If your consumer complaint isn’t resolved through the consumer mediation service, and your claim for damage or a debt owed is for no more than $10,000 (not counting interest and costs, which includes legal fees), you may consider bringing your case in small claims court.
The procedures in small claims court are simple and informal, and you don’t need a lawyer to bring a case.
You can ask for monetary damages and specific actions from the person you’re suing. For example, if you win your case against an appliance repair business, the court could order the defendant to properly repair your stove.
Before a trial, the judge may refer the parties to a free mediation session that usually lasts less than an hour. If you’re not able to reach an agreement in mediation, the judge will decide your case after a trial.
For more information, visit the Maine’s Judicial Branch small claims court website.