Maine Small Claims Court: $10,000 Limit, Fees and How to File

Maine's small claims limit is $10,000, not counting interest and costs. The limit rose from $6,000 on January 1, 2026, when an amendment to 14 M.R.S. § 7482 (P.L. 2025, c. 261) took effect, and small claims cases are heard in the Maine District Court.

Small claims in Maine is designed to be "a simple, speedy and informal court procedure" (14 M.R.S. § 7481). You serve the defendant yourself before you file, the formal rules of evidence do not apply, and the judge may offer a mediator on the hearing day. This guide follows a Maine small claims case in the order you will live it. For other states, see our guide to small claims court by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-07. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers small claims in the Maine District Court under 14 M.R.S. §§ 7481 to 7487 and the Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure. It does not cover evictions, claims involving title to real estate, regular civil cases in District or Superior Court, or small claims in other states.

Maine small claims limit: $10,000 since January 1, 2026

Under 14 M.R.S. § 7482, as amended effective January 1, 2026, a "small claim" is a claim in which "the debt or damage does not exceed $10,000 exclusive of interest and costs. It does not include an action involving the title to real estate." Before that date the limit was $6,000.

The same $10,000 ceiling applies to every plaintiff; § 7482 sets no separate cap for businesses. The Maine Judicial Branch's small claims page and its January 2026 Guide to Small Claims Cases both state the $10,000 figure. An older November 2024 version of the guide still says $6,000, so if you come across that copy, rely on the current statute instead. The statute also directs the Legislature's Judiciary Committee to review the limit every four years; no further change is scheduled.

Small claims is optional. Section 7481 calls it "an alternative, not an exclusive, proceeding," so you can bring the same claim as a regular civil case instead.

Can you split a claim or waive the excess?

You can combine several separate small claims against the same defendant in one statement of claim, as long as the total, not counting interest and costs, stays within the limit (Small Claims Rule 3(d)).

Cutting a bigger claim down to fit carries a real cost. Under 14 M.R.S. § 7485, "If a plaintiff has reduced the amount of a claim or contract to meet the jurisdictional limits of this chapter, the judgment obtained is res judicata as to the full amount of the debt or contract in controversy." In plain terms, the amount you give up is gone for good. The court's guide puts it this way: if you win, "you will be barred from filing another case for any additional amount based on the same facts."

Every claim also has a filing deadline. Our Maine statute of limitations guide explains how long you have for different kinds of claims.

What you can sue for, and who can file

Small claims covers money claims of up to $10,000, such as an unpaid loan, a contractor who took a deposit and walked off, property damage, or a security deposit a landlord kept. For the deposit rules a Maine landlord must follow, see our Maine landlord-tenant laws guide.

The court can also grant limited non-money relief. Under 14 M.R.S. § 7481 and Small Claims Rule 8(a), equitable relief in a small claims case is limited to orders to return, reform, refund, repair or rescind, so broader orders such as an injunction are not available.

Some cases do not belong in small claims:

• Title to real estate. Section 7482 excludes any action involving title to real estate.
• Cities and towns. The Judicial Branch's small claims page says, "For example, you cannot sue a city or town in small claims court." The court's guide words the limit more narrowly, as a personal injury case against a city or town. If your claim is against a municipality, ask the clerk before you file.
• Consumer debt collection by debt collectors and debt buyers. The guide says small claims is not for an action to collect a consumer debt under 32 M.R.S. chapter 109-A.

A minor can bring a claim through a parent or guardian.

Filing fees

The Judicial Branch fee schedule (Administrative Order JB-05-26, as amended effective March 9, 2026) sets these small claims fees:

Sheriff service fees are not on that schedule. Each county sheriff sets its own, and a winning plaintiff can recover them as a cost.

Fee waiver. If you cannot afford the fees, Small Claims Rule 2(b) lets a plaintiff apply to proceed without paying filing and service fees. The court's forms are the Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067) and the Financial Affidavit (CV-191). If the court finds you lack sufficient funds, it orders the fees waived.

Do you need a lawyer?

No, but you may use one. Small Claims Rule 16 says, "A party may be represented by an attorney in a small claims action." Either side can also represent itself.

Businesses and governments. Under Rule 16(b), a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or governmental entity may be represented by an officer or employee. The court's guide also lists a board member or member.

Family and friends. A parent or guardian may represent a minor. A spouse, family member or friend who is not a party cannot help you at the hearing, including by sitting with you at the counsel table.

Interpreters. The guide says interpreters are available by phone at any District Court clerk's office.

Where to file

Under 14 M.R.S. § 7483, "A small claim shall be brought in the division of the District Court where the transaction occurred, where the defendant resides, where the defendant has a place of business or, if the defendant is a corporation or partnership, where its registered agent resides."

