Aroostook County Court Records

Aroostook County court records are documents generated when cases move through the legal system. Examples of these documents include petitions, motions, briefs, memos, affidavits, transcripts, statements, and orders. Persons who obtain Aroostook County court records can expect to find information about the persons involved in the case, the reason the case was filed, and the case outcome.

Access to these records ensures accountability and transparency in the judicial system. Furthermore, court records are maintained for historical purposes: archives of legal actions and outcomes are used by researchers, legal professionals, and anyone looking to verify case facts. For litigants, records maintained during trials are reintroduced during appeals and can be used to find redress in a higher court.

Are Court Records Public in Aroostook County?

In Aroostook County, court records are generally open to the public and accessible per Maine's Freedom of Access Act. This law ensures transparency by granting the public access to the majority of government documents, including court records, in the interest of accountability and openness. Nevertheless, there are certain restrictions and limitations on accessing certain types of court records, especially to protect sensitive information and privacy.

These include:

• Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile cases are usually sealed to protect minors' privacy and ensure that their involvement in legal proceedings does not unduly affect them.
• Family court records: Some aspects of family law cases, e.g., divorce, child custody, and adoption, may be restricted to protect the confidentiality of minors or sensitive personal information.
• Protecting the privacy and safety of individuals may involve sealing or expunging records ordered by a judge. Sensitive information about crime victims or witnesses, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes, may be restricted.
• Confidential medical and mental health information: Any court records that contain personal medical or mental health data may be sealed or redacted to comply with privacy laws like Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Aroostook County Court Records Search

There are several ways to conduct a comprehensive court records search in Aroostook County. However, the accessibility, cost, and speed of each vary.

• Online portal: Maine has a statewide electronic court records system that allows users to search case information and records. This option is usually the fastest and free.
• In-person inquiry: Inquiries can be made at the Aroostook County Clerk of Courts Office. This option is not as convenient as an online search and an inquirer may have to pay administrative service fees.
• Mail or phone inquiry: Interested persons can also obtain documents from the court in writing or over the phone. However, they should know the necessary details to facilitate a search.
• Third-party service providers.

Aroostook County Courts

The organization of the Aroostook County judicial system is based on the Maine state judiciary. There are several types of courts that handle a variety of legal issues. District courts handle civil cases, family law cases (custody, divorce), small claims, and some criminal cases. Meanwhile, the Superior courts adjudicate more serious criminal cases, civil disputes with larger claims, and appeals from district courts. On the other hand, Probate courts specialize in issues such as wills, estates, guardianship, and adoption.

The contact information of Aroostook County courts is listed below.

Aroostook County Superior Court - Caribou
144 Sweden Street
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 498-8125

Aroostook County Superior Court - Houlton
26 Court Street
Houlton, ME 04730
Mailing: 144 Sweden Street
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 532-6563

Aroostook County District Court - Caribou
144 Sweden Street
Suite 104
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 493-3144

Aroostook County District Court - Fort Kent
139 Market Street
Suite 101
Fort Kent, ME 04743
Phone: (207) 834-5003

Aroostook County District Court - Houlton
26 Court Street
Suite 201
Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-2147

Aroostook County District Court - Madawaska
645 Main Street
Madawaska, ME 04756
Mailing: 139 Market Street
Suite 101
Fort Kent, ME 04743
Phone: (207) 728-4700

Aroostook County District Court - Presque Isle
27 Riverside Drive
P.O. Box 794
Presque Isle, ME 04769
Phone: (207) 764-2055

Aroostook County Probate Court
26 Court Street
Suite 103
Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-1502
Fax: (207) 532-1507

Aroostook County Criminal Records

Access to Aroostook County criminal records is at the state level via the State Bureau of Identification. The Bureau maintains an online public criminal history record search portal where anyone may submit requests for criminal records.

To access criminal records, searchers should know the subject’s name and date of birth. Furthermore, they are required to pay a $31 search fee, payable by credit card. There is a 30-day limit on the results obtained. However, it is possible to extend access to search results by paying a $21 subscription charge.

For additional inquiries, contact the State Bureau of Identification using the information below.

Maine State Police Headquarters
42 State House Station
45 Commerce Drive
Augusta, Maine 04333-0042
Phone: (207) 624-7240
Email: info@informe.org.

Get Aroostook County Civil Court Records

In Aroostook County, legal disputes between individuals or businesses that do not result in criminal prosecution are recorded in civil court records. Civil cases include traffic violations, business and consumer actions, contract disputes, declaratory or equitable actions, civil rights and constitutional law, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and foreclosure cases.

