Maine Courts Response to COVID-19

Effective December 21, 2020, public hours at Maine courthouses will be reduced in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. Remote proceedings will continue as scheduled and certain documents may be filed by email. See PMO-SJC-3 and PMO-SJC-3A. Any person entering the courthouse must wear an approved face covering or mask, will have their temperature checked, and will be asked about exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19. Those who cannot enter as a result of these protocols should call 207-753-2999.

In the event of inclement weather, check the Court Alerts & Closings page.

During this public health emergency, we pledge to do all we can to keep our employees and the public that come to the court healthy and safe. Court users and employees are reminded to take the same precautions that would be used during any flu season (wash your hands thoroughly, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and stay home when you’re sick). 

The Maine Judicial Branch is monitoring updates from the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for ongoing guidance and direction regarding necessary precautions and action plans. Please consult this page for updates on the Judicial Branch's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Updates will be made as new information becomes available. 

Reduced Public Hours at Courthouses

Effective Monday, December 21, 2020, public hours will be reduced at Maine courthouses in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. See list of courthouses with reduced public hours.

Phased Management Plan

The Judicial Branch has released the State of Maine Judicial Branch COVID-19 Phased Management Plan (updated November 3, 2020) The plan creates a five-phased process for reopening Maine Courts and is based on the most recent scientific data available from the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and stakeholder input. Read the Plan.

Pandemic Management Orders

See all Pandemic Management Orders (PMOs) issued by the Judicial Branch.

Filing by Email

Effective December 14, 2020, the Court is allowing parties to file some, but not all, documents by email during the pandemic. See the FAQs and PMO-SJC-3 and PMO-SJC-3A.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the COVID-19 FAQs for answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Judicial Branch's response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Contact

If you have questions about whether you should go to a courthouse call the clerk's office or
207-753-2999.

For general inquiries concerning the Judicial Branch's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, contact info@courts.maine.gov.