Updated May 2026 Maine

Maine Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the District Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$50–$80

Filing Fee Range

$6,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Maine Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the District Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Maine, filing fees are $50–$80 depending on the amount of your claim.

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Maine District Courts handle small claims up to $6,000. Fees are mid-range among New England states.

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Tip

Maine allows you to waive the right to jury trial in exchange for a faster small claims hearing.

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You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

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Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Maine courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Maine official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Maine

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

The small claims filing fee in Maine is $50–$80. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in Maine?

The fee to start a small claims case in Maine is $50–$80. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in Maine?

E-filing availability varies by county in Maine. Contact your local District Court clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.

How do I waive the filing fee in Maine small claims?

If you cannot afford the $50–$80 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Maine courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Maine small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Maine?

Small claims cases in Maine are handled by the District Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.