Maine Court Records

Accessing Maine Court Records

Court records are used to perform a background check. But there are other uses too. For example, these records are accessed for genealogy searches, and to research a company before taking up a job offer; the document can be useful in many situations. It is true that court records are not the easiest records to research. But the fact is, when you search at the right places, and follow the procedures, it will not be difficult at all to access the required information.

How to Apply, and Where From Can You Get the Maine court records?

Maine historical court records are maintained at the Maine State Archives, and they include records, dockets, as well as the files from the case from the different sixteen counties in Maine that reach as far back as 1636. It is through these case files, which are archived from the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, that you will get a peek of the daily life, as well as the occupations, salaries, financial state of affairs and trade practices and deals from different times.

To get the court record in the state of Maine, you will be required to contact the office at the address below:

Maine State Archives
84 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333

(207) 287-5790

How Much Do You Need to Pay to Access the Maine Court Records?

This is not a free service. Once you have made your application to the Clerk's office in the court, the office will conduct a search for you. There is a fee for this. Almost all the records in the state can be researched, and this includes the records of non-criminal court trials, records of birth, death, marriage and divorce.

A certified copy of a document including the cost of research will cost you a very nominal fee, while a plain or uncertified copy will cost you even less. You will be required to pay a negligible amount if you perform the research yourself. However, if you need the staff's help, the cost of your research might be a bit more. It also depends on the time that is needed to perform the search. Moreover, you might also have to pay some extra money based on the number of copies you order.

Who Can View the Maine Court Records?

According to The Freedom of Information Act, the court records are meant for public viewing. What this means is that, you can access the records legally, when you make an application. There are some restrictions here though. While applying, you will be required to furnish the reason why you want the record, and your relationship with the people involved in the litigation. The report will be given to you if your reasons are convincing. You must also furnish a valid photo ID proof.

Since court records are in the public domain, you have every right to access it. But you will still need to qualify. And do also remember, you cannot ever access certain records, particularly those that are confidential in nature.