Visiting a Courthouse

Tens of thousands of people visit Maine courthouses every year. The Judicial Branch's first priority is to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment, and to ensure that our court facilities are accessible to all.

Safety

Entry Screening

Every person entering a courthouse is required to go through security screening. Most courthouses are equipped with scanners. If so, you will be asked to:

• Empty your pockets, remove large metal jewelry and belts as instructed and place contents in the container provided;
• Place overcoats, purses, briefcases, backpacks, parcels, and other items on the scanner belt; and
• Walk through the metal detector.

Not permitted in the courthouse

• Weapons of any kind, including firearms, ammunition, knives, or explosive devices;
• Any object, implement or tool that could be hazardous in the courthouse;
• Smoking and use of tobacco products;
• Use of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs;
• Pets or animals (with the exception of service animals);
• Signs or placards; and
• The posting or distribution of any literature or materials not approved by the Judicial Branch.

Clerk's office

The courthouse clerk's office provides many services, including:

• Information on the status of a case you may be involved in, including dates of upcoming court events;
• The ability to accept court papers, filing fees, and fine payments;
• General information about court rules, laws, and procedures in a case;
• Judicial Branch court forms;
• Legal information guides and pamphlets;
• A "language line" to assist limited English proficient (LEP) people;
• Assistive listening devices and assistance for individuals with disabilities; and
• Information on how to find a lawyer and legal assistance; and
• Information on how to find free assistance with civil court forms.
  

Court clerks are dedicated to providing the best possible service to the public, but clerks and other Judicial Branch employees not allowed to give legal advice.

AmeriCorps Legal Access Navigators (ALANs)

Free assistance with a variety of civil court forms is available at some courthouses through the AmeriCorps Legal Access Navigators Program. For more information, see the ALAN web page on the Judicial Branch website here.

Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) Family Law Clinics

If you meet income-based eligibility requirements, 30-minute consultation appointments by Zoom (video and phone options) may be available. VLP also offers in-person help at the Lewiston DIstrict Court two Wednesdays a month on a first come, first served basis. For more information, see the "VLP Family Law Clinics" web page: https://www.vlp.org/family-matters-1.

If you are coming for a court case

Going to court can be stressful. These quick reminders will help improve your experience:

• Make sure you know where the courthouse and parking are located ahead of time and plan accordingly. Parking is limited at some courthouses.
• Be on time or a few minutes early for court.
• Dress appropriately, that is, as you would for any important occasion.
• Don't bring young children into the courtroom or leave children unattended.
• Don't bring food or drink into the courtroom.
• Turn off or mute your cell phone in the courtroom.
• Stand when the judge enters the courtroom and remain standing until directed to be seated and stand when the judge exits the courtroom.
• Address the court as "judge" or "your honor."
• Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses, and court staff as "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Ms.," "Miss," and "Dr." 
• Do not approach the judge's bench without permission.
• Do not interrupt the judge or others while they are speaking. You will have a chance to speak when it is your turn.

All courthouses offer public waiting areas, restrooms, and public wi-fi.

Some courthouses have lactation rooms for nursing mothers.

Find a court location

See Find a Court, District Court, Superior Court, Supreme Court