Knox County Court Records

Knox County public records are documents available to the general public for various purposes. Among these records are the Knox County court records, which play an essential role in maintaining transparency in the legal system for the citizens it serves. These records can also provide valuable references for ongoing and appealed cases.

Court records comprise varying materials associated with specific cases, including exhibits, motions, pleadings, orders, judgments, and other pertinent items. However, these records do not include transcripts of court proceedings.

Overall, the accessibility of Knox court records allows citizens to stay informed about legal matters that may impact them or their communities.

Are Court Records Public in Knox County?

Yes. Per the Maine Court Rules, court records can be obtained by any member of the public. However, not all court records are publicly accessible, as certain details may be restricted from public view. For instance, an individual's personal information (SSNs, driver's license number, etc.), health records, and sensitive information that may jeopardize their safety are excluded from public records. Additionally, records of minors are not accessible to the public. However, certain authorized individuals may be permitted to access confidential records under the law or by court order.

Knox County Court Records Search

Court records are accessible to the public through the presiding court of a specific case. Therefore, individuals seeking to search for Knox County court records should inquire at the court where the case was filed or resolved. Depending on the case type, access can be facilitated through various channels, including online and in-person.

Online access may involve accessing a case search system, which may be operated by the government or a private service provider, or submitting requests through a clerk's online request system. On the other hand, individuals can send a request via mail or visit the court office in person for onsite access.

Knox County Courts

Knox County has three courts in operation: the Superior Court, the District Court, and the Probate Court. The Superior Court has the highest jurisdiction and hears criminal and civil cases, serving as the primary trial court in the county. In contrast, the Probate and District courts handle a limited range of cases. All three courts are situated at the same address, each operating separately, as detailed below.

Knox County Superior Court

62 Union Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 594-2576

Rockland District Court

62 Union Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 596-2240

Knox County Probate Court

62 Union Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 594-0427, (207) 594-0444
Fax: (207) 594-0863

Knox County Criminal and Civil Records

In Knox County, a criminal history refers to a compilation of data maintained by a criminal justice agency relating to a specific, identifiable individual's formal involvement with the criminal justice system, either as an accused person or as a convicted offender. This record includes identifiable details about the subject, as well as their arrests, formal charges, and sentences. According to Maine Statutes, Title 1, Chapter 13, criminal records are classified as public records.

The public can access Knox's criminal records through the Maine State's Criminal History Record and Juvenile Crime Information Request Service. To obtain these records, individuals will need to provide a name or date of birth. Once the criminal record is located, the requester will receive the results via email, typically within two hours. If results are not received within that time frame, it may indicate that the search requires manual intervention. A fee schedule is available for users of this service, and researchers can also send inquiries to the Maine State Police to request criminal records.

In contrast, civil records in Knox County encompass non-criminal matters, including landlord-tenant disputes, family issues, traffic violations, and child protection cases. Access to civil case records is facilitated through the re:SearchMaine.-,re%3ASearchMaine,-re%3ASearchMaine%20is) search tool provided by the Judicial Branch of Maine. In contrast, criminal records are not available for remote access through this system. Individuals must register for an account to use this search tool, but registration and searches are free of charge.

Additionally, individuals can visit the courthouse where a civil case was heard to inquire in person or use the public computers available for searching civil case records.

Knox County Marriage Records

As provided in 22 M.R.S. §2706, vital records in Knox County, including marriage certificates, are accessible only to the individuals named in the records and their close family members. Under this regulation, the general public can only obtain marriage certificates 50 years after a marriage event.

Authorized individuals can request a Knox marriage certificate or a non-certified copy by mail or online. Mail requests should be sent to the Maine Department of Health, while online requests are to go through the government-approved third-party vendor.

When applying, the following information must be provided:

• The names of both parties before the marriage
• The date of marriage
• The name of the city or town where the marriage occurred
• The applicant's contact number
• A check made payable to the Treasurer - State of Maine

The cost for certified copies is $15, while non-certified copies are priced at $10.

Knox County Divorce Records

Access to divorce and domestic partnership records in Knox County is restricted to individuals with legal authority to obtain these documents, similar to marriage records. The procedure for requesting a Knox divorce record is the same as that for a marriage record. Additionally, the inquirer will need to provide the same information as that for obtaining a marriage certificate. The fee is also $15.

Knox County Birth Records

Birth records generally serve as official documentation of an individual's date of birth, allowing them to access various benefits associated with adulthood. In Knox County, these birth records are available to the public only 75 years after the date of birth. Until this time limit is reached, only the individual named on the birth certificate and their immediate family members who must provide documentation proving their relationship can request copies of a Knox birth certificate or record.

The process for obtaining vital records in Knox County, whether a birth, marriage, divorce, or death record, typically follows a similar format. Applicants must provide specific information about the record they seek, present a valid form of identification, and pay any necessary fees.

Knox County Death Records

Like other vital records, death records are not considered part of the Knox County public records. Access to normal death certificates is restricted for 25 years following the individual's death, while fetal death certificates are restricted for 50 years. Individuals typically require a death certificate as legal documentation to claim benefits associated with the deceased.

Those seeking a death record or certificate can contact the Division of Public Health System. Requests can be made either by mail or via the approved private vendor. The process for securing a Knox death certificate is similar to that for obtaining any other vital record.

Knox County Probate Court Records

The Probate Court in Knox has the authority to hear informal and formal guardianship for minors and adults, estate management, name changes, conservatorships, and adoptions. Records from the Probate Court are generally maintained by the court clerk and are available upon request, provided they are not confidential or sealed.

Residents can inquire about these records by visiting the courthouse, sending an inquiry via mail, or accessing and purchasing them online. Regardless of the method chosen, individuals are to provide identifying information to facilitate the retrieval of the desired records.

Knox County Property Records

The Registry of Deeds in Knox County is responsible for maintaining and managing property records dating back to 1760, such as deeds, discharges, assignments, mortgages, and liens. Property records are classified as public records and can be accessed electronically and as a hard copy.

Anyone wishing to view Knox County property records or obtain copies can visit the Registry in person to search for the documents or use the court's online database, which requires a subscription. Alternatively, requests can be mailed to the Knox County Registry of Deeds at 62 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

Knox County Court Records Online

Third-party websites offer access to Knox County court records, with Mainecourtrecords.us as one example. These privately owned sites compile data from various sources, allowing them to provide a comprehensive array of information. Additionally, these platforms are designed with user-friendliness in mind, making them convenient for online searches.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the information provided on a third-party website may be detailed, it may also be outdated. Further, the public release of certain court records is prohibited by law. Many websites also charge fees for access to records. Therefore, users should carefully evaluate the pros and cons to make informed decisions.