Records of divorce in Somerset County, Maine, are available through several channels. SomersetMECourt.us allows searching for public information on divorce cases in this county. Additionally, documents can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the county court clerk's office, and at the Maine Office of Vital Records. Online tools, personal visits, and mail requests are all viable options for finding the necessary documents.
Somerset Divorce Records Search
In Somerset County, divorce cases are handled by the District Court, and the clerk's office of this court maintains complete case files. The collection includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Related procedural documents — motions, responses, financial statements
Apart from the court, the Office of Vital Records at the Maine CDC (Division of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics) maintains a registry of divorce certificates — brief reference documents that confirm the fact of divorce. The state of Maine officially began centrally registering divorces in 1892.
The primary court for divorce cases in this county is Skowhegan District Court.
A request for court records can be made by contacting the court clerk's office in person, by mail, or by phone.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Somerset
In the state of Maine, divorce cases are filed with the District Court of the county where one of the spouses resides. For residents of Somerset, this is the Skowhegan District Court. Once the judge signs the final decision, the court clerk's office keeps the complete case file — this is where you should go if you need copies of the decree, settlement agreement, or custody order.
At the same time, the court reports each divorce to the state Office of Vital Records. They issue a divorce certificate — a concise document that is usually required for remarriage, name changes, or benefits processing. If you need this document, contact the DRVS directly.
Where to Go Depending on Your Needs
Complete court case files (decrees, agreements, motions):
Divorce certificate (vital record certificate):
Electronic access to Somerset County court records is gradually being implemented through the Maine eCourts system. According to the Judicial Branch's plan, electronic access for Somerset is scheduled after February 2026. Until then, requests are handled by the court clerk's office.
Additionally, some online services of the Judicial Branch are already available for Somerset County cases — including eFiling, which is available at the Somerset County Superior Court.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Somerset
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Vital Records Office, first copy) | $15.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copy of certificate (in one request) | $6.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Copy of court document (District Court clerk) | $5.00 for the first two pages + $2.00 for each additional page | Typically 5–10 business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $25.00 | 5–10 business days |
| Search in Vital Records registry (if exact date is unknown) | $15.00 | 4–6 weeks |