Maine
Maine Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Maine gives most civil plaintiffs 6 years to sue under 14 M.R.S. 752, and medical malpractice claims carry a 3-year deadline under 24 M.R.S. 2902. For criminal cases, felonies require prosecution within 6 years and misdemeanors within 3 years under 17-A M.R.S. 8, while murder and sex crimes against minors carry no time limit.
Hurt in Maine? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Maine personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Maine's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
What Is a Statute of Limitations in Maine?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a strict deadline for filing a legal action. In Maine, these deadlines apply to both civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions. Once the deadline passes, the court will almost certainly dismiss the case if the opposing party raises the defense.
These time limits exist to promote fairness. Over time, evidence degrades, witnesses forget details, and documents get lost. Maine's legislature has decided that legal disputes should be resolved within a reasonable window after an event occurs.
The filing clock typically starts on the date of the incident or, in some situations, the date the injured party discovers (or should have discovered) the harm. This is called the "discovery rule," and it applies in specific cases like medical malpractice involving foreign objects left in the body.
Maine Civil Statute of Limitations
Maine's general civil statute of limitations is 6 years. Under Title 14, Section 752, all civil actions must be filed within 6 years after the cause of action accrues, unless a different deadline is set by another statute.
However, many types of claims have their own specific deadlines. Below is a detailed breakdown of civil filing deadlines in Maine.
Personal Injury
Most personal injury lawsuits in Maine must be filed within 6 years of the date the injury occurred, under Title 14, Section 752.
There are important exceptions. Section 753's 2-year deadline applies only to slander and libel, not to assault, battery, or false imprisonment. Absent a statute specially providing a different period, those claims fall under Maine's general 6-year civil deadline in Title 14, Section 752.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death action in Maine must be filed within 3 years after the date of the decedent's death, per Title 18-C, Section 2-807. If the death was caused by a homicide, the personal representative has 6 years from the date they discover there is a just cause of action against the person responsible.
Property Damage
Claims for damage to personal property follow the general 6-year rule under Title 14, Section 752.
Defamation (Libel and Slander)
Actions for libel or slander must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrues, under Title 14, Section 753.
Fraud
Fraud claims follow the general 6-year statute of limitations under Title 14, Section 752.
Trespass
Trespass actions must also be filed within 6 years under Title 14, Section 752.
Contracts
Maine has different deadlines depending on the type of contract:
| Contract Type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| General written or oral contracts | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Contracts under seal or promissory notes with attesting witness | 20 years | Title 14, Section 751 |
| Sale of goods (UCC) | 4 years | Title 11, Section 2-725 |
| Negotiable instruments | 6 years | Title 11, Section 3-1118 |
A 2017 amendment clarified that the 6-year statute of limitations in Article 3-A of the Uniform Commercial Code (not the 20-year period in Section 751) applies to all negotiable instruments.
Debt Collection
Debt collection actions in Maine generally must be filed within 6 years of the date the cause of action accrues, per Title 14, Section 752. This applies to most consumer debts, credit card balances, and accounts stated.
Collection of rent also falls under the 6-year general deadline.
Court Judgments
A judgment from any court of record is presumed paid and satisfied after 20 years, per Title 14, Section 864. Child support orders are exempt from this presumption.
Maine Professional Malpractice Deadlines
Professional malpractice claims in Maine vary depending on the type of professional involved.
Medical Malpractice
Under Title 24, Section 2902, medical malpractice actions must be filed within 3 years after the cause of action accrues. The cause of action accrues on the date of the act or omission that caused the injury, not the date of discovery.
There is one exception: if the claim involves a foreign object left inside the patient's body, the 3-year period begins on the date the patient discovers or reasonably should have discovered the foreign object. Prosthetic devices and objects intentionally left in place during treatment do not count as "foreign objects."
For minors, the deadline is either 6 years from the date of the negligent act or 3 years after the minor reaches the age of majority, whichever comes first.
Attorney Malpractice
Under Title 14, Section 753-B, claims for legal malpractice generally begin running from the date of the attorney's act or omission, not from the date the client discovers the error.
Two exceptions apply:
- Real estate title opinions: The clock starts when the client discovers the negligence, but the absolute outer limit is 20 years after the act or omission.
