FAQ
- What is File & Serve?
File & Serve is another name for eFileMaine. It is the proprietary name of the eFiling software developed by Tyler Technologies for the State of Maine. Referred to in most cases as eFileMaine, attorneys and parties can use it to eFile documents and perform other tasks online in court cases. - What is Guide & File?
Guide & File helps people filing without a lawyer complete forms online in certain types of civil cases. Users will be guided through a series of questions. Those answers will help automatically prepare and file the needed court forms online. - What is the Odyssey Portal?
The Maine eCourts Odyssey Portal is an online platform to search public electronic court records and pay traffic tickets. - What is eService?
eService is when a party gives notice of a court filing, as directed by statute or court rule, by sending documents or pleadings to another party electronically using the File & Serve platform. To receive documents electronically, a party must be represented by an attorney or, if self-represented, must agree to receive documents by eService. - What is a Public Access Computer (PAC)?
A Public Access Computer or PAC is a computer provided by the Judicial Branch at courthouse locations where eFiling is available. The PACs will allow individuals to eFile documents, pay filing fees using a credit or debit card, and perform searches for publicly available court records. PACs are available to use when the courthouse is open to the public on a first come, first served basis. - Does a user need to have an account or register to eFile?
Yes. Instructions on how to register can be found at here. - Is training on how to eFile available?
Yes, free online training on how to use eFileMaine is available. Training dates may be found on the Training Resources page. Links to self-serve tutorials and user guides can also be found on this page. - Is eFiling mandatory?
eFiling is mandatory for attorneys and self-represented filers who file or intend to file more than six non-emergency cases in the current calendar year in courts where eFiling is available, including Business and Consumer Docket cases. - Is eFiling mandatory for unrepresented parties or those filing without a lawyer?
No. See answer to question 8 above. - Is there a separate fee for eFiling?
There is a 2.89% convenience fee charged by the third-party financial institution that processes credit/debit card transactions for paying eFiling fees with a credit or debit card and a $.25 flat fee per transaction for paying with an electronic check. - Will eFiling be available in all types of cases and in all locations?
Not at first. eFiling is being implemented in phases beginning with certain case types in Bangor District Court, Penobscot County Superior Court, and the Business and Consumer Court statewide. At the completion of the project, eFiling will be available in every court in every type of civil, criminal, and juvenile case. - Will eFiling be available in active, pending cases?
Yes. If you are a required electronic filer and the court where your case is pending has implemented eFiling for your case type, your active, pending cases will be subject to mandatory electronic filing under the rules. - Can I sign up to receive news and updates about eFiling and Maine eCourts?
Yes, please go to the eCourts page on the Judicial Branch’s website to sign up.
