Washington County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Washington County in 2026
WashingtonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Washington County, Maine. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking Washington County divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Maine Judicial Branch currently offers electronic access to court records through its eCourts public access portal. As the State of Maine Judicial Branch notes, "A request may be made for a court record by contacting the clerk's office in the court where the case was filed." Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Maine Judicial Branch maintains a statewide court records access system that allows searches across jurisdictions. The portal consolidates docket information and case status data from courts throughout the state, including Washington County Superior Court and District Court.
3. State Vital Records
Maine registers divorce records through the Office of Vital Records. The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention Vital Records office maintains all divorce records statewide. Divorce certificates are available for a fee, and the office processes both in-person and mail requests.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Washington County Superior Court:
Washington County Superior Court
47 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-3326
Washington County Superior Court
- 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 available during business hours
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Records Department:
The clerk's office maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records and older archived cases may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for older matters are processed through the same clerk's office.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clerk of Court, Washington County Superior Court, 47 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654
- Include the full names of both parties
- Include the approximate date of divorce
- Include the case number, if known
- Include your name, mailing address, and contact information
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and record age
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (207) 255-3326
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone
- As noted by the Maine Judicial Branch, "Some clerk's offices are not able to accommodate telephone requests for court records"
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Maine may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex or older cases. The Maine State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Washington 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 who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under Maine law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Maine for six months immediately preceding the filing of a divorce action, pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A, § 901. The action is filed in the county of the filing spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be processed and indexed
- Electronic filing has reduced processing delays for more recent cases
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional time
- Some older records have not been digitized and must be retrieved physically
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records are in off-site storage
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the clerk's office at (207) 255-3326
- Try alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Maine vital records divorce index for records from 1892 to the present
- Engage a professional records search service
- Consult a licensed Maine attorney
What Are Washington County Divorce Records?
Washington County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in Washington County, Maine. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court and constitute part of the family law court file. They are classified as public records subject to applicable state law, with certain restrictions for sensitive information.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits submitted by both parties, proposed and final parenting plans, marital settlement agreements, all motions and court orders issued during the proceeding, transcripts of court hearings (when prepared), and the final judgment of dissolution.
Final Decree
The final divorce decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any alimony or spousal support obligations, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents within the case file may include the original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit, financial disclosure statements, property inventories and appraisals, detailed parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit eligibility determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping and verification of divorce terms
- Confirmation of prior legal proceedings
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clerk of Court at the Washington County Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of divorce records, maintaining complete case files indexed by party names and case numbers. The Maine Office of Vital Records, administered through the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, maintains statewide divorce certificates for all divorces granted in Maine from 1892 to the present.
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 Civil Procedure and the Maine Freedom of Access Act, 1 M.R.S.A. § 401 et seq., which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection.
Are Washington County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Washington County are public court records subject to the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final decrees. Certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Full names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
- 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 are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access upon court order
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in publicly accessible filings
- Schools attended by children, medical records, psychological evaluations, child custody evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed or restricted by court order
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations, evidence, and related protective order information
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases
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 by statute and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records
- General public: May access public portions of case files, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case files, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order and a showing consistent with First Amendment principles
Prohibited Uses:
- Using records to stalk, harass, or intimidate any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any protective order issued in the case
Permitted Uses:
- Legal proceedings and background verification
- Genealogical research
- News reporting protected under the First Amendment
- Academic research conducted in accordance with applicable ethical standards
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Washington County?
The Maine Judicial Branch establishes standard fees for court record copies. Current fees applicable to Washington County divorce records are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopies of court documents | $2.00 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or judgment | $15.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Search fee | No separate search fee assessed |
Vital Records Fees (Maine Office of Vital Records):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate | $15.00 per copy |
| Additional copies ordered at same time | $6.00 each |
Payment Methods:
The Washington County Superior Court clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Treasurer, State of Maine. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check. The Maine Office of Vital Records accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards for online and mail orders.
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees pursuant to applicable Maine court rules. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries and case status information through the public access terminal at the courthouse
- Reviewing documents in person at the clerk's office without obtaining copies
- Basic case information confirmed by telephone (case existence, case number, filing date)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Washington County
A Washington 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:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and full names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type designation, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (in Maine, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Title 19-A, § 902), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, 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 all sources of income, monthly expenses, assets (including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, and personal property), and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents:
Where discovery is conducted, the file may include interrogatories and answers, requests for production of documents and responses, deposition notices, and subpoenas. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be included as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
The file includes a marital asset inventory, a debt inventory, and any appraisals or expert valuations of real property, business interests, or personal property. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are filed separately when retirement accounts are divided.
Children-Related Documents:
When minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule including holidays and vacations, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and any custody evaluation reports or guardian ad litem reports ordered by the court.
Settlement Documents:
A marital settlement agreement, when reached, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though the mediation communications themselves remain confidential.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property may be entered during the pendency of the case. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions regarding property, support, custody, and any name restoration.
Post-Judgment Documents:
Following entry of the final decree, the file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence and protective order details
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secret information in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Washington County
Proof of divorce in Washington County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the clerk of court, or a certified divorce certificate from the Maine Office of Vital Records.
Certified Copy of Final Decree — Washington County Superior Court:
Washington County Superior Court — Clerk of Court
47 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-3326
Washington County Superior Court
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the final divorce decree in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), by mail with a written request and payment, or through the eCourts electronic records access system where available. The certified decree bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, and other legal purposes.
Certified Divorce Certificate — Maine Office of Vital Records:
Maine Office of Vital Records
244 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-3181
Maine Vital Records
As noted in the Maine genealogy resources for vital records, "Divorce records from 1892 through the present may be obtained from the Office of Vital Records." The divorce certificate issued by this office provides confirmation of the divorce but contains less detail than the full court file. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the VitalChek system.
Steps to Obtain Proof of Divorce:
- Identify the county where the divorce was filed (Washington County, Maine)
- Locate the case number through the clerk's office or online docket search
- Submit a written or in-person request to the Washington County Superior Court clerk's office or the Maine Office of Vital Records
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce
- Pay the applicable fee ($15.00 for a certified copy)
- Receive the certified document by mail or in person
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Washington County?
Divorce proceedings in Washington County are presumptively public under the Maine Freedom of Access Act; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, the entire file may be made confidential by court order.
Records that may be confidential include:
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of sensitive personal information, ongoing safety concerns, or confidential business information
- Domestic violence cases: Information identifying the address or location of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access pursuant to Maine protective order statutes
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be restricted or redacted from publicly accessible documents
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records of mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation incorporated into the case file are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under state and federal law
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public record
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings as a matter of standard court practice
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
How Long Does Washington County Keep Divorce Records?
Washington County divorce records are retained for substantial periods in accordance with Maine court records retention schedules established by the Maine Judicial Branch.
Retention periods for divorce records include:
- Active and recently closed case files: Retained at the courthouse and accessible through the clerk's office and electronic systems
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with many files retained longer depending on the nature of the proceedings
- Cases involving minor children: Retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional period, reflecting the potential need for future modification proceedings
- Archived paper records: Older case files that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time; some records dating to the nineteenth century are preserved in the Maine State Archives
- Vital records divorce certificates: The Maine Office of Vital Records retains divorce certificates permanently; records from 1892 to the present are currently available
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Washington County Superior Court clerk's office directly to confirm the current location and availability of the specific file. The Maine court records access page provides current guidance on record availability and retrieval procedures for both recent and historical cases.