Updated May 2026 Maine
Maine Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in Maine small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$6,000
Court Limit
6 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
6 yrs
Oral Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
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Court Limit
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How to File → Maine Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In Maine, small claims cases are heard in the District Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $6,000.
Tip
Maine allows you to waive the right to jury trial in exchange for a faster small claims hearing.Filing Fees in Maine
Filing fees in Maine range from $50 to $80 depending on your claim amount.
Statutes of Limitation in Maine
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 6 years
- Property damage: 6 years
Maine District Courts handle small claims up to $6,000. Fees are mid-range among New England states.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the Maine limit. It's often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of regular civil court.Can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application (In Forma Pauperis). Most Maine courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Source: Maine official court website ↗
Frequently Asked Questions — Maine Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in Maine?
The small claims court limit in Maine is $6,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the District Court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in Maine small claims court?
You can sue for up to $6,000 in Maine small claims court. If your actual damages are higher, you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Maine?
In Maine, the statute of limitations is 6 years for written contract claims and 6 years for oral contract claims. Always file before the deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit.
How do I file a small claims case in Maine?
To file in Maine: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the District Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($50–$80), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our Maine how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the District Court in Maine?
Maine's small claims court is called the District Court. It handles civil monetary disputes quickly and affordably, without the formality of regular civil court. Most parties represent themselves without an attorney.
Can I sue for more than $6,000 in Maine small claims?
No — the $6,000 cap is absolute in Maine. You can file in a higher civil court if your claim is larger, or voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit and waive the excess. Splitting one claim into multiple small claims cases to circumvent the cap is not permitted.
Also See for Maine
Maine Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in Maine
Step-by-step Maine filing guide
Maine Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Maine?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Maine
Enforce your judgment after winning
Maine Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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