When your divorce is finalized in Maine, you may need official documentation proving the dissolution of your marriage for various legal, financial, and personal purposes. Understanding how to obtain a Maine divorce certificate, what information it contains, and the difference between various divorce-related documents can help you navigate this process efficiently and ensure you have the proper documentation for your needs.
Maine Divorce Records and Certificates
Maine officially began preserving vital records on January 1, 1892. The Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS) office, part of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, houses all vital records, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and divorce records from 1892 to the present. Vital records created prior to 1892 may be obtained from the municipality where the event took place or from the Maine State Archives.
A divorce certificate is distinct from other divorce-related documents. It serves as legal proof of the dissolution of a marriage and contains a summary of divorce details, including the names of both parties, the county or venue where the divorce was granted, and the date the divorce was finalized. Unlike the final divorce decree, which may be many pages long and contains all terms and conditions of the divorce, a divorce certificate provides a concise official record of the divorce.
Types of Divorce Documentation Available
Maine provides several types of divorce-related records, each serving different purposes:
Divorce Certificate
Issued by the Vital Records office, this document provides a summary of essential divorce information. It's not a court document but rather a certified copy issued by the state confirming that a divorce occurred. Divorce certificates are commonly used for remarriage, immigration and citizenship matters, social security purposes, and other situations requiring proof of marital status.
Final Decree of Divorce
This is the actual court order that grants the dissolution of marriage. The decree contains all terms and conditions of the divorce and the court's decisions on matters like child custody, visitation rights, property division, asset allocation, and spousal support. This document is enforceable, meaning if one party fails to follow the court's order, the other party may file a motion to enforce the decree. The town or city clerk in the county where the divorce was granted maintains divorce decrees, which are also available at the Vital Records Office.
Divorce Case Files
These include all documents generated during the divorce process, from the initial complaint for divorce through the final judgment. Case files contain complaints, affidavits, summons, financial statements, and other paperwork filed throughout the proceedings. The clerk of the district court in the county where the divorce was granted maintains these files.
Who Can Request a Maine Divorce Certificate
Maine operates as a closed records state, meaning vital records are not public records. This system protects the confidentiality rights of citizens by restricting access to vital records. To obtain certified copies of vital records, including divorce certificates, requestors must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Eligible requestors include:
- Individuals named on the divorce record
- Spouses of individuals named on the record (must provide marriage certificate)
- Registered domestic partners (must provide domestic partner certificate)
- Legal guardians (must provide court-issued guardianship papers)
- Family members not listed on the record, including grandparents, siblings, stepparents, stepchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws (must provide proof of lineage)
- Attorneys or agents representing a person named on the record (must provide a Vital Records Release Form or proof of contract)
- Individuals needing the record for lawsuits protecting personal or property rights (must provide documentation such as wills or guardianship papers)
- Individuals requiring the record for creditor, mortgage lender, social security, or insurance purposes (must provide a letter from the agency on their letterhead)
- Federal or state agencies, Maine local government or tribal agencies, municipal governments, and public school districts requiring vital statistical data for official duties (must complete verification form)
Those who cannot demonstrate direct and legitimate interest in the record will not receive certified copies. However, uncertified copies may be available to the public for a fee, though these copies are marked as not useful for legal purposes.
Required Documentation and Identification
When requesting a Maine divorce certificate, you must provide specific documentation to prove your identity and eligibility:
Acceptable primary identification includes:
- Valid passport
- Driver's license
- Government-issued photo identification with signature
If you lack acceptable photo identification, you may present two alternative documents:
- Bank statement with your name
- Copy of income tax return
- Personal check with address
- Letter from a government agency requesting a vital record
- Previously issued vital record
- Social security card
- Department of Corrections identification card
- Voter registration card
- Medicare or Medicaid insurance card
- Pay stub
- Lease or rental agreement
- Hospital birth worksheet
Additionally, if you're not named on the divorce record, you must demonstrate your direct and legitimate interest by providing appropriate documentation as outlined in the eligibility requirements.
Methods for Obtaining a Maine Divorce Certificate
You can request a Maine divorce certificate through three primary methods: in person, by mail, or online. Each method has specific procedures and processing times.