- Will drafting: The clock starts when the negligence is discovered, with no fixed outer limit.
Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Under Title 14, Section 752-A, claims against design professionals must be filed within 4 years after the malpractice or negligence is discovered, but no later than 10 years after substantial completion of the construction contract or services.
Special Civil Deadlines
Ski Area and Tramway Claims
All claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death arising from skiing, hang gliding, or tramway use must be filed within 2 years, under Title 14, Section 752-B.
Government Entity Claims (Tort Claims Act)
Claims against a governmental entity or its employees must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrues, per Title 14, Section 8110. Written notice must be given to the governmental entity within 365 days (1 year) of the incident, under Title 14, Section 8107.
For minors, the 2-year deadline does not begin until the minor turns 18.
Civil Sexual Abuse of Minors
Under Title 14, Section 752-C, civil actions based on sexual acts toward minors may be commenced at any time. A 2021 law attempted to make this apply retroactively to revive claims that had already expired. However, in January 2025, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the retroactive revival provision was unconstitutional. Claims that had not yet expired before the 2021 law took effect can still proceed without a time limit.
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Under Title 14, Section 752-F, the clock for PFAS contamination claims does not start at the time of exposure. Section 752-F sets a discovery-based accrual rule: the claim accrues on the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the harm. Combined with the general 6-year civil deadline in Title 14, Section 752, PFAS claims generally must be filed within 6 years of that discovery date.
Civil Statute of Limitations Summary Table
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury (general) | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Assault, battery, false imprisonment | 6 years (general civil default) | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (6 years if homicide) | Title 18-C, Section 2-807 |
| Property damage | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Libel/slander | 2 years | Title 14, Section 753 |
| Fraud | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Trespass | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Written contracts | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Contracts under seal | 20 years | Title 14, Section 751 |
| Sale of goods (UCC) | 4 years | Title 11, Section 2-725 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | Title 14, Section 752 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years | Title 24, Section 2902 |
| Attorney malpractice | 6 years from act/omission (general default); title-opinion and will-drafting claims run from discovery | Title 14, Section 752; Section 753-B |
| Design professionals | 4 years (max 10 years) | Title 14, Section 752-A |
| Ski area injuries | 2 years | Title 14, Section 752-B |
| Government tort claims | 2 years | Title 14, Section 8110 |
| Sexual abuse of minors | No limit | Title 14, Section 752-C |
| PFAS contamination | 6 years from discovery | Title 14, Sections 752 & 752-F |
| Court judgments | 20 years | Title 14, Section 864 |
Tolling the Civil Statute of Limitations
Maine law allows the statute of limitations to be paused ("tolled") under certain circumstances. Under Title 14, Section 853, if a person is under a legal disability when the cause of action accrues, the filing deadline does not begin until that disability is removed.
Qualifying disabilities include:
- Being a minor (under 18 years old)
- Being mentally ill
- Being imprisoned
- Being outside the United States
Once the disability ends, the person has the full statutory period to file a claim.
Maine Criminal Statute of Limitations
Maine's criminal statute of limitations is governed by Title 17-A, Section 8 of the Maine Criminal Code. These deadlines control how long prosecutors have to file criminal charges after a crime is committed.
Crimes with No Time Limit
Maine has no statute of limitations for the following offenses:
- Murder
- Criminal homicide in the first or second degree
- Sex crimes against victims under 18, including incest, unlawful sexual contact, sexual abuse of a minor, rape, gross sexual assault, unlawful sexual touching, and sexual exploitation of a minor
Prosecutors can bring charges for these crimes at any time, regardless of how many years have passed.
Felonies (Class A, B, and C Crimes)
All other felonies in Maine must be prosecuted within 6 years after the crime is committed. Maine classifies felonies as Class A (most serious), Class B, and Class C crimes.
Misdemeanors (Class D and E Crimes)
Misdemeanor charges in Maine must be filed within 3 years after the crime is committed. Class D and Class E crimes are Maine's misdemeanor categories.
Special Criminal Deadlines
Certain criminal offenses have unique tolling rules:
- Breaches of fiduciary obligations: 1 year, with a maximum extension of 5 years after discovery.
- Official misconduct by a public servant: 2 years, with a maximum extension of 5 years after discovery.
