Maine Laws

This page summarizes ten Maine laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Maine Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Maine, you generally have 6 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Maine Comparative Negligence Laws

Maine follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Maine Minimum Wage in 2026

The Maine minimum wage is $15.10 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Adjusted annually for inflation. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Maine Final Paycheck Laws

In Maine, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within 2 weeks of a demand, whichever is earlier. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Maine Small Claims Court Limits

In Maine, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the District Court (small claims). The limit was raised to $10,000 on January 1, 2026. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Maine Security Deposit Laws

Maine security deposit limit: 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days for written leases; 21 days for tenancies at will. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Maine Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Maine, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 7 days' notice, which can be given once rent is 7 days late. Paying all rent owed before the notice period ends generally makes the notice void. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Maine Small Estate Affidavit

Maine small estate limit: $52,500 for 2026 deaths. Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Maine Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Maine does not recognize common law marriages formed in Maine. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Maine Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Maine: generally 6 months before filing, with exceptions such as marriage in Maine or grounds arising in Maine. Waiting period: 60 days after filing or service. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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