Your own address is not on that list. You file where the transaction happened or where the defendant lives, does business or has its registered agent.

Serve the defendant first, then file

Maine reverses the usual order. You serve the defendant first. Then, in the guide's words, "Within 20 days after service is completed, the plaintiff must mail or deliver to the appropriate District Court" the original Statement of Claim, proof of service and the filing fee.

The court's guide lists these service methods:

• Restricted-delivery certified mail, return receipt requested. If the receipt is not signed and returned after about three weeks, service has failed and you should use the sheriff.
• Sheriff in the county where the defendant lives or has a principal place of business.
• Service by the clerk by first-class mail, for plaintiffs who file fewer than 3 small claims a month, using the SC-006 affidavit.
• First-class mail with two acknowledgment forms (SC-005). The defendant must sign and return the acknowledgment within 20 days, or you need another method.
• Alternate service under Maine Rule of Civil Procedure 4(g), only on motion.

Once the case is filed, the clerk mails a notice of hearing at least 10 days before the hearing (Small Claims Rule 4(g)).

Mediation and pre-filing steps

The court sources we reviewed do not require a demand letter before you file. Writing to the other side first is still a reasonable way to show the judge you tried to resolve the dispute.

Mediation is not required before filing either. On the hearing day, the judge may ask the parties to try mediation with a CADRES mediator at no extra charge; the $15 mediation fee is already part of the filing fee. For consumer disputes, the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Mediation Service is a separate free option. A mediated settlement approved by the court has the effect of a judgment, but it cannot be appealed.

If you are the defendant

You do not have to file a written answer. Small Claims Rule 3(b) says, "The defendant is not required to file a responsive pleading but may file such a pleading at any time up to the time of hearing."

You do have to show up. If the defendant does not appear, the court may enter a default judgment after reviewing the claim (Rule 8(b)).

Your own claim against the plaintiff. The small claims rules do not set out a counterclaim procedure. The court's guide tells a defendant with a claim of its own to file a separate small claims case and ask the clerk to schedule both cases for the same hearing date.

No jury in small claims. A defendant who loses may appeal and ask for a jury trial in Superior Court (see the appeals section below).

Relief from a default judgment. Under Small Claims Rule 9, the court may relieve a party from a judgment on a written request showing good cause, applying Maine Rule of Civil Procedure 60. Rule 60(b) requires the request within a reasonable time, and no more than one year after the judgment when it rests on mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence or fraud; filing it does not stop the judgment from being enforced, so act quickly.

Military defendants. Federal law adds a step before a default judgment. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, when a defendant does not appear, the court must require the plaintiff to file an affidavit stating whether the defendant is in military service before entering judgment (50 U.S.C. § 3931(b)(1)).

Debt collection suits. A debt collector suing a consumer may sue only where the consumer signed the contract or lives when the case starts (15 U.S.C. § 1692i(a)(2)).

The hearing

A District Court judge hears the case without a jury. Under Small Claims Rule 6(b), the rules of evidence, other than privileges, do not apply, though the court may exclude evidence that is irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious. Bring your contract, receipts, photos, messages and any witnesses.

Practical points from the rules and the court's guide:

• Ask for a recording if you might appeal. Hearings are not recorded by default. The guide says to request a recording at least 24 hours ahead; Rule 6(a) also allows a request at the hearing. A recording is required when an interpreter is used.
• Witnesses. You can subpoena a witness, but you must serve the subpoena and pay the witness fee. A witness may also give an affidavit.
• Same-day mediation. Many courts hold mediation and the hearing on the same day.
• Payment plans. If both parties are present, the court may order the judgment paid in installments (Rule 8(a)).

Appeals go to the Superior Court

Either side can appeal, but not on the same terms (Small Claims Rule 11):

A defendant who wants a jury trial must demand it in writing on the notice of appeal, briefly state the grounds, and file with the notice an affidavit setting out specific facts showing a genuine issue of material fact; without the demand and affidavit, the jury right is waived and the Superior Court decides the appeal as it does a plaintiff's appeal (Small Claims Rule 11(d)(2)).

Deadline. Rule 11 provides that "the time within which an appeal may be taken shall be 30 days from the entry of the judgment appealed from." The court may extend it by up to 30 more days for excusable neglect, and a cross-appeal is due within 14 days of the first notice of appeal. The form is SC-007, Notice of Small Claims Appeal.

Cost. The Judicial Branch fee schedule lists $175 for a civil appeal to the Superior Court and has no separate line for small claims appeals, so confirm the amount with the clerk. Transcript and jury fees are extra, and the fee is non-refundable.

