Maine Small Claims

Maine uses the small claims court as a method of settling minor legal issues without the time and cost that a full civil procedure would take. Knowing Maine's small claims system helps consumers, tenants, landlords, tradespeople, and small companies to recover money, enforce basic agreements, and successfully resolve disputes—often without the need for legal representation. In Maine, the District Court is responsible for small claims cases using shortened procedures and relaxed requirements.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Maine?

Small claims in Maine is a simple, fast, and informal process for individuals seeking money judgments of $6,000 or less due to civil disputes. Typical examples of such disputes include unpaid invoices or loans, disputes over contracts or workmanship, issues with residential security deposits, or minor property damage.

You would typically act as your own lawyer in such hearings. Companies and other legal entities may appear in small claims cases through a principal or employee, even if they are not lawyers. The trial's decisions are determined by a judge rather than a jury.

Small Claims Court Limits in Maine

The monetary cap for small claims is $6,000, but this does not include interest and costs. Beyond the financial limits, Maine does not consider cases involving title to real estate as small claims, and so, such cases are tried outside the court. Larger or more complex civil claims may be filed in the regular District Court or the Superior Court instead.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Maine

There are several steps that you should take when filing a small claims case in Maine, regardless of where in the state you file. These steps include:

1) Confirm venue: You can file in the District Court where the dispute happened. You may also file where the defendant resides or does their business, if it is more relevant. If the defendant is an entity, the case can be filed where its registered agent is located.

2) Complete the Statement of Claim (Form SC-001): This short document explains what happened and the relief you are requesting (money and, if appropriate, repair/return of goods). You can find a fill-and-print version of this form online or from any District Court clerk’s office.

3) Serve the defendant: Maine allows different ways of serving a complaint in small claims, including:

• Acknowledgment or acceptance by the defendant,
• Certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt, or
• Personal service by a sheriff, a deputy, or another court-authorized server.

If you arrange service, you must file the appropriate proof of service (signed acknowledgment, green card, or sheriff’s return) within 20 days after service. The clerk can arrange to serve the defendant in some circumstances (with an additional fee).

4) File and pay the filing fee: After you have proof that the defendant has been served, file the Statement of Claim with the clerk within 20 days and pay the fee. Current fees are published in Administrative Order JB-05-26 (the statewide fee schedule). If you cannot afford the payment, you can apply for a fee waiver.

5) Notice of hearing & mediation: The clerk would then mail a Notice of Small Claims Hearing to both you and the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing. On the hearing date, the court usually offers or requires mediation through the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (CADRES) before proceeding to trial.

6) eFiling:eFiling is available only for small-claims cases filed in the District Courts at Bangor, Lewiston, Rumford, Farmington, and South Paris. Individuals representing themselves in those courts may use the Guide & File interview to prepare and e-file forms; elsewhere, file on paper with the clerk.

Small Claims Court in Major Maine Cities (examples)

Small claims are filed with the District Court clerk serving your area. For practical access:

• Portland/Southern Maine: Use the Judicial Branch Find a Court locator for District Court contact details and filing counters.
• Bangor & Lewiston (eFiling available): You may e-file small claims via Guide & File. You may also file on paper.
• Augusta & Biddeford (paper filing): Follow the statewide small-claims guide and file at the local District Court clerk’s office.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Maine

Judges preside over the rather informal hearings. The person who filed the complaint makes their presentation first, then the defendant, if mediation is required. You are expected to bring well-organized documents, including repair estimates, contracts, bills, texts, emails, and any witnesses.

The judge may decide at the hearing, or they may take the case “under advisement” and issue a written ruling soon after. The winning side may seek a Disclosure Hearing and other enforcement measures under Title 14 if the judgment is not paid within 30 days.

Appeals: The side that the judgment doesn’t favor may submit a Notice of Appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of the judgment's entry. Plaintiffs can only appeal on legal issues (no jury).

The appeal progresses solely on the legal issues, but if the defendant wants to request a jury trial de novo, they must do so in the notice of appeal and provide an affidavit demonstrating a genuine factual dispute that can be tried by a jury. When the notification is submitted, the District Court clerk would require additional entry costs.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Maine

Maine court records are generally public unless they have been deemed to be confidential by law. These records typically contain a Registry of Actions (ROA) (events/docket), party names, and dispositions. You may, however, find it more difficult to access document images.

1. re:SearchMaine (official electronic access): Members of the public can register forfree and search public cases in courts where eFiling is available; you can view the ROA and any documents the court makes accessible under the electronic-records rules. While coverage currently depends on the county, the number of counties using the system is growing via Maine eCourts.
2. Judicial Branch “Court Records” page: This shows the case types that are confidential and directs the public to appropriate access points.
3. In-person requests: For certified copies or a case you cannot find online, visit or contact the District Court clerk where the case was filed. Use the Find a Court locator to get court addresses and phone numbers.

Note: Maine regularly adjusts online access to its courts as it implements eCourts. Always rely on the official clerk’s docket rather than any third-party sites if you are seeking accurate records.