Court records in Hancock County, Maine can be found through several channels. HancockCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the Maine eCourts system, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in Ellsworth, or use public access terminals available at court locations. The Maine Judicial Branch website and individual court clerk offices remain key resources for obtaining docket information, filings, and case documents.
Hancock Court System & Jurisdictions
Hancock County is served by two primary state courts, both located in Ellsworth. Each handles different case types, so knowing which court to search is essential when looking for a specific docket.
Hancock County Superior Court
The Hancock County Superior Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil actions (typically involving claims above the District Court threshold)
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
- Appeals from District Court
Ellsworth District Court
The Ellsworth District Court serves Hancock County and handles a broader volume of everyday cases, including:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases and civil violations
- Small claims disputes
- Landlord-tenant and eviction matters
- Protection from abuse and harassment orders
- Traffic infractions
- Family matters, including divorce, parental rights, child support, and guardianship
Hancock County Probate Court
Maine Probate Courts are administered at the county level. The Hancock County Probate Court handles estates, wills, adoptions, name changes, and guardianship or conservatorship matters. Probate records are maintained separately from Superior and District Court records, so requests should be directed to the Probate Court office in Ellsworth.
Hancock Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or this week's court schedule in Hancock County, start by contacting the clerk's office at the court where your case is filed. Maine does not maintain a single statewide online calendar that lists all daily hearings by county.
- Superior Court hearings: Call the Hancock County Superior Court clerk at (207) 667-7141 for scheduling information. Attorneys participating in the ShareFile pilot program may also receive scheduling updates electronically.
- District Court hearings: Contact the Ellsworth District Court clerk's office directly for hearing dates, times, and courtroom assignments.
- Jury service: Jurors summoned in Hancock County can email JuryInfoHancock@courts.maine.gov for reporting instructions.
Some case-level scheduling information may be visible through the Maine eCourts electronic records system, though availability depends on case type and whether eFiling has been implemented at that court location. Note that criminal, juvenile, and civil violation case records are currently available online only in select counties — check the eCourts access page for the latest rollout details.
How to Get a Copy of a Hancock Court Document
You can request copies of most public court documents from the clerk's office at the court that handled the case. Here is how each method works:
In Person
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate court in Ellsworth.
- Provide the case name, case number, or party names so staff can locate the file.
- Ask whether you need a certified or uncertified copy — certified copies carry the court seal and are typically required for legal proceedings.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter.
By Mail
- Send a written request to the clerk's office that includes the case number (if known), full names of the parties, the type of document needed, and whether you need a certified copy.
- Include a check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine" for the estimated fees.
- Mail to the appropriate court address:
Online
The Maine eCourts system provides electronic access to many public court records. Some documents can be viewed or printed directly. For certified copies, you will generally still need to contact the clerk's office.
What Is Restricted?
Certain records are not available to the general public, including:
- Most juvenile case records
- Impounded or sealed files
- Records in protection-from-abuse cases (access may be limited)
- Adoption records
If you are unsure whether a record is public, ask the clerk before submitting your request.
Hancock Court Records Fees & Payment
Maine court fees are set by statute and administrative order. The following table reflects commonly applicable fees for court record requests. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page, uncertified) | $1.00 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 per document |
| Search of court records (per name) | $5.00 |
| Audio recording copy of proceeding | $10.00–$20.00 (varies by format and length) |
| Criminal history record check (via Maine State Police) | $31.00 (online) |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are typically accepted. Some courts may accept credit or debit cards — confirm with the clerk.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine."
- Online: The Maine Criminal History Record Request portal accepts online payment for background checks processed through the State Bureau of Identification.
Fees for probate records may differ and are set at the county level. Contact the Hancock County Probate Court directly for its fee schedule.