Going to Court
What you need to know before you go to court in Maine
Going to court on your own can be scary, but there are many resources to help you get ready. This article is written for two of the most common kinds of court cases in Maine:
-Small claims
-Eviction
RePresent: Renter! A game to prepare for an eviction hearing
If you have an eviction hearing soon, and will be going to court without a lawyer, you can practice representing yourself by playing RePresent: Renter! You'll learn how to prepare for court, what your rights are as a renter in Maine, what happens in court on the day of your hearing, and how to present evidence and cross-examine the other person in… More
Tips for Giving Evidence in Court
When you are giving evidence in court, explain exactly what happened in the clearest way you can. You should only talk about what you know. This means what you saw, what you felt, what you heard, and what you did.
RePresent: A game for people going to court without a lawyer
If you're going to court without a lawyer, you can practice representing yourself by playing RePresent. You’ll learn how to prepare for court, what happens in court on the day of your hearing, and how to present evidence and cross-examine the other person in your case.
Small Claims Forms
Important Notice: We encourage you to learn more about Small Claims Court in Maine before using these forms.
What happens if I am charged with a crime in Maine? Can I get a lawyer?
How do I know if my legal issue is "criminal?"
In Maine there are three basic kinds of “charges” for “offenses against the state.”
How To: Get Ready for a Disclosure Hearing in Maine
A disclosure hearing can happen once a creditor has a judgment against you for money you owe. Sometimes the creditor must take you to court to find out what property and income you have. This is called a disclosure hearing. This guide will walk you through what to expect at a disclosure hearing, and what you will need to know to go in prepared.… More
How to File a Civil Appeal
The Maine Courts post basic instructions about how you can appeal to a higher court if you believe that the lower court"
Maine’s Service Members’ Civil Relief Act
There are two laws the protect service members who will have a hard time participating in a court or administrative proceeding because of their military duties. They are:
Debt Collection in the Maine Courts
If you owe someone money, they can try to collect it from you by taking you to court. This guide will help you understand the court process and the rights you have. You are the debtor. The person who you owe money to is the creditor.