Short answer. In Maine, small claims court covers claims up to $10,000. Where to file: The District Court where the events happened, or where the defendant resides or has its principal place of business (or its registered agent). The fee to start a case is $70.
Can I file my claim in Maine small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Maine limit of $10,000.
Need the other side served? Process serving with an affidavit of service.
Maine small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $10,000. A money judgment of $10,000 or less (as of January 1, 2026). You can't sue a city or town in small claims.
- Court
- Small claims, District Court
- Who can file
- Anyone, with a few exceptions (you can't sue a city or town). A corporation or other entity can be represented by an employee or principal who isn't a lawyer.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- The District Court where the events happened, or where the defendant resides or has its principal place of business (or its registered agent).
- Serving the other side
- Serve the defendant first; once service is confirmed, file the Statement of Claim and fee with the clerk within 20 days.
- Appeal
- Notice of appeal within 30 days, to the Superior Court. A plaintiff may appeal only on a question of law; a defendant on law or fact.
Maine filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| entry of a small claims action | $70 | Maine Judicial Branch fee schedule, A.O. JB-05-26 (A. 2-24), effective February 12, 2024 |
From the Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (A.O. JB-05-26). A fee waiver is available.
Want us to handle it?
A runner files your papers in person at the clerk's window and sends you a scan of the stamped copy. We file what you prepared; we don't give legal advice.
Price: Outside New Jersey it goes through our contractor network: quote-based, confirmed before any work starts, and booked once a local contractor accepts. In New Jersey it is from $75 per filing, court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.
Filing a small claim in Maine, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Maine limit is $10,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe District Court where the events happened, or where the defendant resides or has its principal place of business (or its registered agent).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Maine is $70, depending on the claim. From the Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (A.O. JB-05-26). A fee waiver is available. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedServe the defendant first; once service is confirmed, file the Statement of Claim and fee with the clerk within 20 days.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNotice of appeal within 30 days, to the Superior Court. A plaintiff may appeal only on a question of law; a defendant on law or fact.
Official Maine links
- Maine small claims self-help page
- Maine online filing
- Maine Judicial Branch: Court Fees Schedule, A.O. JB-05-26 (A. 2-24)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Maine pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Maine small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Maine?
$10,000. A money judgment of $10,000 or less (as of January 1, 2026). You can't sue a city or town in small claims.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Maine?
entry of a small claims action: $70 (Maine Judicial Branch fee schedule, A.O. JB-05-26 (A. 2-24), effective February 12, 2024). From the Maine Judicial Branch court fee schedule (A.O. JB-05-26). A fee waiver is available.
Can a lawyer represent me in Maine small claims?
Allowed in Maine, per the official page. Anyone, with a few exceptions (you can't sue a city or town). A corporation or other entity can be represented by an employee or principal who isn't a lawyer.
Where do I file a small claim in Maine?
The District Court where the events happened, or where the defendant resides or has its principal place of business (or its registered agent).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Maine?
Notice of appeal within 30 days, to the Superior Court. A plaintiff may appeal only on a question of law; a defendant on law or fact.
How is the other side served in a Maine small claims case?
Serve the defendant first; once service is confirmed, file the Statement of Claim and fee with the clerk within 20 days.
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