- Tax offenses: Under Title 36, Section 183, criminal tax offenses have their own deadlines separate from the general criminal code.
Criminal Tolling Provisions
The criminal statute of limitations is paused (tolled) in several situations:
- Defendant absent from Maine: The clock stops while the defendant is outside the state, but this extension cannot exceed 5 years beyond the standard deadline.
- Dismissed cases with errors: If a complaint or indictment is dismissed because of an error or defect, prosecutors have 6 months to file a new prosecution for the same crime.
- Pending prosecution: The clock stops if there is already a pending prosecution against the same defendant for the same crime based on the same conduct.
- Pending juvenile proceeding: The clock stops if the defendant has a pending juvenile case based on the same conduct.
Criminal Statute of Limitations Summary Table
| Crime Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | No limit | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
| Criminal homicide (1st/2nd degree) | No limit | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
| Sex crimes (victim under 18) | No limit | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
| Other felonies (Class A, B, C) | 6 years | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
| Misdemeanors (Class D, E) | 3 years | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
| Fiduciary breach | 1 year (max 5 years from discovery) | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
| Public servant misconduct | 2 years (max 5 years from discovery) | Title 17-A, Section 8 |
Recent Changes to Maine's Statute of Limitations
2025: Maine Supreme Court Strikes Down Retroactive Sexual Abuse Law
In January 2025, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled 5-2 that a 2021 state law retroactively eliminating the statute of limitations for civil claims of childhood sexual abuse was unconstitutional. The case involved Robert E. Dupuis and 12 other plaintiffs who had filed lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland for alleged clergy abuse.
The court held that once a statute of limitations has expired for a claim, the legislature cannot revive it. Justice Catherine Connors wrote that defendants have a constitutionally protected vested right that is "not subject to destruction, however compelling the reason for destroying the right."
Going forward, Title 14, Section 752-C still eliminates the statute of limitations for new civil claims of sexual acts toward minors. Only the retroactive revival of already-expired claims was struck down.
2023: Wrongful Death Time Limit Extended
Maine expanded the wrongful death statute of limitations in 2023. The filing window was increased to 3 years from the date of death. For deaths caused by homicide, the deadline is now 6 years from the date the personal representative discovers there is a just cause of action.
2017: Negotiable Instruments Clarification
A 2017 amendment clarified that the 6-year UCC statute of limitations, not the 20-year period in Title 14, Section 751, applies to all negotiable instruments.
How to Protect Your Right to File
Missing a filing deadline can permanently destroy your legal claim. Here are practical steps to protect your rights:
- Act quickly. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an incident. Do not assume you have plenty of time.
- Document everything. Keep records of dates, communications, medical treatment, and expenses.
- Know which deadline applies. The type of claim determines the deadline. The wrong assumption could cost you your case.
- Watch for tolling. If you qualify for tolling (minor, out of country, incarcerated), the deadline may be extended, but you should still not delay.
- File notice for government claims. If your claim involves a government entity, you must provide written notice within 365 days of the incident, even though the lawsuit deadline is 2 years.
State laws can change, and filing deadlines may vary depending on the specific facts of a case. Consider consulting a Maine attorney to verify the deadline that applies to your situation.
More Maine Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general statute of limitations for civil cases in Maine?
Maine's default statute of limitations for civil cases is 6 years from the date the cause of action accrues. This applies to most personal injury claims, property damage, fraud, trespass, breach of contract, and debt collection actions under Title 14, Section 752.
Is there a statute of limitations on murder charges in Maine?
No. Maine has no statute of limitations for murder, criminal homicide in the first or second degree, or sex crimes committed against victims under the age of 18. Prosecutors can file charges for these offenses at any time under Title 17-A, Section 8.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Maine?
You have 3 years from the date of the negligent act or omission to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Maine under Title 24, Section 2902. The only discovery rule exception is for foreign objects left inside a patient's body, where the 3-year period starts when the object is discovered or should have been discovered.
Can the statute of limitations be paused or extended in Maine?
Yes. Maine tolls (pauses) the civil statute of limitations if the injured person is a minor, mentally ill, imprisoned, or outside the United States when the cause of action accrues. The full filing period begins once the disability is removed, under Title 14, Section 853. For criminal cases, the statute is tolled while the defendant is absent from Maine, up to a maximum of 5 additional years.
