(a) Scope; Installments. A judgment may provide monetary relief or equitable relief limited to orders to return, reform, refund, repair, or rescind. The court may order payment of a monetary judgment in installments if both parties are present at the hearing. (b) Judgment Upon Failure to Appear or Prosecute. If the plaintiff fails to appear at the hearing or take other steps required by these rules prior to hearing, the court may order entry of a judgment of dismissal with or without prejudice. If the defendant fails to appear at the hearing, the court may order entry of judgment by default for the relief claimed by the plaintiff in the statement of claim. In either case, the court shall review the claim prior to ordering entry of judgment. (c) Judgment After Hearing. Upon completion of the hearing, the court shall promptly enter judgment for the prevailing party for the relief to which that party is entitled, even if that party has not demanded such relief. (d) Costs. If the plaintiff prevails, the plaintiff shall be awarded costs of service, if service was made by methods authorized in Rule 4(a)(2) or (3), and filing in addition to the amount of damages awarded unless the court otherwise directs. (e) Entry of Judgment. Notation of a judgment on the docket constitutes the entry of the judgment, and the judgment is not effective before such entry. (f) Notice of Judgment. The clerk shall provide a copy of the notice of judgment to the plaintiff and the defendant either in hand or by ordinary mail. The notice of judgment shall contain: (1) The name of the prevailing party; (2) The time allowed for appeal; (3) The amount of judgment and costs; (4) Other court-ordered action; and (5) A statement that if the judgment is not satisfied, a disclosure hearing may be held at the request of the plaintiff. Failure of the clerk to send copies as herein provided does not affect the time to appeal or relieve, or authorize the court to relieve, a party for failure to appeal within the time allowed, except as permitted in Rule 11(a).
Me. R. Small. Claims. P. 8