Maine Courts Reopening Post COVID-19, 2020

As of June 1st, 2020, the Maine Court System has reopened to the public after a two-month period of closure in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. As of today, the Maine courts are open 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday.

See frequently asked questions and answers below.

  1. Can anyone go in the courthouses now that the Maine courts are “open” to the public?

    1. Yes and no. While this space is public, the state is asking that you only present yourself at the courts if you are required to be there. Or if you are seeking protection from abuse or harassment. 

  2. How do I contact the courts if I have specific questions?

    1. You can call 207-753-2999 or email info@courts.maine.gov to communicate with someone directly.
  3. I am required to visit the courts. How do I know my health will be safe in this public space during a pandemic?

    1. The courts have pledged to do all they can to keep you, the public, and the court employees safe. The courts are reminding everyone to use the same precautions in the courthouse as we would during a flu season.

    2. The courts official statement regarding what’s required as a result of coronavirus when entering a courthouse is here:

    3. “ENTERING A COURTHOUSE: Any person entering the courthouse must wear a face shield, mask, or cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth at all times while in the courthouse. All persons entering will be asked about exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19. Those who cannot enter as a result of these protocols should call 207-753-2999 for assistance.”

  4. What if I am required to be at the courts but have traveled out of the country within the last 14 days?

    1. The courts have outlined a number of Visitor Restrictions that you should take the time to read if you are required to visit either by law or for protection from abuse or harassment. These restrictions apply to all courthouses in the state of Maine. For example, “Persons who have, within the last fourteen days, travelled to any country for which the CDC has issued Level Two or Level Three travel health notices.”

    2. Read the rest of the Maine State Judicial Branch Visitor Restrictions, here.

  5. What are the courts doing to maintain awareness and safety as the pandemic evolves?

    1. The Maine Judicial Courts are consistently monitoring the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention for updates on public health for how to proceed within the courts. That page is updated as new information is available.

  6. Are the courts opening in phases? And if so what does that look like?

    1. Yes, the State of Maine Judicial Branches are opening in phases in response to coronavirus. To date, the State of Maine has outlined these phases:

      1. Phase 1, June 1st -12 (two weeks)

      2. Phase 2, June 15th – July 2nd (three weeks)

      3. Phase 3, July 6th – July 31st (four weeks)

      4. Phase 4, August 3rd – September 4th (five weeks)

      5. Phase 5, Anticipated for September 7th, onward

    You can read the details of each phase via the STATE OF MAINE JUDICIAL BRANCH COVID-19 Phased Management Plan Version 1: Issued May 27, 2020

Additional resources, information and announcements can be found by visiting the State of Maine Judicial Branch Coronavirus Information page.

Mann Law remains open to help you. We can help you and your case via private, secure teleconferencing and email while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines based on the recommendations of the public health authorities to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please contact us to answer your questions. We are here to help.

Thank you for understanding as we work together to keep our communities healthy.

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Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.