United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Maine
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine is a unit of the United States District Court for the District of Maine, operating within the First Circuit. The court has subject matter jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases filed in the state of Maine, including proceedings under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Maine is a single-district state, and the bankruptcy court serves the entire geographic area of the state.
The court handles consumer and business bankruptcy matters for a largely rural state with a relatively modest population. Cases are heard primarily in Portland, with additional locations available to serve litigants in other parts of the state. The court operates under the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as well as its own local rules.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the District of Maine. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Caseload
The court's docket reflects Maine's economic profile, with a significant proportion of consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases alongside periodic small business reorganizations. Agricultural and fishing-related Chapter 12 filings also appear given Maine's rural and coastal economy.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Maine to appear in the bankruptcy court. Admission to the Maine bar alone does not automatically confer admission to the federal district or bankruptcy court.
Clerk's Office
537 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 780-3482
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.