What is the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim in Maine?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of the date of death under Title 18-C, Section 2-807. If the death was caused by a homicide, the personal representative has 6 years from the date they discover there is a just cause of action against the responsible party.
Updates
Corrected the statutory basis for three deadlines: assault/battery/false imprisonment and attorney malpractice do not carry a 2-year period under the sections cited (which set only accrual rules or cover unrelated torts) and instead fall under Maine's general 6-year civil deadline; PFAS contamination's 6-year figure is now attributed to the general default statute rather than the discovery-accrual statute alone.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on 15 statutory provisions held in our own legal record, each retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 11: UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, Part 7: REMEDIES
§ 2-725Statute of limitations in contracts for saleIn force
(1). An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within 4 years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it. (2). A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that where a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered. A cause of action for personal injuries arising under this Article for breach of warranty occurs when the injury takes place and is governed by the limitation of action period under Title 14, section 752. (3).
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL, Part 2: PROCEEDINGS BEFORE TRIAL, Chapter 205: LIMITATION OF ACTIONS
§ 751Twenty yearsIn force
Except as provided in Title 11, sections 2‑725 and 3‑1118, subsection (1), personal actions on contracts or liabilities under seal, promissory notes signed in the presence of an attesting witness, or on the bills, notes or other evidences of debt issued by a bank must be commenced within 20 years after the cause of action accrues. [PL 2017, c. 251, §1 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 251, §2 (AFF).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 16 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases: Fleet National Bank v. Liberty (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2004, 845 A.2d 1183) · Lloyd v. Estate of Robbins (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2010, 997 A.2d 733) · Ouellette v. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1983, 466 A.2d 478)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 752Six yearsIn forcecited in 7 of our articles
All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, except actions on a judgment or decree of any court of record of the United States, or of any state, or of a justice of the peace in this State, and except as otherwise specially provided.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 286 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2026
Leading cases: McAfee v. Cole (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1994, 637 A.2d 463) · Myrick v. James (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1982, 444 A.2d 987) · Fortin v. Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2005, 871 A.2d 1208)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim, Maine Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability, Maine Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights
§ 752-ADesign professionalsIn force
All civil actions for malpractice or professional negligence against architects or engineers duly licensed or registered under Title 32 shall be commenced within 4 years after such malpractice or negligence is discovered, but in no event shall any such action be commenced more than 10 years after the substantial completion of the construction contract or the substantial completion of the services provided, if a construction contract is not involved. The limitation periods provided by this section shall not apply if the parties have entered into a valid contract which by its terms provides for limitation periods other than those set forth in this section. [PL 1975, c. 434 (NEW).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 12 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2020
Leading cases: Myrick v. James (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1982, 444 A.2d 987) · Anderson v. Neal (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1981, 428 A.2d 1189) · Bangor Water District v. Malcolm Pirnie Engineers (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1988, 534 A.2d 1326)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 752-BSki areasIn force
All civil actions for property damage, bodily injury or death against a ski area owner or operator or tramway owner or operator or its employees, as defined under Title 32, chapter 133, whether based on tort or breach of contract or otherwise, arising out of participation in skiing or hang gliding or the use of a tramway associated with skiing or hang gliding must be commenced within 2 years after the cause of action accrues. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. H, §5 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. H, §17 (AFF).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 3 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2020
Leading cases: Sleeper v. Lilley (Superior Court of Maine 2011) · Sanchez v. Sunday River Skiway Corp. (District Court, D. Maine 1992, 802 F. Supp. 539) · WYMAN v. UNITED STATES SURGICAL CORPORATION (District Court, D. Maine 2020)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 752-CSexual acts towards minorsIn force
