Kennebec County Court Records Search
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Kennebec County is situated in central Maine, with its county seat in Augusta — the state capital. The county’s judicial system includes the Kennebec County Superior Court, two District Courts (Augusta and Waterville), and the Kennebec County Probate Court. Together, these courts generate a broad range of records encompassing criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law proceedings, traffic violations, and estate administration. The clerk offices within each court serve as the custodians of case files, and the county maintains separate offices for probate records and property records. Knowing which court handled a particular matter, and which office holds the corresponding file, is the first step toward a successful records search.
Court records in Maine can be located through a combination of official clerk offices, in-person courthouse visits, mail-based requests handled by the Judicial Branch Service Center, and online search tools. The state has been transitioning to electronic court records since 2020, and a growing number of case types in Kennebec County are accessible through the state’s electronic portal. MaineCourts.us may assist users in identifying courts and locating publicly available case information across Maine counties.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kennebec County?
Kennebec County provides multiple pathways for looking up court case information, depending on whether the records exist in paper or electronic form.
Online Through re:SearchMaine
The Maine Judicial Branch operates re:SearchMaine, the state’s electronic case records platform. Registration is free, and users 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. Members of the public may also visit a courthouse where eFiling is available 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 include most case files created before November 2020 — the primary search method is the Record Search Request form. This form must be completed and mailed (not emailed or faxed) 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 completing the form, check the box for “Kennebec Superior & Augusta District” and/or “Waterville District” under Court Locations. The form allows searches for criminal records, civil records, or both, over periods of 5 years, 10 years, or from 2000 to present. Searches prior to 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. Individuals searching for cases in which they were a party, and government agencies performing official functions, are exempt from the search fee per 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
Individuals who know which court handled their case can visit the clerk’s office directly to request records. The availability of older files depends on the Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which dictates how long paper files are stored at the courthouse before they are 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?
Court records in Maine are generally open to public inspection, though they are governed by judicial branch rules rather than the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA). While FOAA, codified at Title 1, § 402, establishes a broad right of access to public records held by government agencies, the Maine Judicial Branch applies its own framework to court records — principally 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 parties, records the court has designated as remotely accessible to the public, and records the public may view only at a courthouse. Records that are sealed, impounded, or classified as “nonpublic” under MRECS cannot be accessed without a court order. A person seeking access to restricted records must file a motion in accordance with applicable rules of procedure.
Confidential Case Types
The Judicial Branch designates certain categories of cases as entirely confidential. The public cannot access 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
Additionally, the court requires redaction of personally identifiable information about minors, Social Security numbers, and personal contact information of public employees from publicly accessible filings. Parties who need access to their own records in protection-from-abuse, protection-from-harassment, or child protection cases must submit form OTH-014 with notarization to the Judicial Branch.
Kennebec County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kennebec County are adjudicated by the Superior Court (for more serious offenses and jury trials) and the Augusta and Waterville District Courts (for lesser criminal offenses, civil violations, and traffic matters). Criminal case records — including complaints, docket entries, judgments, and commitments — are maintained by the clerk of the court where the case was heard.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket information in Kennebec County can be searched through re:SearchMaine for cases filed electronically after the county’s eFiling launch. For older paper-based criminal files, the Record Search Request form should be used. Check the “Criminal” box under case types and the appropriate Kennebec County court location. Criminal searches require the individual’s first name, last name, and date of birth.
The Judicial Branch notes that criminal case records created before eFiling implementation are not currently available in electronic form. Depending on the age of the case, paper files may be at the courthouse, at the Maine State Archives Records Center, or may have been destroyed per the Records Retention Schedule.
Criminal History Through the State Bureau of Identification
Court case records are distinct from an individual’s formal criminal history. The Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI), maintains the state’s central repository of conviction and adjudication information. A name-and-date-of-birth criminal history check can be requested through the Maine Criminal History Record Request Service, with results typically delivered by email within two hours (though some 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 only Maine crimes 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 provides a pathway for individuals 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 serves as the county’s primary law enforcement agency and maintains 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. Service requests can be submitted 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 heard by the Superior Court and both District Courts. The Superior Court handles more complex civil matters including cases beyond District Court jurisdiction, while the District Courts adjudicate a range of civil 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. The 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, a search can be conducted by mail using the Record Search Request form. Check “Civil” under case types — this covers family, small claims, real estate, protection from abuse, and other civil categories. Note that civil case database searches do not 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 provides an additional publicly accessible index of Kennebec County Superior Court civil cases.
Court Forms and Filing
Court forms can be searched and downloaded 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 is available in Kennebec County courts through eFileMaine, and for questions about the eFiling process, the Judicial Branch can be reached at ecourtshelp@courts.maine.gov or (207) 213-2800.
Property Records
Land and property records — deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, and foreclosure documents — are maintained separately by the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds and can be searched 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 includes 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. However, 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 cannot be accessed by the public. Parties in protection-from-abuse or protection-from-harassment cases who need remote electronic access must submit a notarized form OTH-014 via email to ecourtshelp@courts.maine.gov.
For paper-based family court files, the Record Search Request form can be used, or the clerk’s office can be contacted 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, meaning access is restricted to specified 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, the requester must provide the names of both parties (maiden names for marriage, names at time of divorce for dissolution records), the date and location of the event, a daytime phone number, acceptable photo identification, and — if not named on the record — documentation of direct and legitimate interest. An application form is available for mail requests, or orders can be placed 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. Requesters must provide the name on the record, the date and place of the event, a statement of relationship, and photo identification. For birth records, the parents’ names (including the mother’s maiden name) are also required. The Eligibility Requirements guide outlines who qualifies for access and what documentation must be submitted.
Kennebec County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Kennebec County are administered 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 provides general information about probate procedures across the state, and the Kennebec County Probate Court page on the county website links to the current fee schedule.
Searching Probate Records
Probate records can be obtained by contacting or visiting 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 by statute and 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.