Maine Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy laws and resources vary from state to state. The following page provides information and resource links for the state of Maine.
If you are not looking for information regarding Maine, please use the links on the left to find information for your state.
- Courts - Location and Contact Information
- Bankruptcy Laws
- Approved Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Agencies
- Maine Attorneys
- Other Bankruptcy Maine Resources
Bankruptcy Courts - Location and Contact Information
Maine bankruptcy courts consist of one district, which is divided into two divisions. Generally, the debtor’s county of residence will determine which division the bankruptcy petition is filed. It may also be determined by the location of the debtor’s principal place of business or principal assets.
COUNTIES OF JURISDICTION:Portland Division - Androscoggin, Cumberland, Oxford, Sagadahoc and York Counties
Bangor Division - Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo and Washington Counties
| DIVISION | STREET ADDRESS | MAILING ADDRESS | TELEPHONE |
| Portland Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 537 Congress Street Second Floor Portland, ME 04101 |
Same | (207) 780-3482 |
| Bangor Division |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 202 Harlow Street, Third Floor Bangor, ME 04401 |
Same | (207) 945-0348 |
Maine Bankruptcy Laws and Exemptions
The U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows individual debtors to exempt certain property from creditor claims based on exemptions under either federal law or state law. Exemptions vary from state to state. Some states have adopted their own set of bankruptcy exemptions that are used in place of the federal exemptions. However, other states give debtors an option to choose between either state or federal exemptions.
For Maine bankruptcy filings, state exemptions are used. Click here for some common bankruptcy exemptions pursuant to Maine's statutes.
Contact a Maine bankruptcy lawyer for more information regarding Maine bankruptcy exemptions.
The new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005 also require that debtors pass a means test before filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are two ways to pass the means test:
1. the debtor's annual income (calculated using the average gross income for the six month period prior to filing) must be below the state median. Census Bureau statistics for state median income by family size can be found here (for cases filed between April 1, 2013 and April 30, 2013).
2. If income exceeds the median income, individuals may still file Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on results of Form 22A: Chapter 7 Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means-Test Calculation. .
Maine Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Agencies
Pursuant to the new bankruptcy laws enacted in 2005, individuals who file personal bankruptcy (with limited exceptions) in Maine must:
1. take a credit counseling course from an approved Maine credit counseling provider within six months before filing bankruptcy; and
2. complete a debtor education course from an approved Maine debtor education agency prior to receiving a bankruptcy discharge.
Maine Personal Bankruptcy Attorneys
To find bankruptcy lawyers in your area, you may want to contact your local county bar association or the Maine State Bar Association:
Maine State Bar Association
PO Box 788
Augusta, ME 04332-0788
(207) 622-7523
Based on income, free bankruptcy advice and representation may also be obtained from the following organizations: See the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project's website for a list of organizations that provide legal services to low income clients in Maine.
If you are concerned about the representation provided to you
by your attorney, contact the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar.
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Additional Resources
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine - administrative and procedural information for Maine bankruptcy filings
Office of the U.S. Trustee for Region 1 - oversees the administration of Maine personal bankruptcy cases and case trustees
Maine State Bar Association - information about the Maine bar, membership, ethics, continuing legal education, and resources for the public.