How to Dispute a Bill in Maine: A Guide for Consumers
Maine consumers have specific rights when disputing incorrect or unfair bills from service providers, medical facilities, or merchants. Understanding the proper dispute procedures, documentation requirements, and timeframes under Maine law can significantly improve your chances of successfully resolving billing errors.
In Maine, consumers must typically dispute bills in writing within 30 days of receiving them to preserve their full legal protections. Failing to follow proper dispute procedures may limit your ability to contest charges later, even if the bill contains legitimate errors.
Key Considerations
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Relevant Laws
Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act (UTPA)
This law prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices in Maine. When disputing a bill, this law provides protection against businesses that engage in deceptive billing practices, misrepresent charges, or fail to honor advertised prices. Consumers can file complaints with the Attorney General's office under this law.
Maine Consumer Credit Code
This law regulates consumer credit transactions in Maine and provides protections for consumers regarding billing errors, interest charges, and fee disclosures. When disputing bills related to credit accounts, loans, or financing arrangements, this law establishes procedures that creditors must follow when responding to billing disputes.
Maine Public Utilities Commission Rules
These regulations govern utility services in Maine and establish consumer rights regarding utility billing disputes. When disputing utility bills (electricity, gas, water, etc.), these rules outline the process for filing complaints, requesting investigations of charges, and prohibit disconnection of service while a bill is being disputed in good faith.
Maine Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
This law regulates debt collection practices in Maine and provides additional protections beyond the federal FDCPA. When disputing a bill that has gone to collections, this law establishes your rights to dispute the debt, request verification, and be free from harassment or abusive collection tactics.
Maine Statute of Limitations on Debt
This law establishes time limits for creditors to sue for unpaid debts in Maine. For written contracts, the statute of limitations is 6 years. When disputing old bills, this law may provide a defense if the debt is time-barred, meaning the creditor waited too long to take legal action.
Regional Variances
Northern Maine
In Aroostook County, consumers have additional protections when disputing utility bills during winter months (October-April) under the 'Winter Disconnection Rules.' Local utilities cannot disconnect service without explicit approval from the Maine Public Utilities Commission, even in billing disputes. The county also offers a specialized mediation program through the Aroostook County Action Program for bill disputes before they reach small claims court.
Presque Isle has a municipal ordinance that requires all utility companies to provide written notice 30 days (instead of the state-standard 14 days) before collection actions on disputed bills. The city also maintains a Consumer Assistance Office that offers free advocacy services for residents disputing bills over $500.
Coastal Maine
Portland has enhanced consumer protection ordinances that require businesses to respond to billing disputes within 10 business days (faster than the state requirement of 30 days). The city also offers free legal clinics specifically for billing disputes through the Portland Consumer Rights Project, which is not available in other parts of the state.
Cumberland County Small Claims Court has implemented a specialized 'Fast Track' system for bill disputes under $1,000, allowing for expedited hearings typically within 14 days of filing. The county also provides a dedicated consumer advocate at the courthouse to assist residents with paperwork for bill disputes before they file formal claims.
Central Maine
As the state capital, Augusta offers direct access to the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection for in-person assistance with billing disputes. The city has also established a unique 'Bill Dispute Resolution Board' that provides non-binding mediation for residents before proceeding to formal complaints or legal action.
Kennebec County provides a specialized 'Consumer Bill of Rights' hotline that offers guidance specific to local businesses and utilities. The county courts also have a higher small claims limit ($7,000 versus the standard $6,000 in other counties) for bill dispute cases.
Western Maine
Oxford County has established a Rural Consumer Protection Program that provides transportation assistance for residents who need to attend in-person hearings for bill disputes. The county also offers extended filing deadlines for bill disputes (45 days versus the standard 30 days) to accommodate residents in remote areas.
Lewiston has implemented a multilingual bill dispute resolution service to accommodate its diverse population, offering assistance in Somali, French, and Arabic. The city also requires all medical billing disputes to go through a preliminary review by the Lewiston Health Billing Advocate before formal collection actions can proceed.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Review and document the billing issue
1 days after startingCarefully review your bill to identify the specific error or dispute. Document the exact amount in question, the date of the charge, and why you believe it's incorrect. Take screenshots or make copies of the bill showing the disputed amount.
Gather supporting documentation
3 days after startingCollect all relevant documents that support your position, including previous bills, payment receipts, service agreements, and any communications with the company about the services or products in question.
Request Account Statement
7 days after startingContact the company to request a complete account statement showing all transactions, payments, and charges for the period in question. Under Maine law, you have the right to access your account information. Review this statement carefully for any discrepancies.
Compile Payment History Records
10 days after startingCreate a comprehensive record of all payments made to the company, including dates, amounts, and payment methods. Include copies of canceled checks, bank statements, credit card statements, or electronic payment confirmations.
Review Service Contract or Agreement
12 days after startingLocate and review your original service contract or agreement to verify the terms, rates, and services you agreed to. Check for any clauses related to billing disputes or error resolution procedures that you need to follow.
