Maine Small Claims Court (2026): Limit, Fees and How to File
How small claims court works in Maine: the dollar limit, filing fees, serving the other side, the hearing, appeals and collecting your money — each answer linked to the court rule or statute.
Quick answers for Maine
- Small claims limit
- $10,000, not counting interest and costs (effective January 1, 2026). Actions involving title to real estate are not small claims. 14 M.R.S. § 7482
- Filing fee
- $70 to file a small claims action (includes a $15 mediation fee). Optional service by the clerk costs $15 per party. A small claims disclosure (collection) hearing costs $30 per defendant. Fees can be waived by filing an Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067). Administrative Order JB-05-26 (A. 3-26), effective March 9, 2026
- Are lawyers allowed?
- Yes. Parties often represent themselves but may hire an attorney. A spouse, relative or friend who is not a party may not assist at the hearing. A Guide to Small Claims Cases (PUB-006, January 2026)
- Appeals
- Either party may appeal to the Superior Court in the same county within 30 days after the judgment is entered (extendable up to 30 more days for excusable neglect). A plaintiff may appeal only on questions of law; a defendant may appeal on questions of law or fact. The civil appeal fee is $175. Hearings are not recorded automatically, so a party who may appeal should ask the clerk at least 24 hours ahead to record the hearing. M.R.S.C.P. 11(a); A Guide to Small Claims Cases (PUB-006); A.O. JB-05-26
Court: Maine District Court (small claims). Last verified: 2026-10-24.
How to file a small claims case in Maine
- Try to settle the dispute; for a consumer dispute with a business, the Attorney General's free Consumer Mediation Service may help.
- Fill out the Statement of Claim (SC-001), naming the defendant correctly (for a business, check its registered agent).
- Serve the defendant first, by restricted-delivery certified mail, the sheriff, first-class mail with an acknowledgment, or through the clerk.
- Within 20 days after service, file the Statement of Claim, proof of service and the $70 filing fee (or a fee-waiver application) with the proper District Court.
- Watch for the clerk's mailed Notice of Hearing, which comes at least 10 days before the hearing.
- On the hearing day, be ready to meet with a CADRES mediator; if the case does not settle, a judge hears it without a jury.
- If you lose, you may appeal to Superior Court within 30 days (plaintiffs on questions of law only).
- If the judgment is not paid after the appeal period, request a disclosure hearing to get a payment order.
Can you use small claims court?
| Small claims limit | $10,000, not counting interest and costs (effective January 1, 2026). Actions involving title to real estate are not small claims. Raised from $6,000 by PL 2025, c. 261. Small claims also may not be used for a personal injury case against a city or town or to collect a consumer debt under Title 32, Chapter 109-A (Judicial Branch guide). Source: 14 M.R.S. § 7482 |
|---|---|
| Who can file | Anyone may bring or defend a small claims case, with a few exceptions (for example, a city or town cannot be sued in small claims). A parent or legal guardian may represent a child under 18. An employee, board member, officer or member may represent a corporation or other entity without being a lawyer. |
| Are lawyers allowed? | Yes. Parties often represent themselves but may hire an attorney. A spouse, relative or friend who is not a party may not assist at the hearing. |
Filing your case
| Where to file | In the District Court where the events giving rise to the case happened, or where the defendant lives or has its principal place of business; for a business entity, also where its registered agent is located. |
|---|---|
| Official forms | Start a Maine small claims case (money judgments of $10,000 or less as of January 1, 2026) with the Statement of Claim (SC-001), downloadable from the Judicial Branch Forms page or free from any District Court clerk's office. After serving the defendant, file the Statement with the clerk within 20 days and pay the filing fee. Electronic filing is being rolled out by judicial region; where available, self-represented filers can use the Maine Courts Guide & File interview (choose "Small Claims") to complete and eFile the forms. |
| Filing fee | $70 to file a small claims action (includes a $15 mediation fee). Optional service by the clerk costs $15 per party. A small claims disclosure (collection) hearing costs $30 per defendant. Fees can be waived by filing an Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067). Fee-waiver form described in the Judicial Branch guide: https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/sc-guide-2026.pdf |
| Filing online | eFiling is being implemented by judicial region. Where available, self-represented filers can complete and eFile small claims forms through the Guide & File interview. |
| Serving the defendant | In Maine the plaintiff serves the Statement of Claim before filing it. Service may be by restricted-delivery certified mail, return receipt requested; by the sheriff in the defendant's county (each sheriff sets its own fee); by first-class mail with an acknowledgment form the defendant must sign and return within 20 days; or, for plaintiffs filing fewer than three cases a month, by the clerk (form SC-006, fee per defendant). Within 20 days after service, the plaintiff files the Statement of Claim, proof of service and the filing fee. Service costs may be awarded to a winning plaintiff. Rules: https://www.courts.maine.gov/rules/text/mr_small_claims_p_2007-6.pdf |
Before and at the hearing
| When the hearing happens | The clerk mails a notice of the hearing date to both parties at least 10 days before the hearing. Source: M.R.S.C.P. 4(f)-(g) |
|---|---|
| Does the defendant file an answer? | No written answer is required. The defendant may file one at any time up to the hearing; if none is filed, all facts in the claim are treated as denied and defenses may be raised at the hearing. A defendant who does not appear will likely lose by default. |
| Mediation | Yes. At the time of hearing the court may require the parties to try mediation with a Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (CADRES) mediator; the mediation fee is included in the filing fee. An approved mediated settlement has the effect of a judgment and cannot be appealed. The Attorney General's Consumer Mediation Service is a free option before suit for consumer disputes with businesses. |
| Jury trial | No. A judge decides small claims cases without a jury. A defendant who appeals on questions of fact may request a jury trial in Superior Court, for a fee. |
| Interpreters | Parties who need an interpreter may request one at the clerk's office in any District Court; all Maine courts have telephone interpreters available at the clerk's office. Request an interpreter or accommodation for the hearing in advance. Translated court forms are available. Language services: https://www.courts.maine.gov/programs/lep/index.html |
After the decision
| Appeals | Either party may appeal to the Superior Court in the same county within 30 days after the judgment is entered (extendable up to 30 more days for excusable neglect). A plaintiff may appeal only on questions of law; a defendant may appeal on questions of law or fact. The civil appeal fee is $175. Hearings are not recorded automatically, so a party who may appeal should ask the clerk at least 24 hours ahead to record the hearing. Appeal fee: https://www.courts.maine.gov/adminorders/jb-05-26.pdf |
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| Collecting your judgment | If the judgment is not paid, the creditor can request a disclosure hearing (SC-003 or SC-004) where the debtor must testify about income and assets. The judge may order payment in full or installment payments, a lien on non-exempt property, or turnover of a specific item. If the debtor fails to appear, the creditor may request a civil order of arrest, which brings the debtor to court. |
Deadline to sue
6 years for civil actions generally, including suits for unpaid rent or damages under a written or oral lease. 20 years only for contracts under seal (or promissory notes signed with an attesting witness). 14 M.R.S. § 752; 14 M.R.S. § 751
Official forms and help
Suing a landlord or tenant in Maine
The Judicial Branch lists a former landlord's unjustified refusal to return a security deposit and a former tenant's refusal to pay for damage to the rental as typical small claims cases, up to $10,000.
