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Cumberland County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Maine landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer in Cumberland County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$90
Filing fee
3–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–6 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Cumberland County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Cumberland County — What Landlords Should Know

Cumberland County (Portland) uses District Court for FED actions.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Cumberland County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Cumberland County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Cumberland County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 7-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 7-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Maine law.

2

File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer at Cumberland County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Cumberland County Courthouse (205 Newbury St., Portland, ME 04101). The filing fee is $90. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Cumberland County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Cumberland County are typically scheduled 3–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Maine Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Maine.

Cumberland County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $90 Paid to Cumberland County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $30 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$26–$30 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Cumberland County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Cumberland County?

The typical Cumberland County eviction takes 4–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Cumberland County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Cumberland County?

The court filing fee in Cumberland County is $90. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $146–$150.

What court handles evictions in Cumberland County?

Evictions in Cumberland County are filed at the Cumberland County Courthouse, located at 205 Newbury St., Portland, ME 04101. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Cumberland County?

Cumberland County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Cumberland County Courthouse.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Cumberland County?

Maine law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Cumberland County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Cumberland County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Maine.

See full Maine eviction laws and notice requirements.

Maine Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Maine.

Maine Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Cumberland County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Cumberland County →

Relevant Maine Statutes