File a Grievance

The Maine Judicial Branch is committed to full, meaningful, and fair access to justice in Maine state courts.

Anyone who disagrees with a decision about their disability accommodation request may ask for a review of the decision. The request for a review is called a "grievance."

If the decision was made by a judicial branch employee

If the accommodation decision was made by a clerk or other court employee, including the Court Access Coordinator, then the person asking for a review must file the Grievance Form for Disability Accommodation. The form has instructions on how to complete it and where to submit it.

The Court Access Coordinator will review the grievance and issue a decision within 28 days after filing, unless the review cannot be completed within that time.

If the Court Access Coordinator made the initial decision, the State Court Administrator will conduct the review and issue a decision within 42 days after filing, unless the review cannot be completed within that time.

If after review, a disability accommodation is granted, the Court Access Coordinator will make the necessary arrangements to provide the accommodation.

If the decision was made by a judicial officer

If the initial accommodation decision was made by a judge, justice or family law magistrate in connection with a pending court case, the person asking for a review must submit an appeal of the decision in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. You must include a copy of the actual decision, judgment, or order that you want to have reviewed. If you have an attorney, that attorney can help you request the review. Your disagreement with the accommodation decision must be properly filed in court to be considered. Strict deadlines apply, so court rules must be carefully followed.

Timing for submitting a grievance

The Judicial Branch must receive the grievance within 21 calendar days after the decision is made either administratively (by the Court Access Coordinator or other Judicial Branch employee) or by a judicial officer.

Confidentiality

The Judicial Branch will make reasonable efforts to keep the grievance and the information in it confidential to the degree necessary to make a full and fair review. If the Judicial Branch is required by law to disclose any of your information, the Judicial Branch must respond to that requirement.  

The Judicial Branch will keep the grievance and related materials for three years from the date of the final decision.

Other rights and remedies

This grievance procedure does not limit any other rights or remedies you may have under the law. 

Grievance procedure in additional languages

The Grievance Procedure for Disability Accommodation is available in the following languages: