Kennebec County Court Records
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Kennebec County sits in central Maine, with Augusta — the state capital — as its county seat. The county's judicial system includes the Kennebec County Superior Court, two District Courts in Augusta and Waterville, and the Kennebec County Probate Court. Together, these courts produce a wide range of records: criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law proceedings, traffic violations, and estate administration. Each court's clerk office keeps its own case files, and the county also maintains separate offices for probate records and property records. Figuring out which court handled a particular matter — and which office holds the corresponding file — is the first and most important step before you begin any records search.
Records can be found through official clerk offices, in-person courthouse visits, mail-based requests through the Judicial Branch Service Center, and online tools. Maine has been transitioning to electronic court records since 2020, and a growing number of case types in Kennebec County are now accessible through the state's electronic portal. MaineCourts.us can help you identify courts and locate publicly available case information across Maine counties.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kennebec County?
There are several ways to search for court case information in Kennebec County, and which method works best for you will depend largely on whether the records exist in electronic or paper form.
Online Through re:SearchMaine
The Maine Judicial Branch runs re:SearchMaine, the state's electronic case records platform. Registration is free, and you can search by party name or case number. For Kennebec County courts where eFiling has been implemented, the public can view the Registry of Actions — the chronological list of docket events in a case — and any documents the court has made remotely accessible. Criminal and civil violation case records became available electronically in Kennebec County after February 2026. You can also visit a courthouse where eFiling is in place to view additional electronic documents at no charge, and paper copies of public electronic records can be requested free at the courthouse. Access to electronic court records is governed by the Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems (MRECS) and Administrative Order JB-20-03.
By Mail Through the Judicial Branch Service Center
For paper records — which covers most case files created before November 2020 — your main option is the Record Search Request form. Complete this form and mail it (not email or fax) to:
Judicial Branch Service Center
P.O. Box 266, Lewiston, ME 04243
(FedEx/UPS: 250 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240)
Phone: (207) 753-2901
When filling out the form, check the box for Kennebec Superior & Augusta District and/or Waterville District under Court Locations. You can request criminal records, civil records, or both, covering periods of 5 years, 10 years, or from 2000 to present. Searches going back before 2000 require additional processing time.
Record Search Fees
- Search fee: $20.00 per name, per court-location box checked
- Copies: $2.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
- Attested copies (with Court seal): $5.00 per document
- Postage and handling: $5.00 (if applicable)
Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card. Cash is accepted only for hand-delivered requests. If you're searching for cases in which you were a party, or if you're a government agency performing an official function, the search fee is waived under Administrative Order JB-05-26.
Processing Times
| Number of Names | Estimated Turnaround |
|---|---|
| 1–5 names | 5 working days |
| 6–10 names | 30 working days |
| 11–15 names | 45 working days |
| 16–20 names | 60 working days |
| 21+ names | Determined on a case-by-case basis |
In Person at the Courthouse
If you already know which court handled the case, you can go directly to that court's clerk office and request the records in person. Whether older files are still on-site depends on the Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which sets out how long paper files stay at the courthouse before being transferred to the Maine State Archives Records Center or destroyed.
Court Locations in Kennebec County
| Court | Address | Phone | Clerk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennebec County Superior Court | 1 Court St., Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 | (207) 213-2800 | Tamara Rueda |
| Augusta District Court | 1 Court St., Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 | (207) 213-2800 | Tamara Rueda |
| Waterville District Court | 18 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901 | (207) 873-2103 | Christine Longley |
| Kennebec County Probate Court | 95 State St., Augusta, ME 04330 | (207) 622-7558 | Ronda Snyder (Register) |
All courts are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except on court holidays and administrative weeks. The Superior Court and Augusta District Court share the Capital Judicial Center building.
Are Court Records Public in Kennebec County?
Maine court records are generally open to public inspection, but they fall under judicial branch rules rather than the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA). FOAA, codified at Title 1, §402, establishes broad public access to records held by government agencies — but the Maine Judicial Branch applies its own framework to court records, primarily the Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems for electronic filings and established court policies for paper records.
Under MRECS, electronic court records fall into three access tiers: records available only to attorneys of record and the parties themselves; records the court has designated as remotely accessible to the public; and records the public may view only by visiting a courthouse. Records that are sealed, impounded, or classified as nonpublic under MRECS cannot be accessed without a court order, and anyone seeking access to restricted records must file a motion under the applicable rules of procedure.