Applying in Person
The DRVS office is located at 220 Capitol Street in Augusta, Maine. Walk-in service is available between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on business days. When applying in person, you'll need to:
- Complete an application for a vital record
- Provide valid identification
- Submit proof of eligibility if you're not named on the certificate
- Pay the required fee
Same-day service is typically available, though occasionally there may be up to a 24-hour turnaround period. Acceptable payment methods include cashier's checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted.
Applying by Mail
To request a divorce certificate by mail, you must submit:
- A completed Application for a Vital Record form
- A copy of your valid government-issued picture identification bearing your signature
- Proof of eligibility documentation if you're not named on the certificate
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- The required fee made payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine"
Important mail application guidelines:
- Do not send cash
- Checks and money orders must be for the exact amount
- Incomplete applications will be returned unprocessed
- Include a phone number or email address for follow-up questions
- Average processing time is 5-7 business days from receipt
- Don't call to check status until your check has been cashed
Mail your request to:
Vital Records11 State House Station220 Capitol StreetAugusta, ME 04333-0011
Ordering Online
DRVS has partnered with VitalChek Network, Inc. to provide online ordering services. You can submit requests through www.vitalchek.com or by calling 1-877-523-2659. VitalChek charges an additional service fee beyond the state's standard fees. All major credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
If you experience issues with an order placed through VitalChek, contact them at 1-866-203-2777 or 1-866-628-9244 (option 1), or email vcn_helpdesk-mailbox@vitalchek.com.
Note: DRVS does not endorse any other internet ordering services beyond VitalChek.
Fee Structure for Maine Divorce Certificates
Understanding the fee structure helps you prepare the correct payment amount when requesting divorce records:
Service Type | Fee | Details |
Record search and one certified copy | $15.00 | Covers search of files for 1 year before and after stated date; includes one certified copy if located |
Additional certified copies | $6.00 | Per copy of the same record requested simultaneously with the initial search |
Verification of facts | $25.00 | For verification of information pertaining to a vital record |
Non-certified copy search | $10.00 | Search and one non-certified copy; not valid for legal purposes |
Returned check fee | $30.00 | Charged for checks returned for insufficient funds |
Veterans Administration records | Free | One certified copy for determining VA benefits eligibility |
DRVS does not have the authority to waive fees. Payment must accompany all requests, regardless of whether the record is located.
Demonstrating Direct and Legitimate Interest
Maine's closed records system requires many requestors to demonstrate their direct and legitimate interest in obtaining a divorce certificate. Direct and legitimate interest refers to circumstances where someone not listed on a record becomes eligible due to events requiring a copy to protect personal or property rights.
Documents to demonstrate lineage:
Primary documents are preferred and include certified copies of vital records showing your relationship to persons named on the divorce record. If you're 18 or older, you may present notarized DNA testing results to obtain records of a parent not named on your birth certificate.
If primary documents are unavailable, you may present two secondary documents:
- Hospital or physician's birth or death record
- Baptismal record
- U.S. Census enumeration record
- Other supporting documents approved by the State Registrar
Municipal clerks or DRVS may verify document authenticity if they have reasonable cause to question validity or accuracy.
Privacy and Confidentiality Protections
Maine's Freedom of Access Act makes some parts of divorce records publicly unavailable to protect sensitive information and individual privacy. Information sealed by law includes:
- Social security numbers
- Detailed financial information
- Child custody arrangements
- Information that would threaten a child's life or safety
- Records containing information about domestic violence victims or abuse survivors
Even uncertified copies available to the general public have sensitive information redacted. Certified copies are only available to eligible requestors who can demonstrate proper authorization.
Common Uses for Divorce Certificates
Divorce certificates serve various legal and administrative purposes:
- Legal Proceedings: Proving marital status in court matters, custody modifications, or enforcement actions
- Remarriage: Providing proof of divorce before obtaining a new marriage license
- Immigration and Citizenship: Documenting marital history for visa applications, citizenship processes, or sponsorship matters
- Social Security Administration: Updating records, claiming benefits, or changing names
- Financial Institutions: Opening accounts, refinancing loans, or updating beneficiary information with changed marital status
- Insurance Companies: Modifying policies, claiming benefits, or updating coverage based on divorce
- Government Agencies: Various federal, state, and local agencies may require divorce verification for benefits, licenses, or other purposes
- Employment: Some employers require divorce documentation for benefits enrollment or security clearances
Historical Divorce Records
For divorces occurring before 1892, when Maine began maintaining official vital statistics, records may be available through the Maine State Archives or the municipality where the divorce was granted. The State Archives maintains a divorce index covering 1892 to 1963, which compiles information collected from court clerks.