1. No limitation. Actions based upon sexual acts toward minors may be commenced at any time. 2. Sexual acts toward minors defined. As used in this section, "sexual acts toward minors" means the following acts that are committed against or engaged in with a person under the age of majority: A. [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (RP).] B. [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (RP).] C. Gross sexual assault, as described in Title 17‑A, section 253; [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (NEW).] D. Sexual abuse of a minor, as described in Title 17‑A, section 254; [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (NEW).] E. Unlawful sexual contact, as described in Title 17‑A, section 255‑A; [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (NEW).] F. Unlawful sexual touching, as described in Title 17‑A, section 260; [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (NEW).] G. Sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Title 17‑A, section 282; or [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (NEW).] H. Incest, as described in Title 17‑A, section 556. [PL 2023, c. 475, §1 (NEW).] 3. Application. This section applies to all actions based upon sexual acts toward minors regardless of the date of the sexual act and regardless of whether the statute of limitations on such actions expired prior to the effective date of this subsection.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 38 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2025
Leading cases: McAfee v. Cole (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1994, 637 A.2d 463) · Fortin v. Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2005, 871 A.2d 1208) · Angell v. HALLEE (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2012, 36 A.3d 922)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 752-FPerfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substancesIn force
A cause of action arising out of any harm or injury caused by a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance accrues on the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered such harm or injury. For the purposes of this section, "perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance" means any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. This section does not affect application of notice requirements for filing under section 8107 or the limitation on actions against a government entity under section 8110. [PL 2021, c. 328, §1 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 328, §2 (AFF).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
§ 753Two yearsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Actions for slander and libel must be commenced within 2 years after the cause of action accrues. [PL 2021, c. 207, §1 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 76 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2025
Leading cases: Myrick v. James (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1982, 444 A.2d 987) · Givertz v. Maine Medical Center (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1983, 459 A.2d 548) · Michaud v. Northern Maine Medical Center (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1981, 436 A.2d 398)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Maine Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
§ 753-BActions against attorneysIn force
1. Time when statute starts to run, generally. In actions alleging professional negligence, malpractice or breach of contract for legal service by a licensed attorney, the statute of limitations starts to run from the date of the act or omission giving rise to the injury, not from the discovery of the malpractice, negligence or breach of contract, except as provided in this section or as the statute of limitations may be suspended by other laws. 2. Rendering of title opinion. In an action alleging professional negligence in the rendering of a real estate title opinion, the statute of limitations starts to run on the date the negligence is discovered, but in no event may an action be commenced more than 20 years after the act or omission giving rise to the injury. 3. Drafting of last will and testament. In an action alleging professional negligence in the drafting of a last will and testament that has been offered for probate, the statute of limitations starts to run on the date the negligence is discovered.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 12 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2020
Leading cases: Packgen, Inc. v. Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P.A. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2019, 2019 ME 90) · Dowling v. Salewski (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2007, 926 A.2d 193) · White v. McTeague, Higbee, Case, Cohen, Whitney & Toker, P.A. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2002, 809 A.2d 622)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 853Persons under disability may bring action when disability removedIn force
If a person entitled to bring any of the actions under sections 752 to 754, including section 752‑C, and under sections 851 and 852 and Title 24, section 2902 and, until July 1, 2017, section 2902‑B is a minor, mentally ill, imprisoned or without the limits of the United States when the cause of action accrues, the action may be brought within the times limited herein after the disability is removed. [PL 2013, c. 329, §1 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 56 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2025
Leading cases: McAfee v. Cole (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1994, 637 A.2d 463) · Dasha Ex Rel. Dasha v. Maine Medical Center (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1995, 665 A.2d 993) · Christine S. Angell v. Renald C. Hallee (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2014, 92 A.3d 1154)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 864Presumption of payment after 20 yearsIn force
Every judgment and decree of any court of record of the United States or of any state or justice of the peace in this State is presumed to be paid and satisfied at the end of 20 years after any duty or obligations accrued by virtue of such judgment or decree, except for a child support order. For the purposes of this section, "child support order" means a judgment, decree or order, whether temporary, final or subject to modification, issued by a court or an administrative agency of competent jurisdiction for the support and maintenance of a child, including a child who has attained the age of majority under the law of the issuing state, that provides for monetary support, health care, arrearages or reimbursement and may include related costs and fees, interest and penalties, income withholding, attorney's fees and other relief. [PL 2017, c. 102, §1 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 8 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2022