Depending on the nature of the case, the clerks of the Aroostook County District and Superior Courts keep civil court records. The Aroostook County Probate Court handles civil actions related to estate administration.

To obtain civil court records:

1. Visit the Clerk’s Office: Interested persons can go to the Clerk of Courts’ Office at the relevant courtroom (District, Superior, or Probate). For certain inquiries, requestors may need to submit an official records request form and pay the applicable administrative fees.

Clerk of Courts’ Office
26 Court Street, Suite 201
Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-2147

2. Search Online Databases: Electronic searches of some case records are possible through the Maine e-Courts system. To access records, users should have party names, case numbers, or other pertinent data.

3. Send a Mail Request: Requestors can send written requests to the relevant courthouse. Mails should describe the record sought (names, case numbers, filing dates, etc.), and include a money order or certified check for the applicable copying costs.

Aroostook County Marriage Records

In Aroostook County, marriage records serve as legal documentation of the union of two people and are regarded as vital records. Aroostook County marriage records are available through the Maine Vital Records Office. However, only eligible persons may access marriage records. These include the record subjects, their immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives.

To obtain marriage records, applicants should complete and submit an application form. Furthermore, they prove their eligibility by submitting a valid government-issued photo ID. In addition, they should provide the necessary information to facilitate record retrieval, i.e., the couple’s names, marriage date, and license number if known. Each record costs $15.00, while additional copies obtained at the same time cost an extra $6.00 each. Requests go to:

Maine Vital Records Office
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 287-3771
Fax: (207) 287-1093

Aroostook County Divorce Records

The Maine Vital Records Office is the custodian of Aroostook County divorce records. However, only eligible persons may obtain these records—these include the record subject, their immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives. Requestors should complete a vital records application form, attach a copy of their government-issued photo ID, as well as payment for the applicable fees. For additional information, contact the Vital Records Office at:

220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 287-3771
Fax: (207) 287-1093

Aroostook County Birth and Death Records

Aroostook County birth and death records are available through the Vital Records Office. However, only eligible persons may obtain these records. Applicants for birth or death records should provide information about the record subject and submit a valid photo ID. The cost of obtaining these records is $15 per record and is payable by certified check.

Birth records are typically used for identification purposes, e.g., applying for an international passport or enrolling in school. On the other hand, survivors of deceased persons often need death records to process insurance claims and public benefits.

Aroostook County Probate Court Records

Cases concerning the administration of estates, guardianships, adoptions, conservatorships, and name changes are handled by the Aroostook County Probate Court. The documentation of the legal procedures involved in assigning guardianships to minors or people who are incapable of managing their affairs, as well as in granting adoptions, depends on the court's records.

The Probate Court Clerk is the custodian of these records, and their public accessibility is subject to privacy restrictions. For example, records on adoption or guardianship cases involving minors may be private and require a court order to be made publicly accessible. To safeguard sensitive data, access to other records could be restricted.

To request Probate Court records, visit the Clerk’s Office at:

Aroostook County Probate Court
26 Court Street,
Houlton, ME 04730.
Phone: (207) 532-1502
Fax: (207) 532-1507

Alternatively, interested persons may obtain probate court records by searching the Maine Probate online case system. In any case, persons who wish to obtain probate court records should supply the necessary information to facilitate a search, including the subject’s name or case number.

Aroostook County Property Records

Depending on where the property is located in Aroostook County, requestors may need to visit the Northern or Southern Registry of Deeds to obtain property records. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain Aroostook County property records online via the Northern Registry and the Southern Registry.

In-person requests are processed at the following locations:

Northern Registry of Deeds
22 Hall Street
Suite 201
Fort Kent, Maine 04743.

Southern Registry of Deeds
26 Court Street
Suite 102
Houlton, ME 04730.

Persons who obtain property records can expect to find deeds, liens, tax records, information on ownership transfers, statements of UCC financing, and legal descriptions. These records are valuable to current and intending property owners.

Aroostook County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like Mainecourtrecords.us help interested persons lookup court records by party name, case number, and location. Online court record access saves time, is convenient, and is available round-the-clock from anywhere. There are, however, there are some limitations to consider. While online access is quick and convenient, records obtained from these sources may not always be complete because of privacy regulations. In addition, certain websites charge for in-depth information. Most importantly, third-party online sources are independent of government agencies. Thus, the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the records obtained may vary.