Court Records

“Court records” are documents, forms, exhibits, and other items that the court maintains in connection with a case. Court records do not include transcripts of court proceedings. For information on transcripts and how to obtain, see Court Transcripts.

How are Court Records Kept?

Most Judicial Branch court records are kept in paper files. In 2018, beginning with statewide traffic infraction cases, the Judicial Branch began transitioning to electronic court records and electronic filing (eFiling). In November 2020, Bangor courts were the first courts to launch eFiling for most civil case types.

The transition from paper to electronic records is being done on a court-by-court basis for different case types. Eventually, all Judicial Branch records for all case types will be kept in electronic files. Records created before November 2020, except for traffic infraction cases, will remain in paper files.

Bottom line: depending on the court where the case was heard, the date, and type of case, court records will most likely be in paper files, but could be in electronic files.

How to Get Court Records

Paper Records— (all types of cases except for traffic infractions, before November 2020)

  • Submit a Records Search Request. Fill out a Records Search Request form and mail the completed form, with a self-addressed stamped envelope, to:

    Judicial Branch Service Center
    P.O. Box 266
    Lewiston, ME 04240

    For FedEx or UPS: 250 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240.

    Instructions for completing the request form and costs are on the first page. For questions regarding copies, contact the Judicial Branch Service Center at 207-753-2901. 

  • Go in person or call the clerk’s office of the court where the case was heard or is pending.
    • If you know in which court the case was or is being heard and other pertinent information, such as the name of a party, type of case, and/or docket number, paper court records may be available.
    • Depending upon the age of the case, records may not be available at the courthouse. The Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule lists the length of time various [paper] records are retained and indicates their disposition at the end of the retention period.
    • Some clerk’s offices are not able to accommodate telephone requests for court records.

Electronic Records — (courts that have implemented eFiling, beginning in November 2020). Detailed information about electronic court records can be found on the Accessing Electronic Court Records web page.

Frequently Requested Records

Criminal Case Records — The Judicial Branch maintains criminal case records per the Records Retention Schedule. Under the Schedule, case records may be stored at the courthouse for a period, retained at the Records Center of the Maine State Archives, and/or destroyed. If available, individuals can get copies of documents in their own files at no cost, as can state and federal agencies. See Record Search Request Instructions and Information. Criminal case records are not currently available in electronic form.

Please note: criminal case records are not the same as an individual's criminal history. Requests for criminal history should be made to the Maine State Police’s State Bureau of Identification (SBI). In general, SBI criminal history information includes conviction and adjudication information for adult and juvenile crimes committed within the State of Maine that the SBI currently has on record, as well as pending cases less than one year old.  

Divorce Records — Divorce records, including the divorce judgment (also called a divorce decree), may be in paper or electronic form, depending upon when and in which court the divorce case was heard. See the information above.

Confidential Records and Case Types

Court records are generally open to the public, although some records and case types are confidential by law and may be available only to parties and their attorneys.

The public cannot access court records in cases that are confidential. These cases include:

  • Mental health civil commitment proceedings;
  • Medical malpractice screening panel proceedings;
  • Sterilization proceedings;
  • Proceedings for extreme weapon protection orders;
  • HIV/AIDS testing proceedings;
  • Minor settlement proceedings;
  • Child protection matters;
  • Adoptions;
  • Guardianships of minors;
  • Name changes for minors;
  • Petitions for court-authorized abortions for minors;
  • Emancipations of minors;
  • Assisted reproduction matters, including noncompliance with gestational carrier agreements; and
  • Most juvenile case records.

Probate Court Records

Maine Probate Courts are located in every county and are administered at the county-government level. Probate Courts handle the estates of deceased and missing persons, guardianship of incapacitated adults and minor children, trusts, legal name changes of adults and minors, and some adoption matters. Probate Courts manage their own records. Contact the appropriate Probate Court for assistance with these matters and probate records.