Court System:

Civil actions in Maine are tried in the District Court and Superior Court. The District Court has jurisdiction over all civil actions where no equitable relief has been demanded and the damages claimed do not exceed $30,000.00. (4 M.R.S.A. 152.) Civil actions in excess of $30,000.00 or where a demand for a jury trial is made are within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. (4 M.R.S.A. 105.) Claims in an amount not exceeding $4,500.00 may be adjudicated in the Small Claims division established under the jurisdiction of the District Court. (14 M.R.S.A. 7482.)

Some of the estimated costs required in filing a District Court action (amount in controversy not exceeding $30,000.00) are as follows:

Complaint:	Filing fee	$ 60.00
	Sheriff service fee	$17.00 (per defendant)
	Sheriff mileage (est.)	$9.00 ($0.22/mile)
	Writ of execution	$14.00
	Total:	$100.00

Recording fee (Writs):

Liens on real property and personal property.

$ 31.00

Disclosure Proceedings	Court filing fee	$ 50.00
(per Debtor):	Sheriff service fee	$ 17.00
	Sheriff mileage (est.)	$ 9.00
	Total:	$ 76.00

See "A Citizen's Guide to the Maine Courts" linked here. Also see "Small Claims Guide" here.

Links to Maine laws, government agencies, and organizations are included here. Always discuss actual cases with your actual legal advisor or legal department. The Maine State Bar Association is linked here.

view in frame