**[MAINE DISTRICT COURT]
SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT TEMPLATE
(Drafted for use by licensed attorneys – customize all bracketed fields prior to filing)
[// GUIDANCE: This template is designed to accompany — not replace — the Judicial Branch’s official “Statement of Claim” (CV-007) form. Attorneys who wish to plead with additional particularity or attach exhibits may use this complaint in tandem with the court form. Remove all guidance comments and bracketed text prior to filing.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Caption & Parties Identification
- Jurisdiction, Venue, and Monetary Limit Allegations
- Statement of Facts (Claim)
- Damages Sought
- Demand for Judgment
- Appeal Rights Notice
- Verification
- Certificate of Service
- Signature Block
1. CAPTION & PARTIES IDENTIFICATION
STATE OF MAINE
DISTRICT COURT – [COUNTY] DIVISION
Docket No.: ___
PLAINTIFF:
[Plaintiff Full Legal Name]
[Street Address]
[City/Town, State, ZIP]
Telephone: [###-###-####]
E-mail: [______]
v.
DEFENDANT:
[Defendant Full Legal Name]
[Street Address]
[City/Town, State, ZIP]
Telephone: [###-###-####]
E-mail: [______]
2. JURISDICTION, VENUE, AND MONETARY LIMIT ALLEGATIONS
2.1 This action is brought pursuant to Maine’s Small Claims Act, 14 M.R.S. §§ 7481–7487.
2.2 The amount in controversy, exclusive of allowable costs and pre-judgment interest, does not exceed the statutory maximum for small-claims jurisdiction in Maine ([CURRENT LIMIT: $6,000]; actual amount sought: see § 4 below).
2.3 Venue is proper in this District Court Division because:
a. The Defendant resides, has a place of business, or may be served in this division; or
b. The events giving rise to this claim occurred within this division.
[// GUIDANCE: Strike inapplicable clause(s).]
3. STATEMENT OF FACTS (CLAIM)
3.1 On or about [DATE], Plaintiff and Defendant entered into the following transaction/arrangement:
• Nature of transaction: [e.g., “automobile purchase,” “personal loan,” “home-improvement services”].
• Consideration: [Describe payment, goods, or services exchanged].
3.2 Plaintiff fully performed all obligations under the parties’ agreement, including but not limited to:
a. [List Plaintiff’s performance];
b. [List any additional performance].
3.3 Defendant breached the agreement and/or otherwise became indebted to Plaintiff by:
a. [Non-payment / defective performance / other breach];
b. The outstanding principal balance is $[______].
3.4 Despite written demand dated [DATE], Defendant has failed and refused to remit payment.
3.5 No part of the amount claimed herein has been paid, credited, or otherwise satisfied.
4. DAMAGES SOUGHT
Plaintiff seeks monetary damages in the total amount of $[_], comprised of:
a. Principal: $[_];
b. Pre-judgment interest (if contractually or statutorily permitted): $[_];
c. Costs of this action as allowed by law.
[// GUIDANCE: The combination of principal and interest may not exceed the statutory small-claims limit at the time of filing.]
5. DEMAND FOR JUDGMENT
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in Plaintiff’s favor and against Defendant for:
- The sum of $[_] as detailed in § 4;
- Statutory post-judgment interest;
- Court costs and such other and further relief as justice requires.
6. APPEAL RIGHTS NOTICE
Either party may appeal a final small-claims judgment to the Superior Court within thirty (30) days from the entry of judgment, pursuant to 14 M.R.S. § 7484 and Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure 11-12.
7. VERIFICATION
I, [NAME OF AFFIANT], being duly sworn, state under penalty of perjury that:
- I am the Plaintiff [or “the authorized agent of Plaintiff”] in the above-entitled matter.
- I have read the foregoing Complaint and know the contents thereof.
- The statements contained herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
Date: _______
[NAME], Plaintiff / Authorized Agent
Subscribed and sworn before me on this __ day of __, 20__.
Notary Public / Attorney at Law
My Commission Expires: _______
[// GUIDANCE: Notarization is not strictly required for small-claims verification, but including it strengthens evidentiary weight.]
8. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that on the _ day of _, 20____, I caused a true and correct copy of this Complaint (and any attachments) to be served upon the Defendant by:
☐ First-Class Mail to the address set forth above; or
☐ [Other method permitted under M.R.S.C.P. 3].
[NAME], Plaintiff / Counsel
9. SIGNATURE BLOCK
Respectfully submitted,
Date: _______
PLAINTIFF:
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
IF REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL:
[Attorney Name], Esq.
Maine Bar No. [#####]
[Firm Name]
[Street Address]
[City/Town, State, ZIP]
Tel: [###-###-####]
E-mail: [______]
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
• Exhibit A – Copy of promissory note / contract / invoice
• Exhibit B – Demand letter dated [DATE]
• Exhibit C – Payment ledger / account statement
[// GUIDANCE: Attach only documents necessary to prove the debt. Over-attachment can complicate service and hearing preparation.]
PRACTICE NOTES & RISK MANAGEMENT
[// GUIDANCE: Delete this section before filing.]
- Monetary Cap Compliance – Verify the statutory limit on the day of filing; the Maine Legislature periodically adjusts the ceiling.
- Allowable Claims – Small claims may not request injunctive relief, punitive damages, defamation remedies, or eviction orders.
- Service – Under M.R.S.C.P. 3(a), the clerk will generally handle first-class mail service once the filing fee is paid; monitor docket for “undeliverable” notices.
- Transfer / Removal – Defendant may remove to District Court before judgment under 14 M.R.S. § 7482-A; consider pleading brevity to discourage strategic removal.
- Appeal Strategy – Trial de novo in Superior Court resets the evidentiary record; maintain organized exhibits for potential re-presentation.
(End of Template)