Contact the company directly
14 days after startingCall the company's customer service department to discuss the billing issue. Take detailed notes of the conversation, including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. Maine law encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution before escalating disputes.
Document all communications
15 days after startingKeep a detailed log of all communications with the company, including dates, names of representatives, what was discussed, and any promises or resolutions offered. Save emails, chat logs, and take notes during phone calls.
Draft a Billing Dispute Letter
17 days after startingWrite a formal dispute letter to the company clearly stating the nature of the dispute, the amount in question, why you believe the bill is incorrect, and what resolution you're seeking. Include your account number and contact information. In Maine, it's advisable to reference the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act (5 M.R.S.A. § 205-A et seq.) if applicable to your situation.
Send the dispute letter via certified mail
18 days after startingMail your dispute letter using certified mail with return receipt requested to create proof of delivery. This documentation is important if you need to escalate the dispute later. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt as evidence.
Submit a Fair Credit Billing Act dispute form (if credit card related)
20 days after startingIf the disputed bill involves a credit card charge, complete and submit a Fair Credit Billing Act dispute form to your credit card issuer within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. Under federal law, the credit card company must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days.
Follow up with the company
48 days after startingIf you don't receive a response within 30 days of sending your dispute letter, follow up with the company by phone and in writing. Document these follow-up attempts.
File a complaint with Maine regulatory agencies
60 days after startingIf the company doesn't resolve your dispute satisfactorily, file a complaint with the appropriate Maine regulatory agency. For utility bills, contact the Maine Public Utilities Commission. For other consumer issues, file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division using their Consumer Complaint Form.
Consider mediation services
75 days after startingMaine offers mediation services through the Maine Attorney General's Office and community mediation centers. Consider using these services before proceeding to court. Mediation is often faster and less expensive than litigation.
Prepare for small claims court (if necessary)
90 days after startingIf all other attempts fail, consider filing in Maine Small Claims Court for disputes up to $6,000. Prepare your Small Claims Court Complaint with all supporting documentation. In Maine, small claims procedures are designed to be accessible to non-lawyers, but you must follow specific filing requirements and pay the appropriate filing fee.
File in small claims court
95 days after startingFile your complaint with the appropriate Maine District Court. Pay the filing fee (approximately $50-$80) and arrange for service of process on the company. In Maine, you can serve the complaint by certified mail or through the sheriff's office for a fee.
Attend the court hearing
120 days after startingPrepare for and attend your small claims court hearing. Bring all documentation related to your dispute, including your billing statements, correspondence with the company, payment records, and any other relevant evidence. Be prepared to clearly explain your case to the judge.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and document the billing issue | Carefully review your bill to identify the specific error or dispute. Document the exact amount in question, the date of the charge, and why you believe it's incorrect. Take screenshots or make copies of the bill showing the disputed amount. | - | 1 |
| Gather supporting documentation | Collect all relevant documents that support your position, including previous bills, payment receipts, service agreements, and any communications with the company about the services or products in question. | - | 3 |
| Request Account Statement | Contact the company to request a complete account statement showing all transactions, payments, and charges for the period in question. Under Maine law, you have the right to access your account information. Review this statement carefully for any discrepancies. | Account Statement | 7 |
| Compile Payment History Records | Create a comprehensive record of all payments made to the company, including dates, amounts, and payment methods. Include copies of canceled checks, bank statements, credit card statements, or electronic payment confirmations. | Payment History Records | 10 |
| Review Service Contract or Agreement | Locate and review your original service contract or agreement to verify the terms, rates, and services you agreed to. Check for any clauses related to billing disputes or error resolution procedures that you need to follow. | Service Contract or Agreement | 12 |
| Contact the company directly | Call the company's customer service department to discuss the billing issue. Take detailed notes of the conversation, including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. Maine law encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution before escalating disputes. | - | 14 |
| Document all communications | Keep a detailed log of all communications with the company, including dates, names of representatives, what was discussed, and any promises or resolutions offered. Save emails, chat logs, and take notes during phone calls. | Proof of Communication | 15 |
| Draft a Billing Dispute Letter | Write a formal dispute letter to the company clearly stating the nature of the dispute, the amount in question, why you believe the bill is incorrect, and what resolution you're seeking. Include your account number and contact information. In Maine, it's advisable to reference the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act (5 M.R.S.A. § 205-A et seq.) if applicable to your situation. | Billing Dispute Letter | 17 |
| Send the dispute letter via certified mail | Mail your dispute letter using certified mail with return receipt requested to create proof of delivery. This documentation is important if you need to escalate the dispute later. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt as evidence. | Certified Mail Receipt | 18 |
| Submit a Fair Credit Billing Act dispute form (if credit card related) | If the disputed bill involves a credit card charge, complete and submit a Fair Credit Billing Act dispute form to your credit card issuer within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. Under federal law, the credit card company must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. | Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form | 20 |