Collecting a Maine small claims judgment

Winning a judgment does not guarantee payment, and the court does not collect the money for you. Collection steps begin after the 30-day appeal period. According to the court's guide, post-judgment interest may be added if the judgment is not paid or appealed within 30 days.

The main tools, described in the court's guide:

• Disclosure hearing. You can request a hearing at which the debtor must disclose income and assets (forms SC-003 and SC-004; $30 per defendant). You may request one every six months.
• Income withholding. The court can order the debtor's employer to withhold part of the debtor's pay and deliver it to you (the employer answers on form MJ-007).
• Liens. The judge may order a lien on the debtor's non-exempt personal or real property.
• Contempt and civil arrest. If the debtor does not show up for a disclosure hearing, the court can issue a civil order of arrest.

Interest. Under 14 M.R.S. § 1602-C, post-judgment interest is the one-year U.S. Treasury bill rate for the last full week of the prior calendar year plus 6 percent, or the contract rate if the contract sets a higher one. Interest runs from entry of judgment, including during an appeal. We did not look up the current numeric rate; ask the clerk.

How long a judgment lasts. A Maine judgment may be enforced for up to 20 years and is presumed paid after 20 years (14 M.R.S. § 864).

Exemptions. Maine law protects some of a debtor's property and wages from collection (14 M.R.S. § 4422 and § 3126-A). Our Maine debt collection laws guide covers those protections. Federal benefits are protected too: Social Security benefits are not subject to "execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process" (42 U.S.C. § 407(a)), and VA benefits are exempt from creditors' claims (38 U.S.C. § 5301(a)(1)).

The Judicial Branch's brochure Collecting Money from a Court Judgment explains the process in more detail.

Claims against the federal government

A claim against a federal agency, or a federal employee acting on the job, is not a Maine small claims case. The claim must first be presented to the agency, and a lawsuit can follow only after the agency finally denies it in writing (28 U.S.C. § 2675(a)). The written claim is due within two years (28 U.S.C. § 2401(b)), and federal district courts have exclusive jurisdiction over these tort claims (28 U.S.C. § 1346(b)(1)).

Official forms and resources

• Small Claims, Maine Judicial Branch (overview and forms)
• A Guide to Small Claims Cases, January 2026 (the court's step-by-step guide)
• Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure
• Judicial Branch fee schedule, JB-05-26
• 14 M.R.S. § 7482 (the $10,000 limit)

Related

• Small claims court by state
• Maine statute of limitations
• Maine landlord-tenant laws
• Maine debt collection laws
• New Hampshire small claims court

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about small claims in Maine under 14 M.R.S. §§ 7481 to 7487, the Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure and the other Maine and federal laws cited above, verified on 2026-10-07. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For help with your situation, contact the Maine Judicial Branch's self-help resources, a legal aid office, or a lawyer licensed in Maine.

Last updated: 2026-10-07.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Maine?

$10,000, not counting interest and costs, since January 1, 2026 (14 M.R.S. § 7482). The limit was $6,000 before that date.

Can I sue for more than $10,000 in Maine small claims court?

No. You can reduce your claim to $10,000, but under 14 M.R.S. § 7485 the judgment then settles the full amount, so you give up the rest for good. Otherwise, file a regular civil case.

How much does it cost to file small claims in Maine?

The entry fee is $70, which includes a $15 mediation fee, under the Judicial Branch fee schedule JB-05-26 effective March 9, 2026. Sheriff service fees are extra and vary by county.

Can a lawyer represent me in small claims in Maine?

Yes. Small Claims Rule 16 says a party may be represented by an attorney, though you can also represent yourself.

Can a business sue in Maine small claims court without a lawyer?

Yes. Under Small Claims Rule 16(b), a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or governmental entity may be represented by an officer or employee.

Does the defendant have to file an answer in Maine small claims?

No. Small Claims Rule 3(b) says no responsive pleading is required, but a defendant who does not appear risks a default judgment under Rule 8(b).

Can I sue a town in Maine small claims court?

The Judicial Branch's small claims page says you cannot sue a city or town in small claims court, while the court's guide words it as a personal injury case against a city or town. Ask the clerk before filing.

How long do I have to appeal a Maine small claims judgment?

30 days from entry of judgment under Small Claims Rule 11, and the court may extend that by up to 30 days for excusable neglect. Appeals go to the Superior Court.

Can the plaintiff appeal in Maine small claims?

Only on questions of law. A defendant can appeal on law or fact and may ask for a jury trial de novo in Superior Court, but only by demanding it in writing on the notice of appeal and filing a supporting affidavit (Small Claims Rule 11(d)(2)).

How long is a Maine small claims judgment good for?

It may be enforced for up to 20 years and is presumed paid after 20 years (14 M.R.S. § 864).