Small claims court in Washington County, Maine
In Washington County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by more than one court: 2 District Court locations in the county. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 207-255-3044 (Machias District Court) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Washington County
One of several courts in Washington County: 2 District Court locations in the county. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Machias District Court
Address: 85 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654 · Map
Phone: 207-255-3044
Online filing: available, per the court
2 District Court locations in the county; also Calais (382 South Street, Suite B, Calais, ME 04619, 207-454-2055). File where the defendant lives or does business or where the events happened; the Judicial Branch town list (https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/find-by-town.html) shows which court serves each town
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
The District Court where the events happened, where the defendant lives or has its main place of business, or where a company's registered agent is located.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Maine counties.
How to file in Washington County
Ask for payment in writing
Maine doesn't require a demand letter, but the court encourages you to try to settle first. Make a free demand letter.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$70 to file (this includes a mediation fee). Service costs extra: about $15 per defendant if the clerk mails it, or the sheriff's own fee. Fee waiver: Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (form CV-067).
Have the papers served
You can use the sheriff, certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt), first-class mail with an acknowledgment form (SC-005), or, if you file fewer than three cases a month, have the clerk mail it (SC-006).
Go to the hearing
The clerk mails both sides the hearing date; small claims are usually heard faster than regular civil cases. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Maine filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Washington County?
Washington County has more than one small claims court (2 District Court locations in the county). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Machias District Court, 85 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654. Phone: 207-255-3044. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/district/index.html
How much can I sue for in Washington County small claims court?
Up to $10,000. Since January 1, 2026 you can sue for up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs (it was $6,000 before). Disputes over title to land, personal injury claims against a city or town, and some consumer debt collection cases can't be brought. Winning bars you from suing again for the same facts.
How much does it cost to file in Washington County?
$70 to file (this includes a mediation fee). Service costs extra: about $15 per defendant if the clerk mails it, or the sheriff's own fee. Fee waiver: Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (form CV-067).
Can I file a small claim online in Washington County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.