Maine: State guide

This is general information, not legal advice. Maine defines a small claim in Title 14, section 7482. The Revisor of Statutes page, with data extracted October 5, 2026, says a small claim is a right of action if the debt or damage does not exceed $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs, notwithstanding the total amount of the debt or contract. The definition does not include an action involving title to real estate. The text carries the 2025 amendment, Public Law 2025, chapter 261. Maine's District Court is where small claims are heard. The statute also tells the judiciary committee to review the dollar limit on a cycle that began in 1997, which is why the number is worth rereading when you file.

Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

The phrase 'notwithstanding the total amount of a debt or contract' means you may bring a small claim for the portion that does not exceed $10,000 even when the whole debt is larger. The judgment you can seek in this proceeding is still capped by the definition. Interest and costs are outside the $10,000. Title disputes are outside the definition entirely. If the case turns on who owns land, section 7482 says it is not a small claim. District Court clerks take the filings and set the hearings under the small-claims rules. The Revisor's page is not legal advice.

The section history on the Revisor's page lists amendments from 1981 through Public Law 2025, chapter 261. Use the text on the page, which states $10,000, for a case filed now. Older summaries that still say $6,000 describe the law before that 2025 chapter took effect. The page notes that the judiciary committee reviews the limit. A future legislature can change the number again. When you prepare the statement, write the debt or damage you are claiming and keep it within $10,000 before interest and costs. Bring the contract, the invoices, and a calculation the judge can follow.

A small-claims hearing in District Court is simpler than a Superior Court civil action, and the rules of evidence are relaxed under the court's small-claims rules. You may speak for yourself. Service still has to reach the defendant. A judgment for money is collected with the writs District Court issues. This directory does not state a filing fee or a number of days to appeal, because section 7482 does not. Ask the clerk for the small-claims instruction sheet used in that court. If the damage exceeds $10,000 and you do not want to limit the claim, file a regular civil action.

Official resources in Maine

Maine Title 14, § 7482

Statute defining a small claim as debt or damage not exceeding $10,000.

Maine Legislature

Official statutes and the Revisor's office that publishes section 7482.

Maine Judicial Branch

Court site for District Court small-claims forms and clerk locations.

Key facts for Maine

Maine defines a small claim in Title 14, section 7482.
The Revisor's page states a $10,000 limit, exclusive of interest and costs.
The published text cites Public Law 2025, chapter 261.
The page's data line read October 5, 2026.
Title to real estate is outside the definition.
The statute allows a small claim even when the total debt is larger, limited to the statutory amount.

What to do next

Use the $10,000 text on the Revisor's page, not an older $6,000 summary.
Leave title-to-land disputes off the small-claims form.
List interest and costs separately.
Ask the District Court clerk for the current instruction sheet and fee.

Looking for your city or county in Maine?

We haven't found official court-level pages for Maine we can verify yet, so we don't show local numbers here rather than guess. Here's what to use instead, in order:

General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across Maine, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.
Maine Judicial Branch
Website →
Phone not shown: use the contact page on the official website above.
Your city or county office: Local governments →
Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Maine page on USA.gov can point you to the right office.
Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.

Helpful guides

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