine one of the states with the longest judgment lifespans. Furthermore, creditors may renew judgments before the end of the 20-year period to extend their enforceability.

During this enforceability period, creditors may use several methods to collect liens, wage garnishments, or levies (allowing creditors to seize funds from debtors’ bank accounts). For debtors, this means that unresolved judgments may create long-term financial consequences and prevent the sale of real properties if debts are unpaid.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Maine?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain legal enforcement rights. On the other hand, debtors face significant financial and legal consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may obtain a court order to garnish a portion of the debtor’s wages until the judgment is paid.
• Judgment Liens: A lien may be recorded against a debtor’s real property. This prevents the debtor from selling off or refinancing the property until debts are paid in full.
• Bank Levies: With a court approval, creditors may seize funds from a debtor’s bank account. A notice may be sent to the financial institution where the debtor has their money to freeze their account and transfer funds to the creditor.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments often appear on credit reports. This reduces scores and limits access to loans or housing.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: After a debtor repays a judgment, the creditor is required to file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court. This is done in an official manner and discharges the debtor from further obligation.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If the judgment was entered in an unfair way (such as in a default case without a proper notice), the debtor may appeal or file a Motion to Vacate. This provides a relief from the judgment, and the debtor is required to file this motion within a specific period.