Leading cases: Carter v. Carter (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1992, 611 A.2d 86) · Catherine E. Brochu v. Richard A. McLeod (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2016, 148 A.3d 1220) · Faith Temple v. Steven DiPietro (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2015, 130 A.3d 368)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 14: COURT PROCEDURE -- CIVIL, Part 7: PARTICULAR PROCEEDINGS, Chapter 741: TORT CLAIMS
§ 8107Notice to governmental entityIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
1. Notice requirements for filing. Within 365 days after any claim or cause of action permitted by this chapter accrues, or at a later time within the limits of section 8110, when a claimant shows good cause why notice could not have reasonably been filed within the 365-day limit, a claimant or a claimant's personal representative or attorney shall file a written notice containing: A. The name and address of the claimant, and the name and address of the claimant's attorney or other representative, if any; [PL 1989, c. 327 (AMD).] B. A concise statement of the basis of the claim, including the date, time, place and circumstances of the act, omission or occurrence complained of; [PL 1977, c. 2, §2 (NEW).] C. The name and address of any governmental employee involved, if known; [PL 1977, c. 2, §2 (NEW).] D. A concise statement of the nature and extent of the injury claimed to have been suffered; and [PL 1977, c. 2, §2 (NEW).] E. A statement of the amount of monetary damages claimed. [PL 1977, c. 2, §2 (NEW).] 2. Incapacity.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 100 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2025
Leading cases: Darling v. Augusta Mental Health Institute (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1987, 535 A.2d 421) · Beaulieu v. the Aube Corp. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2002, 796 A.2d 683) · Heber v. Lucerne-In-Maine Village Corp. (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2000, 2000 Me. 137)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 8110Limitation of actionsIn force
Every claim against a governmental entity or its employees permitted under this chapter is forever barred from the courts of this State, unless an action therein is begun within 2 years after the cause of action accrues, except that, if the claimant is a minor when the cause of action accrues, the action may be brought within 2 years of the minor's attaining 18 years of age. [PL 2001, c. 249, §2 (AMD).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Cited in 44 court opinionsMost recently applied by a court: 2024
Leading cases: McLaughlin v. Superintending School Committee (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 2003, 832 A.2d 782) · Couturier v. Penobscot Indian Nation (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1988, 544 A.2d 306) · Darling v. Augusta Mental Health Institute (Supreme Judicial Court of Maine 1987, 535 A.2d 421)
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 18-C: PROBATE CODE, Part 8: GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING PROBATE AND NONPROBATE TRANSFERS
§ 2-807Actions for wrongful deathIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
1. Liability notwithstanding death. Whenever the death of a person is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default, and the act, neglect or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then the person or the corporation that would have been liable if death had not ensued is liable for damages as provided in this section, notwithstanding the death of the person injured and although the death was caused under circumstances that amount to a felony. 2. Wrongful death action; damages; limitations. Every wrongful death action must be brought by and in the name of the personal representative or special administrator of the deceased person, and is distributable, after payment for funeral expenses and the costs of recovery including attorney's fees, directly to the decedent's heirs without becoming part of the probate estate, except as may be specifically provided in this subsection.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Maine (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Truck Accident Laws in Maine (2026): Deadlines & Liability, Maine Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines & Who Can Sue
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 36: TAXATION, Part 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS, Chapter 7: UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
§ 183Criminal offenses; statute of limitationsIn force
Notwithstanding Title 17‑A, section 8, prosecution of any crime defined in this Title must be commenced within 6 years after it has been committed. [PL 1987, c. 772, §6 (NEW).]
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at legislature.maine.gov
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Sources and References
- Title 14, Section 752: Six Years(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 753: Two Years(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 751: Twenty Years(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 752-A: Design Professionals(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 752-B: Ski Areas(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 752-C: Sexual Acts Towards Minors(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 752-F: PFAS Substances(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 753-B: Actions Against Attorneys(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 853: Persons Under Disability(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 864: Presumption of Payment After 20 Years(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 8110: Limitation of Actions (Government Tort Claims)(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 14, Section 8107: Notice to Governmental Entity(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 17-A, Section 8: Criminal Statute of Limitations(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 18-C, Section 2-807: Actions for Wrongful Death(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 24, Section 2902: Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 11, Section 2-725: UCC Statute of Limitations for Sale of Goods(legislature.maine.gov).gov
- Title 36, Section 183: Criminal Tax Offenses(legislature.maine.gov).gov