The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has issued an invitation for public comments on proposed amendments to Rule 4 of the Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure. The changes aim to simplify language, allow service by alternate means upon motion and a showing that service cannot be made by another prescribed method with due diligence, update cross-references, return paperwork when service cannot be completed by acknowledgment under subdivision (a)(1), and establish a process for requesting court payment of service costs under M.R. Civ. P. 91(c).
Comments must be submitted to the Executive Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Submissions can be made in writing or via email to lawcourt.clerk@courts.maine.gov. Email attachments must be in native portable document format (.pdf). The Clerk's Office will acknowledge receipt via reply email.
All comments should include the name and mailing address of the individual submitting them and, if applicable, the name, mailing address, and primary telephone number of any organization represented. Comments are public documents and may be posted on the Courts website.
Dated: August 7, 2024
Matthew Pollack
Executive Clerk
Maine Supreme Judicial Court
205 Newbury Street Room 139
Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 822-4146