Confidential Case Types
The Judicial Branch designates certain categories of cases as entirely confidential. Public access is not available for records in:
- Mental health civil commitment proceedings
- Medical malpractice screening panel proceedings
- Sterilization proceedings
- Extreme weapon protection order proceedings
- HIV/AIDS testing proceedings
- Minor settlement proceedings
- Child protection matters
- Adoptions
- Guardianships of minors and name changes for minors
- Petitions for court-authorized abortions for minors
- Emancipation of minors
- Assisted reproduction matters, including gestational carrier disputes
- Most juvenile case records
The court also requires redaction of personally identifiable information about minors, Social Security numbers, and personal contact information of public employees from publicly accessible filings. If you were a party to a protection-from-abuse, protection-from-harassment, or child protection case and need remote electronic access to your own records, you'll need to submit form OTH-014 with notarization to the Judicial Branch.
Kennebec County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kennebec County are heard by the Superior Court — which handles more serious offenses and jury trials — and by the Augusta and Waterville District Courts, which adjudicate lesser criminal offenses, civil violations, and traffic matters. Criminal case records, including complaints, docket entries, judgments, and commitments, are kept by the clerk of the court where the case was heard.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Start with re:SearchMaine for cases filed electronically after Kennebec County's eFiling launch. For older paper-based criminal files, use the Record Search Request form — check the Criminal box under case types and select the appropriate Kennebec County court location. Criminal searches require the person's first name, last name, and date of birth.
Criminal case records created before eFiling implementation are not available in electronic form. Depending on how old the case is, the paper file may be at the courthouse, at the Maine State Archives Records Center, or may have been destroyed according to the Records Retention Schedule.
Criminal History Through the State Bureau of Identification
Court case records are separate from a person's formal criminal history. The Maine State Police State Bureau of Identification (SBI) maintains the state's central repository of conviction and adjudication data. You can request a name-and-date-of-birth criminal history check through the Maine Criminal History Record Request Service, and results are typically delivered by email within two hours — though some cases may take up to two weeks if manual review is needed. Fees are:
- Maine InforME subscribers: $21.00
- Out-of-state subscribers: $31.00
- Non-subscribers: $31.00
- Notarized report (optional): $10.00 additional
SBI records cover Maine crimes only and include convictions, adjudications, and pending cases less than one year old. Juvenile records are not included unless the case was transferred to adult court. Title 15 MRSA §310-A gives individuals a pathway to seek sealing of a conviction at the court level, which removes it from the public criminal history.
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office is the county's primary law enforcement agency and holds arrest records, warrant information, and incident reports.
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office
125 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 623-3614
Fax: (207) 623-6387
Civil Process Office: (207) 623-1202
Email: civil@kennebec.gov
The civil process division handles service of legal documents. You can submit service requests by mail or in person during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). An out-of-state retainer of $140.00 applies. A service request checklist is available for download.
Kennebec County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Kennebec County are split between the Superior Court and both District Courts. The Superior Court handles more complex civil matters, while the District Courts hear a range of disputes including small claims, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions, contract disputes, and personal injury tort claims.
Locating Civil Records
Civil case docket information is available on re:SearchMaine for cases in courts that have implemented eFiling. Publicly viewable case types include personal injury tort, non-personal injury tort, contract disputes, declaratory or equitable relief, constitutional and civil rights cases, title to real estate proceedings, and 80B/80C appeals. For forcible entry and detainer (eviction), small claims, and foreclosure cases, electronic records are accessible to the public only after judgment if the plaintiff prevailed.
For paper civil records, the Record Search Request form works the same way — check Civil under case types, which covers family, small claims, real estate, protection from abuse, and other civil categories. Note that civil case database searches don't collect a unique identifier like a date of birth, so the Judicial Branch cannot certify the accuracy of civil search results when common names are involved.
The University of Maine Superior Court database offers another publicly accessible index of Kennebec County Superior Court civil cases.
Court Forms and Filing
You can search and download court forms through the Maine Judicial Branch forms database. Most forms are free; a few that require the clerk's signature and court seal carry a $5.00 charge. Electronic filing in Kennebec County courts is handled through eFileMaine. For questions about the eFiling process, contact the Judicial Branch at ecourtshelp@courts.maine.gov or (207) 213-2800.
Property Records
Land and property records — deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, and foreclosure documents — are kept separately by the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds and are searchable through the Registry's online database.
Kennebec County Registry of Deeds
77 Winthrop Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 622-0431
Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Copy fees at the Registry are $1.00 per page for standard copies, $1.00 per page plus a certification fee for certified copies, $5.00 per page for plan copies, and $0.50 per page for website copies after the first 500 pages in a calendar year.
Kennebec County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Kennebec County are handled by the Family Division of the District Courts. This covers divorce and separation, child custody and parental rights, child support, protection from abuse orders, and juvenile matters. Family case records are maintained by the clerk at the District Court where the case was filed — either the Augusta District Court at (207) 213-2800 or the Waterville District Court at (207) 873-2103.