| Follow up with the company | If you don't receive a response within 30 days of sending your dispute letter, follow up with the company by phone and in writing. Document these follow-up attempts. | - | 48 |
| File a complaint with Maine regulatory agencies | If the company doesn't resolve your dispute satisfactorily, file a complaint with the appropriate Maine regulatory agency. For utility bills, contact the Maine Public Utilities Commission. For other consumer issues, file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division using their Consumer Complaint Form. | Consumer Complaint Form | 60 |
| Consider mediation services | Maine offers mediation services through the Maine Attorney General's Office and community mediation centers. Consider using these services before proceeding to court. Mediation is often faster and less expensive than litigation. | - | 75 |
| Prepare for small claims court (if necessary) | If all other attempts fail, consider filing in Maine Small Claims Court for disputes up to $6,000. Prepare your Small Claims Court Complaint with all supporting documentation. In Maine, small claims procedures are designed to be accessible to non-lawyers, but you must follow specific filing requirements and pay the appropriate filing fee. | Small Claims Court Complaint | 90 |
| File in small claims court | File your complaint with the appropriate Maine District Court. Pay the filing fee (approximately $50-$80) and arrange for service of process on the company. In Maine, you can serve the complaint by certified mail or through the sheriff's office for a fee. | - | 95 |
| Attend the court hearing | Prepare for and attend your small claims court hearing. Bring all documentation related to your dispute, including your billing statements, correspondence with the company, payment records, and any other relevant evidence. Be prepared to clearly explain your case to the judge. | - | 120 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to contact the service provider or merchant directly. Write a formal dispute letter that includes your account information, details about the disputed charge, and why you believe it's incorrect. Send this via certified mail with return receipt requested to maintain proof of your communication. Keep copies of all correspondence and note the dates and names of anyone you speak with.
Yes, there are time limits that vary by bill type. For credit card disputes, the Fair Credit Billing Act gives you 60 days from the date the bill was mailed to file a dispute. For medical bills, you typically have 30-180 days depending on the provider. For utility bills, Maine Public Utilities Commission rules generally require disputes to be filed within 30 days of receiving the bill. Acting promptly is always recommended regardless of the bill type.
For credit card bills, you can withhold payment on the disputed amount (but must pay the undisputed portion) while the investigation is pending. For utility bills, Maine law (35-A M.R.S.A. § 1308) protects consumers from disconnection while a legitimate dispute is being resolved. For other types of bills, withholding payment may result in late fees or collection actions, so it's advisable to pay under protest while noting that you're disputing the charge, unless otherwise advised by an attorney.
Several resources are available: 1) Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection (for debt and credit issues), 2) Maine Public Utilities Commission (for utility disputes), 3) Maine Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, 4) Pine Tree Legal Assistance for low-income residents, and 5) Maine State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. For health insurance billing disputes, the Maine Bureau of Insurance can also provide assistance.
Keep copies of: 1) The original bill and any previous bills showing normal charges, 2) All written correspondence with the company, 3) Detailed notes from phone conversations including date, time, representative's name and what was discussed, 4) Proof of payments made, 5) Any relevant contracts or service agreements, 6) Proof of mailing for dispute letters (certified mail receipts), and 7) Any evidence supporting your dispute (photos, witness statements, etc.).
Yes, you can dispute medical bills in Maine. First, request an itemized bill and review it carefully for errors. Contact the provider's billing department to discuss discrepancies. If unsuccessful, contact your insurance company to verify coverage. Maine has patient billing protection laws, and the Maine Bureau of Insurance can help with insurance-related disputes. For billing errors, you can file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General's Healthcare Crimes Unit or seek assistance from the Maine Healthcare Advocate.
If a company ignores your dispute letter, document that you've made a good faith attempt to resolve the issue. After a reasonable time (typically 30 days), you can: 1) File a complaint with the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, 2) Contact the appropriate regulatory agency (e.g., Maine Public Utilities Commission for utility bills), 3) File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, 4) Consider small claims court for disputes under $6,000, or 5) Consult with an attorney about further legal options.
Yes, for disputes up to $6,000, you can file in Maine Small Claims Court. The process is designed to be navigated without an attorney. File your claim at the District Court in the county where either you or the business is located. The filing fee is approximately $50-$80 (may be waived for low-income individuals). You'll need to serve the other party with the complaint and summons. The Maine court system website provides forms and a guide to small claims procedures.
Yes, Maine offers additional protections for seniors (65+) disputing bills. The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services and Senior Legal Services through Legal Services for the Elderly provide free legal assistance to seniors. Maine's Consumer Protection Act has enhanced penalties for unfair practices targeting elderly consumers. Additionally, the Elder Justice Partners program through the Maine Attorney General's Office can provide specialized assistance with billing disputes that may involve financial exploitation.
If your disputed bill has gone to collections in Maine, you still have rights. Within 30 days of first contact from the collection agency, send a written dispute letter requesting debt verification. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they must cease collection activities until they provide verification. Maine's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides additional protections beyond federal law. You can file complaints with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection and the CFPB if the collection agency violates these protections.