- Maine security deposit demand letter (send before you sue)
- Maine security deposit law
- Tenant lawyers and free legal aid in Maine
Maine small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Maine?
$10,000, not counting interest and costs (effective January 1, 2026). Actions involving title to real estate are not small claims.
Who can file a small claims case in Maine?
Anyone may bring or defend a small claims case, with a few exceptions (for example, a city or town cannot be sued in small claims). A parent or legal guardian may represent a child under 18. An employee, board member, officer or member may represent a corporation or other entity without being a lawyer.
Can you bring a lawyer to small claims court in Maine?
Yes. Parties often represent themselves but may hire an attorney. A spouse, relative or friend who is not a party may not assist at the hearing.
Where do I file a small claims case in Maine?
In the District Court where the events giving rise to the case happened, or where the defendant lives or has its principal place of business; for a business entity, also where its registered agent is located.
How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Maine?
$70 to file a small claims action (includes a $15 mediation fee). Optional service by the clerk costs $15 per party. A small claims disclosure (collection) hearing costs $30 per defendant. Fees can be waived by filing an Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067).
How do I serve the other side in a Maine small claims case?
In Maine the plaintiff serves the Statement of Claim before filing it. Service may be by restricted-delivery certified mail, return receipt requested; by the sheriff in the defendant's county (each sheriff sets its own fee); by first-class mail with an acknowledgment form the defendant must sign and return within 20 days; or, for plaintiffs filing fewer than three cases a month, by the clerk (form SC-006, fee per defendant). Within 20 days after service, the plaintiff files the Statement of Claim, proof of service and the filing fee. Service costs may be awarded to a winning plaintiff.
How long does a small claims case take in Maine?
The clerk mails a notice of the hearing date to both parties at least 10 days before the hearing.
Does a defendant have to file an answer in Maine small claims court?
No written answer is required. The defendant may file one at any time up to the hearing; if none is filed, all facts in the claim are treated as denied and defenses may be raised at the hearing. A defendant who does not appear will likely lose by default.
Is there a jury in Maine small claims court?
No. A judge decides small claims cases without a jury. A defendant who appeals on questions of fact may request a jury trial in Superior Court, for a fee.
Can you appeal a small claims decision in Maine?
Either party may appeal to the Superior Court in the same county within 30 days after the judgment is entered (extendable up to 30 more days for excusable neglect). A plaintiff may appeal only on questions of law; a defendant may appeal on questions of law or fact. The civil appeal fee is $175. Hearings are not recorded automatically, so a party who may appeal should ask the clerk at least 24 hours ahead to record the hearing.
How do I collect a small claims judgment in Maine?
If the judgment is not paid, the creditor can request a disclosure hearing (SC-003 or SC-004) where the debtor must testify about income and assets. The judge may order payment in full or installment payments, a lien on non-exempt property, or turnover of a specific item. If the debtor fails to appear, the creditor may request a civil order of arrest, which brings the debtor to court.
Is mediation required in Maine small claims court?
Yes. At the time of hearing the court may require the parties to try mediation with a Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (CADRES) mediator; the mediation fee is included in the filing fee. An approved mediated settlement has the effect of a judgment and cannot be appealed. The Attorney General's Consumer Mediation Service is a free option before suit for consumer disputes with businesses.
Can I file a small claims case online in Maine?
eFiling is being implemented by judicial region. Where available, self-represented filers can complete and eFile small claims forms through the Guide & File interview.
Can I get an interpreter in Maine small claims court?
Parties who need an interpreter may request one at the clerk's office in any District Court; all Maine courts have telephone interpreters available at the clerk's office. Request an interpreter or accommodation for the hearing in advance. Translated court forms are available.
Where can I get small claims court forms in Maine?
Start a Maine small claims case (money judgments of $10,000 or less as of January 1, 2026) with the Statement of Claim (SC-001), downloadable from the Judicial Branch Forms page or free from any District Court clerk's office. After serving the defendant, file the Statement with the clerk within 20 days and pay the filing fee. Electronic filing is being rolled out by judicial region; where available, self-represented filers can use the Maine Courts Guide & File interview (choose "Small Claims") to complete and eFile the forms.
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