These historical volumes generally cover two-year periods, arranged by county alphabetically. Within counties, divorces are listed with varying levels of detail—some include maiden names, marriage dates, divorce dates, and causes, while others contain only the parties' names.
For divorces occurring in 1930 or later, requests should be made directly to the appropriate Superior Court. Contact information for Maine Superior Courts is available through the Maine Judicial Branch website. Many divorces prior to 1930 can be found online through FamilySearch by searching for the county in their Card Catalog and selecting court records.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Copies
Understanding the difference between certified and non-certified copies helps you request the appropriate document for your needs:
Certified Copies:
- Bear the official seal and signature of the issuing office
- Valid for legal purposes including court proceedings, government applications, and official transactions
- Required for most formal uses including remarriage and immigration
- Subject to eligibility restrictions
- Higher fees than non-certified copies
Non-Certified Copies:
- Marked as not valid for legal purposes
- Useful for personal records, genealogy research, or informal verification
- May be available to broader range of requestors
- Lower fees than certified copies
- Cannot be used for official legal transactions
Special Circumstances and Services
Certain divorce-related services are available by appointment only at the DRVS office:
- Corrections or amendments to divorce records
- Legal name changes following divorce
- Verification of specific facts from divorce records
If you need these specialty services, contact the DRVS office at 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, Maine, or call during business hours to schedule an appointment.
Processing Times and Expectations
Processing times vary depending on your request method:
In-Person Requests: Typically same-day service, occasionally up to 24 hours
Mail Requests: Average 5-7 business days from date of receipt by Vital Records
Online Requests through VitalChek: Processing times vary; check with VitalChek for current estimates
Plan ahead when you need divorce certificates for time-sensitive matters. Don't wait until the last minute if you need documentation for remarriage, court deadlines, or application submissions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Whenever you encounter any of these issues, your divorce process may be delayed:
Record Not Found
If DRVS cannot locate your divorce record, verify you have the correct spelling of names, approximate date, and county. Consider whether the divorce was finalized (some separations never result in final divorce decrees).
Eligibility Denied
If your eligibility is questioned, review requirements carefully and gather additional documentation proving your relationship or direct and legitimate interest in the record.
Incomplete Application
Applications missing required information, identification, or payment will be returned unprocessed. Review checklist carefully before submitting.
Processing Delays
If your mail request exceeds normal processing time, verify your check has been cashed before calling. Include contact information on applications for follow-up questions.
Accessing Records from Other States or Countries
If your divorce occurred outside Maine, you must contact that state's vital records office. Maine DRVS only maintains records for divorces granted within Maine. Events occurring in other states or countries are not available from Maine DRVS.
For divorces in other states, search online for "[state name] vital records" or contact the state's health department or court system for guidance on obtaining divorce records.
Contact Information and Resources
Maine Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS):220 Capitol StreetAugusta, ME 04333Email: DHHS.VitalRecords@maine.gov
For VitalChek Online Orders:Website: www.vitalchek.comPhone: 1-877-523-2659Customer Service: 1-866-203-2777 or 1-866-628-9244Email: vcn_helpdesk-mailbox@vitalchek.com
For Historical Records:Maine State Archives Research RoomEmail: maine.archives@maine.govPhone: 207-287-5790
Final Remarks
Obtaining a Maine divorce certificate requires understanding eligibility requirements, gathering proper documentation, choosing an appropriate request method, and paying required fees. Whether you need certification for remarriage, legal proceedings, government applications, or personal records, following the procedures outlined by Maine's Data, Research, and Vital Statistics office ensures you receive the documentation you need efficiently.
Maine's closed records system protects privacy while still allowing eligible individuals access to vital records for legitimate purposes. By preparing proper identification, demonstrating your direct and legitimate interest when required, and submitting complete applications with correct fees, you can successfully obtain divorce certificates for your legal and personal needs.