How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Maine
Upsolve is a nonprofit that helps you eliminate your debt with our free bankruptcy filing tool. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy. You could be debt-free in as little as 4 months. Featured in Forbes 4x and funded by institutions like Harvard University — so we’ll never ask you for a credit card. See if you qualify →
If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many Mainers file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Maine.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 30, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Maine
If you're feeling overwhelmed by bills, collection calls, or the stress of making ends meet, you're not alone. Many people turn to bankruptcy when they've tried everything else and still can't get ahead. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: See If You Qualify
Chapter 7 has income limits, but most people who need it meet them. You'll answer a few questions about your household size and income. If you use Upsolve's free tool, it just takes two minutes to see if you qualify.
If your income is below Maine’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Maine Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| Loading... | ||
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you file, you'll need to pull together a few key documents. One of those is a certificate from a short credit counseling course, which you'll complete online. It takes 1–2 hours and costs $10–$50 (fee waivers available).
See the full document checklist →
Step 3: Complete Your Forms and File
The forms you'll fill out are federal, so they're the same across the country. You can find them as free fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov.
Maine uses the standard federal forms for Chapter 7, but you'll also need to prepare a creditor mailing matrix — a list of names and addresses for everyone you owe money to. The court has specific formatting rules, so it's important to follow its instructions. Be sure to also include a certification form to confirm your list is complete.
If you use Upsolve, your forms are generated for you based on your answers and organized so they’re ready to print and sign.
How filing works with Upsolve →
You can file your forms online using the court's free Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) system, in person at your local courthouse, or by mail.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine covers the entire state and has two offices: one in Portland and one in Bangor. Where you file depends on the county you live in.
📍 Portland Office: 537 Congress Street, 2nd Floor Portland, ME 04101
➡️ File here if you live in one of these counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Oxford, Sagadahoc, or York.
📍 Bangor Office: MC Smith Federal Building 202 Harlow Street, 3rd Floor Bangor, ME 04401
➡️ File here if you live in one of these counties: Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, or Washington.
For a clear overview of the entire Chapter 7 process in Maine, the court's flow chart is a helpful resource.
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you can’t afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee when you file your paperwork.
People whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible. A bankruptcy judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
Maine Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2026Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,330.00 | $1,995.00 |
| 2 | $1,803.33 | $2,705.00 |
| 3 | $2,276.67 | $3,415.00 |
| 4 | $2,750.00 | $4,125.00 |
| 5 | $3,223.33 | $4,835.00 |
| 6 | $3,696.67 | $5,545.00 |
| 7 | $4,170.00 | $6,255.00 |
| 8 | $4,643.33 | $6,965.00 |
| 9 | $5,116.67 | $7,675.00 |
| 10 | $5,590.00 | $8,385.00 |
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver, you’ll need to pay the full filing fee or an installment payment (if approved) when you file your forms.
💰 In Maine, you have a few ways to pay the filing fee:
Online: Use a debit card, PayPal, or bank account at Pay.gov.
By mail or in person: Submit a money order or cashier’s check made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court at either the Portland or Bangor courthouse.
❌ The court doesn’t accept cash, personal checks, or credit cards.
Step 4: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you'll have a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee on Zoom. It typically takes about five minutes. The trustee will verify your identity and ask a few basic questions about your paperwork.
Upsolve can help you prep for your 341 meeting →
Step 5: Get Your Discharge
After your 341 meeting, you'll need to take one more short course — a debtor education course on budgeting and managing credit. Once that's done and any follow-up is resolved, the court erases your eligible debts. That's your fresh start, usually within 3–4 months of filing.
What debts does Chapter 7 discharge? →
Free Legal Aid in Maine
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — free and low-cost legal help is available across Maine.
The Maine State Bar Association is a great place to look for legal aid resources near you.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Inc. (207) 774-4753 88 Federal Street P.O. Box 547 Portland, ME 04101
