Maine Small Claims Playbook: Filing, Service, Hearing and Collecting
Quick answer: Maine small claims are a session of the District Court, for money claims up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs. Filing costs $70, which includes mediation. Lawyers are allowed but not required. Ask the clerk how long you have to appeal. Check your court's rules.
How small claims works in Maine
Maine small claims is a session of the District Court for money claims up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs. One set of rules, one fee schedule and one set of forms apply in every District Court. Filing costs $70, which includes mediation.
Checked October 2026. Sources: Maine Judicial Branch small claims help; A Guide to Small Claims Cases (PDF, January 2026); fee order JB-05-26 (PDF). More under Official links below.
What is the small claims limit in Maine?
$10,000, not counting interest and costs (14 M.R.S. § 7482). Besides money, the judge can order the other side to return, reform, refund, repair or rescind (14 M.R.S. § 7481).
- Reducing your claim to fit is final. If you cut an $11,000 claim to $10,000, you can't sue later for the other $1,000 (14 M.R.S. § 7485).
- Several claims can be combined only if the total stays within the limit.
What can't go to small claims in Maine?
- Cases about title to real estate (14 M.R.S. § 7482).
- Debt collection cases: see the FAQ below.
- Claims against a city or town have special rules; check your court's rules.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Maine?
$70 to file, which includes mediation. The clerk offers optional service for $15 (JB-05-26).
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing a small claims case (includes mediation) | $70.00 |
| Optional service by the clerk | $15.00 |
| Disclosure (collection) hearing, per defendant | $30.00 |
| Optional clerk service of a disclosure, per party | $20.00 |
| Appeal and jury fees | Confirm with the clerk |
| Sheriff service, postage, transcripts | Extra; check your court's rules |
Fees come from Administrative Order JB-05-26, effective March 9, 2026. If you can't afford the fee, use the Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067). If you win, the court usually awards your filing and service costs.
Where do I file a small claim in Maine?
The District Court for the area where the transaction happened, where the defendant lives or has a place of business, or, for a corporation or partnership, where its registered agent is (14 M.R.S. § 7483). Use the court's "Find a Court by City/Town" tool. If unsure, check your court's rules.
Do I need a lawyer, and can a business sue in Maine?
Yes. A business, including an LLC, can sue. An officer or authorized employee of a corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship, or a member, manager or authorized employee of an LLC, may appear for it without a lawyer (4 M.R.S. § 807(3)(C)(1)). Lawyers are allowed but not required.
- Lawyers are allowed but not required, for either side.
- A corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or government entity can be represented by an officer or authorized employee who isn't a lawyer, and an LLC by a member, manager or authorized employee (4 M.R.S. § 807(3)(C)(1)).
- A parent or guardian can represent a child under 18. A friend or spouse who isn't a party can't help you at the hearing.
- Businesses use the same court, limit, fee and form. A filer with 3 or more small claims in a calendar month statewide must arrange service itself.
- If you bought the debt you're suing on, list the original creditor's name and address.
- Suing a business? Check its legal name and registered agent with the Bureau of Corporations. Sue a sole proprietor in the owner's own name.
Small claims court by Maine county
In every Maine county, you file at the District Court that covers the town; use "Find a Court by City/Town". Court addresses are from the District Court directory. The ten largest counties, largest first (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 estimates):
- Cumberland County — Portland District Court, 205 Newbury St, Portland, (207) 822-4200; Bridgton District Court, 3 Chase St, Suite 2, Bridgton, (207) 647-3535
- York County — Biddeford District Court, 515 Elm St, Biddeford, (207) 283-6000
- Penobscot County — Bangor District Court (Penobscot Judicial Center), 78 Exchange St, Bangor, (207) 561-2300; Lincoln District Court, 52 Main St, Lincoln, (207) 794-8512; Millinocket District Court, 207 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, (207) 723-4786
- Kennebec County — Augusta District Court, 1 Court St, Suite 101, Augusta, (207) 213-2800; Waterville District Court, 18 Colby St, Waterville, (207) 873-2103
- Androscoggin County — Lewiston District Court, 71 Lisbon St, Lewiston, (207) 795-4800
- Aroostook County
- Oxford County
- Hancock County
- Somerset County
- Knox County
Maine small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Maine?
$10,000, not counting interest and costs (14 M.R.S. § 7482). If you reduce your claim to fit, you can't sue later for the rest.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Maine?
$70 to file, which includes mediation. The clerk offers optional service for $15 (JB-05-26).
Where do I file a small claim in Maine?
The District Court for the area where the transaction happened, where the defendant lives or has a place of business, or, for a corporation or partnership, where its registered agent is.
Do I serve before I file in Maine?
Ask the clerk about the order of service and filing, and the deadlines.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Maine?
No, but lawyers are allowed. A business may be represented by an officer or employee who isn't a lawyer.
Can a debt collector use Maine small claims?
The Statement of Claim (SC-001) asks you to affirm that your case is not a debt collection action under Title 32. If that may apply to you, ask the clerk.
How long do I have to appeal in Maine small claims?
Ask the clerk how long you have to appeal and what it costs.
Official links
- Maine Judicial Branch: Small Claims
- Maine court forms
- Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure (PDF)
Start here: Ready to sue · Just got sued · Small claims court basics
Related guides: How to serve small claims papers · Hearing day: what to say · You won: how to get paid · Ready to sue · Just got sued · Small claims court basics · 10 things to do before you sue · How to save text messages as evidence · Sued in small claims? What to do next
Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).
What's in the Maine Playbook section
- How to file in Maine: the basic steps
- How much should I ask for in Maine small claims?
- Where to file in Maine
- Maine small claims forms and fees
- Serving the defendant: options and fees
- How to file a small claim in Maine, step by step (made-up example)
- Maine small claims checklist
- Maine small claims timeline and deadlines
- What to expect at your Maine small claims hearing
- Appeals in Maine small claims
- Collecting after you win in Maine
Want the whole game plan for Maine? The Maine Playbook takes you from filing to hearing day: what to gather, how to label your exhibits, a one-page timeline, and a day-of plan for your hearing. One yearly membership covers every state guide. See the Playbook
Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.
Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.