Knox County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Knox County in 2026
KnoxCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Knox County, Maine. Members of the public may find records including final divorce decrees, case filings, court orders, and related family law documents. Available record categories may include dissolution judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and docket entries. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Knox County may be searched through official court resources, the clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Maine Judicial Branch.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Maine Judicial Branch maintains an online case search portal that allows members of the public to search for divorce and family law cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Maine courts case search system provides access to court records across jurisdictions statewide. Members of the public may search the consolidated database for Knox County divorce cases filed in the District Court or Superior Court.
3. State Vital Records
Maine registers divorce records through the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention's Division of Vital Records. The Maine vital records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded statewide. Fees apply for certified copies of divorce certificates obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Knox County Superior Court:
- Address: 62 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841
- Phone: (207) 594-2576
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Knox County District Court (Rockland):
- Address: 62 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841
- Phone: (207) 596-2240
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services:
- Access to family law case files
- Certified copy requests
- Historical record retrieval
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clerk of Court, Knox County Superior Court, 62 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841
- Include:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (207) 594-2576
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Maine may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Maine State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Knox County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Maine are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a Knox County divorce record should confirm that at least one spouse resided in Knox County at the time the petition was filed. Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A, § 901, one party must have been a resident of Maine for at least six months prior to filing.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Staff at the clerk's office can advise on the availability of historical records.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a divorce record may not be located include:
- The case was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering difficulty locating a record may contact the clerk's office at (207) 594-2576, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or check the Maine vital records office for a divorce certificate.
What Are Knox County Divorce Records?
Knox County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Maine District Court or Superior Court serving Knox County. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are subject to Maine's public records framework.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a Knox County divorce proceeding may include:
- Petition for divorce (complaint for divorce under Maine law)
- Response or answer filed by the respondent spouse
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and proposed custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, objections, and court orders issued during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree
The final judgment of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal support or alimony provisions, if any
- Child custody and parental rights and responsibilities, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a Knox County divorce case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan worksheets, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Legal purposes: Proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations
- Personal purposes: Genealogical and family history research, personal record-keeping, and verification of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court at the Knox County Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of divorce case files, maintaining complete records indexed by party names and case numbers. The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention's Division of Vital Records maintains divorce certificates at the state level, as all Maine vital records — including divorces — are housed at the Division of Vital Records and most municipal offices statewide.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Maine are governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A, § 902, which establishes the grounds and procedures for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Maine Rules of Court and the Maine Freedom of Access Act, 1 M.R.S. § 401 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings.
Are Knox County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Knox County are public court records subject to Maine's Freedom of Access Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are restricted or subject to redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
- Certain income and asset details subject to protective orders
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information concerning children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Sexual abuse allegations
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Maine law and are not part of the public court record.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The presumption of public access to Knox County divorce records derives from the Maine Freedom of Access Act, 1 M.R.S. § 408-A, which requires that restrictions on access be supported by a specific legal basis. Courts apply a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and their children.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain Knox County divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Knox County?
The Clerk of Court at Knox County Superior Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees reflect the Maine Judicial Branch's uniform fee schedule.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (per page) | $2.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final judgment | $20.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Online case information (basic) | No charge |
| Electronic document copies | Fees vary by document |
- Inspection: Members of the public may inspect public divorce case files at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copies: Standard copy fees apply per page for paper copies of filed documents.
- Certified copies: A certification fee is charged in addition to the per-page copy fee for certified copies of the final divorce decree or other orders.
- Payment methods: The clerk's office accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the clerk's office prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers: Parties who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Maine court rules.
- Vital records copies: Divorce certificates obtained through the Maine vital records office are subject to separate fees established by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Knox County
A Knox County divorce case file is a comprehensive collection of documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
The case caption identifies the case number, court name, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the date the petition was filed, the case type, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (Maine is a no-fault state permitting divorce on the ground of irreconcilable marital differences), information concerning minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities. These documents form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admission. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be filed as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
The file may contain a marital asset inventory, a debt inventory, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of specific assets. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are filed separately when retirement accounts are divided as part of the property settlement.
Children-Related Documents:
When minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular weeks, holidays, summers, and vacations, transportation arrangements, and provisions for communication between the parents and children. A child support calculation worksheet reflects both parties' incomes, the number of overnight visits, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.
Settlement Documents:
A marital settlement agreement, when reached by the parties, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if reached through court-ordered or voluntary mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; however, mediation communications themselves are confidential and do not become part of the public record.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
Temporary orders may be entered early in the proceeding addressing interim custody, support, and use of property. The final judgment of divorce constitutes the court's definitive resolution of all issues, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property awards, support orders, custody and timesharing determinations, and any name restoration. The final judgment bears the judge's signature and the court's seal.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Following entry of the final judgment, the file may be supplemented by petitions to modify custody or support, orders on modification motions, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Sealed settlement terms and mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Knox County?
Proof of divorce in Knox County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce issued by the Clerk of Court, or through a divorce certificate issued by the Maine Division of Vital Records.
Step 1 — Determine the appropriate source:
- A certified copy of the final judgment of divorce from the Clerk of Court is the most comprehensive proof and is accepted for legal, immigration, and property transfer purposes.
- A divorce certificate from the Maine vital records office provides a summary record of the dissolution and may be sufficient for purposes such as remarriage or name change.
Step 2 — Obtain a certified copy from the Clerk of Court:
Knox County Superior Court — Clerk of Court
62 Union Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 594-2576
Knox County Superior Court
Members of the public may request a certified copy in person during regular business hours, by mail, or through the court's online records system where available. The requester must provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known. Applicable copy and certification fees must be included with mail requests.
Step 3 — Obtain a divorce certificate from the state:
The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention's Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Maine. Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person to:
Maine Division of Vital Records
244 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-3181
Maine Vital Records
Step 4 — Verify the record:
Upon receipt, members of the public should verify that the certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, as these elements are required for the document to be accepted as legal proof of divorce.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Knox County?
A divorce proceeding in Knox County is presumptively a matter of public record under the Maine Freedom of Access Act. However, specific portions of a divorce case file — or, in limited circumstances, the entire file — may be made confidential by court order.
The following categories of information may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public access pursuant to Maine's Address Confidentiality Program and applicable protective order statutes.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information concerning minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment or substance abuse history are protected under both state and federal law, including HIPAA.
- Sealed case files: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test under Maine court rules.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being set forth in the public record, subject to court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to a sealed Knox County divorce file must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Maine Judicial Branch court records page provides guidance on the procedures applicable to sealed records.
How Long Does Knox County Keep Divorce Records?
Knox County divorce records are retained in accordance with the Maine Judicial Branch's records retention schedule and applicable state law. Retention periods vary by record type and the nature of the proceeding.
- Final judgments of divorce: Permanent retention. Final judgments and decrees are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving significant property or custody determinations.
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained for a minimum of ten years following entry of the final judgment.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory motions: Retained as part of the case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to the case.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental file, subject to the same retention schedule.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the Maine Judicial Branch's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived records: Cases that have exceeded the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or the Maine State Archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Clerk of Court at (207) 594-2576 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The Maine Judicial Branch provides additional information on court records retention policies.