Somerset County court records in Maine are available through several channels. SomersetMECourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through official state judicial branch resources, including the Maine eCourts system, directly at the court clerk's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Somerset Court System & Jurisdictions
Maine does not have separate county courts in the traditional sense — the state uses a Unified Judicial System. Several judicial instances operate in Somerset County, each handling specific categories of cases.
Superior Court (County Superior Court)
Somerset County Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Civil cases with large claims
- Criminal cases involving felonies
- Appeals from District Court
Electronic filing (eFiling) is mandatory for attorneys, government agencies, and parties filing more than six cases per year.
District Court
The District Court serves the everyday cases of residents. Its jurisdiction includes:
- Small claims — amounts up to $6,000
- Traffic violations
- Misdemeanor cases
- Protective orders and family cases, including divorce and custody
Unified Criminal Docket (UCD)
Somerset County is part of the Unified Criminal Docket system, which consolidates criminal cases from the Superior Court and District Court into a single registry. This means that the county's criminal cases — from minor offenses to serious crimes — are handled in one system.
Probate Court
The Probate Court in Maine operates at the county level. Probate Court records are administered separately from the rest of the state's judicial system. It handles wills, guardianship, name changes, and estate administration of deceased persons.
Somerset Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use several methods.
- Maine eCourts System. Through the eCourts portal, you can view the schedule for cases that have already transitioned to the electronic platform. For Somerset County, electronic access to records is expected after February 2026 — until then, online calendar viewing may be limited.
- Judicial Branch Online Services. The Online Services page offers search tools, including for Somerset County cases.
- Jury Status. You can check jury summons information by calling (800) 872-5539 or emailing JuryInfoSomerset@courts.maine.gov.
- Court Clerk's Office. Call or visit the Somerset County Superior Court clerk's office in person — the clerk will provide the current hearing schedule.
How to Get a Copy of a Somerset Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at the clerk's office.
Certified and Uncertified Copies
An uncertified copy is a regular printout without the court's official stamp. It is sufficient for most informational needs. A certified copy has the clerk's seal and signature; it is required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or employers.
How to Order
- Online: after the full launch of electronic access to records for Somerset County (expected after February 2026), the public will be able to view and download documents in open cases. Currently, some records are available through the eCourts portal for cases that have already migrated.
- In Person: visit the court clerk's office at the address below. Bring the case number or the full name of the party — this will significantly speed up the search.
- By Mail: send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and the type of document needed. Include payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of Courts).
Note: most juvenile case records, certain family cases, and sealed files are not public. If you are unsure whether a document is available, ask the clerk directly.
Criminal History — Separate Procedure
Court records in criminal cases and a person's criminal history are different things. To obtain an official criminal history, contact the State Bureau of Identification at the Maine State Police or use the online criminal history request service.
Somerset Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Maine are set by administrative orders of the judicial branch. Below are typical fees — always confirm the exact amount with the clerk's office, as rates may change.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Court record search (by name) | Depends on the type of request; confirm with the clerk's office |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Certified copy of a document | From $5.00 and up (depending on the document) |
| Criminal history request (via Maine State Police) | $31.00 (online) |
| Inmate search (Maine DOC) | Free through online search |
Payment Methods: the clerk's office usually accepts checks, money orders, and, in some cases, credit cards. For state online services (criminal history, eFiling), payment is made by card through a secure portal. Cash should be confirmed in advance — not all offices accept it.
If you need records of birth, marriage, or death, this is a separate category — contact Vital Records at the Maine CDC or the municipal office.