Where to file bankruptcy in Maine

Which Maine court you file in, its divisions and phone, and what happens after you file.

Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.

Short answer

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. All of Maine is one district; your county decides whether your case goes to the Portland or Bangor office (https://www.meb.uscourts.gov/case-assignment).

Federal bankruptcy courts
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Courts
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine

The bankruptcy courts in Maine

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. All of Maine is one district; your county decides whether your case goes to the Portland or Bangor office (https://www.meb.uscourts.gov/case-assignment).

Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine

Divisions: Portland (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Oxford, Sagadahoc, York counties); Bangor (Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington counties)

Clerk's phone: (207) 780-3482 (Portland); (207) 945-0348 (Bangor)

Court's self-help page

In nearby states

  • Vermont: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Vermont
  • Massachusetts: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island

Steps to file in Maine

  1. Check where you lived

    You file where you lived for most of the last 180 days.

  2. Check local rules

    Local forms and rules are on U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine.

  3. Do the first course

    Use an approved agency. U.S. Trustee list of approved credit counseling agencies.

  4. Prepare the forms

    The forms are free: official bankruptcy forms.

Free help in Maine

Questions about filing in Maine

Which bankruptcy court do I use in Maine?

You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. All of Maine is one district; your county decides whether your case goes to the Portland or Bangor office (https://www.meb.uscourts.gov/case-assignment).

What is the median income for the means test in Maine?

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $75,892; 2 people: $90,445; 3 people: $106,822; 4 people: $131,577; Each extra person: +$11,100.

Who helps with bankruptcy for free in Maine?

Pine Tree Legal Assistance (HelpMeLaw.org), Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project and Legal Services for Maine Elders (age 60+).

More for Maine