Accessing Family Records
Public family case records in courts with eFiling can be searched on re:SearchMaine. That said, many family-related case types carry heightened confidentiality protections. Child protection cases, juvenile proceedings, adoptions, guardianships of minors, and emancipation matters are entirely confidential and not accessible to the public. If you were a party in a protection-from-abuse or protection-from-harassment case and need remote electronic access to your own records, you'll need to submit a notarized form OTH-014 via email to ecourtshelp@courts.maine.gov.
For paper-based family court files, use the Record Search Request form or contact the clerk's office directly.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage and divorce records in Maine are classified as vital records rather than court records. They are maintained by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Data, Research and Vital Statistics (DRVS). Maine is a closed record state for vital records, so access is limited to specific individuals: the person named on the record, their spouse or domestic partner, parents or legal guardians, biological or adopted children, and qualified genealogical researchers.
To request a marriage or divorce record, you'll need to provide the names of both parties (maiden names for marriage records, names at the time of divorce for dissolution records), the date and location of the event, a daytime phone number, acceptable photo identification, and — if you're not named on the record — documentation of direct and legitimate interest. An application form is available for mail requests, or you can place orders online through VitalChek at (877) 523-2659.
Vital Records Fees
- Certified copy: $15.00 per certificate
- Each additional copy (same record, same order): $6.00
- Non-certified copy: $10.00
- Verification of facts on a record: $25.00
Checks and money orders should be made payable to Treasurer, State of Maine. Walk-in service is available at the DRVS office at 220 Capitol Street in Augusta between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates follow the same restricted-access rules and fee structure as marriage and divorce records. You'll need to provide the name on the record, the date and place of the event, a statement of your relationship to the person named, and photo identification. For birth records, the parents' names — including the mother's maiden name — are also required. The Eligibility Requirements guide explains who qualifies for access and what documentation to submit.
Kennebec County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Kennebec County are handled by the Kennebec County Probate Court, which operates independently from the state Judicial Branch courts. The Probate Court handles estates of deceased and missing persons, guardianship of incapacitated adults and minors, conservatorships, trusts, adult name changes, and certain adoption matters.
Kennebec County Probate Court
95 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 622-7558
Judge of Probate: Elizabeth H. Mitchell
Register of Probate: Ronda Snyder
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
The Maine Probate Courts website has general information about probate procedures statewide, and the Kennebec County Probate Court page on the county website links to the current fee schedule.
Searching Probate Records
To obtain probate records, contact or visit the Register of Probate's office in Augusta. Because Probate Courts manage their own records independently of the state Judicial Branch, probate files are not available through re:SearchMaine or the Judicial Branch Record Search Request form. Copies of probate court records cost $1.00 per page under Title 18-C, §1-602. A certificate of appointment (under seal) costs $10.00, and a double certificate is $20.00. Attested copies are $5.00 per document, and exemplified copies are $20.00.
Probate Filing Fees (effective December 15, 2025)
Estate filing fees are based on the value of the estate, as set out in the Kennebec County Probate Court fee schedule:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | $40.00 |
| $10,001–$20,000 | $60.00 |
| $20,001–$30,000 | $75.00 |
| $30,001–$40,000 | $95.00 |
| $40,001–$50,000 | $125.00 |
| $50,001–$75,000 | $190.00 |
| $75,001–$100,000 | $250.00 |
| $100,001–$150,000 | $325.00 |
| $150,001–$200,000 | $375.00 |
| $200,001–$250,000 | $450.00 |
| $250,001–$300,000 | $500.00 |
| $300,001–$400,000 | $575.00 |
| $400,001–$500,000 | $625.00 |
| $500,001–$750,000 | $700.00 |
| $750,001–$1,000,000 | $750.00 |
| $1,000,001–$1,500,000 | $875.00 |
| $1,500,001–$2,000,000 | $950.00 |
| Over $2,000,000 | $1,200.00 (increases by $250 per $500,000 above $2,500,000) |
All petitions and applications (except name changes) carry an additional $10.00 surcharge. Other key fees include: petition for appointment of guardian $90.00, joined petition for guardian and conservator $115.00, adoption petition $65.00, name change petition $75.00, filing a will for no probate $15.00, filing a will for probate without appointment $20.00, and claim against estate $25.00–$30.00 depending on mailing method.
The Probate Court accepts cash, checks, and money orders (payable to KCPC or Kennebec County Probate Court). Debit and credit cards are accepted only for electronic filings and may carry additional processing fees.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Guardianship petitions for incapacitated adults and conservatorship filings are heard by the Probate Court. Court visitor fees of $50.00 per hour (plus mileage) may apply when the court appoints a visitor to evaluate the proposed ward's circumstances. Guardianships of minors are confidential and not accessible to the public.