Text Messages as Evidence in Maine Small Claims Court

Bring Digital Evidence in a Form the Court Can Use

Maine small claims court doesn't apply the formal rules of evidence. Under Rule 6 of the Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure, the judge receives non-privileged oral testimony and physical evidence, excluding material that is irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitive. Text messages, photos, emails, Venmo receipts, and Facebook Marketplace listings may be relevant evidence.

For an in-person hearing, bring original documents plus two complete hard copies of each exhibit. Documents uploaded to eFileMaine or sent to the clerk do not automatically replace physical copies unless the judge orders otherwise. For a remote hearing, submit exhibits to the court and opposing party in advance as instructed by the clerk. One Cumberland County homeowner learned this the hard way when the judge told them that 40 text messages on a phone screen couldn't be reviewed — they had no printouts, and the digital evidence wasn't considered.

How to Print Text Messages

Screenshot each relevant message with the contact name, date, and time visible. Most phones let you take a long screenshot or scroll capture that gets an entire conversation in one image.

When printing:

• Use a readable font size — don't shrink 30 screenshots onto a single page
• Include both sides of the conversation (your messages and theirs)
• Keep messages in chronological order
• If the contact is saved by nickname, add a note identifying the person's full name and relationship to the dispute

Organize three evidence packets: the original documents plus two complete hard copies, with copies for the judge and opposing party. This is the preparation described for Maine small claims in the court materials.

How to Print Photos

Photos taken on your phone should be printed at 4×6 inches or larger on regular paper or photo paper. On the back of each print (or on an attached label), write:

• The date the photo was taken
• What the photo shows (e.g., "water damage in kitchen ceiling, taken day after contractor left")
• Who took the photo

If the photo's metadata includes a timestamp, that can help explain when it was taken. Be ready to identify who took the photo and what it shows; the hearing follows the informal evidence procedure in Rule 6.

How to Print Emails

Print the full email, not a copy-pasted excerpt. The judge wants to see the From line, To line, Date, and Subject header. If the email chain is long, print the relevant messages and note "Thread continues — full chain available" rather than submitting 40 pages of CC'd replies.

How to Print Payment Records

For Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or bank transfer records:

• Screenshot the transaction detail page showing the amount, date, recipient, and description
• For bank statements, print the relevant page with the transaction highlighted
• For canceled checks, print both front and back

Organizing Everything

Number each exhibit (Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, etc.) and create a one-page index listing each exhibit with a brief description. Arrange them chronologically — the judge follows the story better when the timeline is clear. Staple each exhibit separately so pages from different documents don't get shuffled.

Example index:

For Remote (Zoom) Hearings

If your hearing is conducted via Zoom, the court clerk will give you instructions for submitting exhibits in advance — usually by email or through eFileMaine if your county is on the eCourts system. Submit your exhibits early and still have printed copies ready for your own reference during the hearing.

Where to Print If You Don't Have a Printer

Public libraries across Maine offer printing services, typically at $0.10–$0.25 per page. FedEx Office, Staples, and UPS Store locations also do walk-in printing. Budget for three full sets of everything — for a typical case with 10–15 pages of evidence, that's 30–45 printed pages.

The Responding to a Small Claims Case in Maine guide includes an Evidence Packing List worksheet that walks you through each evidence category, tracks what you've collected and printed, and ensures your three packets are complete before hearing day.

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