Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Maine
The most you can sue for in Maine small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in Maine
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $10,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | ~$50–$120 by claim size (about $50 for claims up to $4,500, about $120 for claims above that up to $10,000) |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed Parties often represent themselves but may hire an attorney. A corporation or other legal entity can be represented by an employee or principal even if that person is not a lawyer. |
| Statute / court rule | 14 M.R.S. §7482 |
Small claims are heard in the District Court. The limit is the same statewide.
Maine raised the small claims limit from $6,000 to $10,000 effective January 1, 2026. The $10,000 figure is the one now in force; older guides still showing $6,000 are out of date.
Where to file in Maine
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Maine's official court self-help resource.
→ Maine Judicial Branch (small claims)What Maine filers get wrong
Maine's small claims limit is $10,000, heard in the District Court under 14 M.R.S. §7482. This number changed recently: the cap was $6,000 for years and rose to $10,000 effective January 1, 2026, so any guide still printing $6,000 is describing the old law. We confirmed the current figure on the Maine Legislature's official statute page, which carries the "$10,000" text with an effective date of January 1, 2026, and on the Maine Judicial Branch small claims page, which states "$10,000 (as of January 1, 2026)." Small claims here are meant to be handled without a lawyer, and most people do, but you may hire one if you want. Businesses get a helpful rule: a corporation or other entity can be represented by an employee or officer rather than being forced to hire counsel. Filing fees are modest and scale with the claim, roughly $50 for smaller claims and about $120 for larger ones.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Maine?
The limit is $10,000 under 14 M.R.S. §7482, effective January 1, 2026. Before that date the cap was $6,000, so older sources may show the lower number.
Did Maine raise its small claims limit?
Yes. The limit went from $6,000 to $10,000 effective January 1, 2026. The Maine Judicial Branch small claims page now lists "$10,000 (as of January 1, 2026)."
Can a business file in Maine small claims court without a lawyer?
Yes. A corporation or other legal entity can be represented by an employee or principal even if that person is not an attorney. Individuals may also represent themselves.
How much is the filing fee for small claims in Maine?
It scales with the claim size, running roughly $50 for claims up to about $4,500 and around $120 for larger claims up to the $10,000 cap. Check the District Court fee schedule for the exact amount.
Where are small claims heard in Maine?
In the District Court. The $10,000 limit applies statewide, and you generally file in the division where the defendant lives or where the events happened.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.