Strafford County, New Hampshire Court Records
Strafford County court records document legal disputes, criminal charges, hearings, and judgments that unfold in county courts. These records preserve judicial history and promote transparency. The Superior Court is the primary custodian. Court clerks handle filings, record proceedings, organize case files, and preserve decisions. The creation and maintenance of these court records occur under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) and Supreme Court Rules on Public Access to Court Records.
Court records often connect with other public records systems. Vital records may confirm marriage or birth details referenced in family cases. Arrest information from local law enforcement agencies may appear in criminal filings. However, federal case files for matters heard in the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire are governed by federal rules.
Are Strafford County Court Records Public?
Yes. According to New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A), most Strafford County court records are considered public. This means that records from civil, criminal, family, and probate cases are generally available for public inspection. However, there are certain exceptions where access is restricted under the Supreme Court Rules on Public Access to Court Records:
- Juvenile cases (delinquency, CHINS, abuse/neglect, termination of parental rights, and adoption)
- Pending or denied applications for search or arrest warrants
- Grand jury records
- Applications for wiretaps and orders issued on those applications
- Any record designated confidential by statute, rule, or court order.
What Information is Available in Strafford County Court Records?
Strafford County court records contain key details about the progress and outcome of a case filed in the county court system. Typical case files maintained by the court clerk may contain the following information:
- Case number and court location
- Names of parties involved in the case
- Date of filing and case type
- Filed pleadings and motions
- Hearing and trial dates
- Judgment or verdict
- Sentence or court order
- Docket entries that show case activity
Strafford County Court Records Search
Interested persons may search and access Strafford County court records through several official access methods maintained by the Superior Court.
Online Access: Interested persons may utilize the Case Access Portal to perform remote searches. The portal provides access to non-confidential Superior Court criminal and civil cases, as well as certain Circuit Court e-filed matters, such as small claims, name changes, and estate proceedings. Guardianship matters and Involuntary Admissions under RSA 135-C relating to mental health proceedings are not available through the portal. To use the portal, individuals may take the following steps:
- Register an account on the Case Access Portal.
- Use the Advanced Filtering feature to select "Strafford Superior Court" or the appropriate 7th Circuit Court division.
- Conduct searches using a party name, case number, or attorney name.
The portal displays case summaries and docket information rather than certified record copies. Record availability varies by case type and the confidentiality restrictions established by court rule.
In-Person Access: Every Strafford County courthouse provides public access terminals that allow free searching of electronic court records. Viewing case information at courthouse terminals is free. Printing fees generally range from $0.25 to $0.50 per page. Certain documents unavailable through remote systems may appear on courthouse terminals. Court clerks assist interested persons in locating case files, explaining record request procedures, and providing copies for the required fee. Court staff do not provide legal advice or interpret court decisions.
Mail and Phone Requests: Interested persons may call the Trial Court Information Center at 1-855-212-1234 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Staff confirm case existence and provide general procedural guidance. For mailed requests, requestors may do the following:
- Submit Form NHJB-2798-DFS for Superior or Circuit Court records or Form NHJB-2941-P for Probate Division records.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope per request.
The court accepts checks made out to NHJB Central Processing Center and credit card payments. A surcharge applies to electronic card transactions. Mail completed forms and payment to:
New Hampshire Judicial Branch Administrative Offices
Attention: Central Processing Center
1 Granite Place, Suite N400
Concord, New Hampshire 03301.
Fees for Court Records in Strafford County
The following fees apply to court records in Strafford County:
- A standard paper copy of a court record, produced by the clerk, costs $0.50 for each page.
- Public access terminal printout: $0.25 per page
- A certified copy of a court record is available for $10.00 per document.
- An exemplified judgment, a court document with additional authentication, costs $40.00 per document.
- Records research (name-based search): $6.50 per name, per court
- Audio recording: $35.00 per hearing day
- Vital records obtained through town clerks require a $15.00 search fee, which includes one certified copy. Additional certified copies cost $10.00 each.
Strafford County Courthouse Locations
Strafford County courts include the Superior Court and the Circuit Court system. The Circuit Court operates through several divisions within the county, including two District Divisions, one Probate Division, and three Family Divisions. Below are all of the county’s courthouse locations and contact details for each courthouse:
Strafford County Superior Court
259 County Farm Road, Suite 301
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Strafford County 7th Circuit District Division - Dover
25 St. Thomas Street
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-123
7th Circuit District Division - Rochester
76 North Main Street
Rochester, NH 03867-1905
Phone: (855) 212-1234
7th Circuit Probate Division - Dover
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building, Suite 203
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
7th Circuit Family Division - Dover
25 St. Thomas St.
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
7th Circuit Rochester Family Division - Dover
William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building, Suite 302
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (855) 212-1234
7th Circuit Family Division - Rochester
76 North Main Street
Rochester, NH 03867-1905
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Criminal Records Access in Strafford County
In New Hampshire, county courts do not handle official state-level criminal history checks. Instead, the New Hampshire State Police’s Criminal Records Unit keeps these records. This agency runs background checks that include arrests and convictions from across the state.
Strafford County courts maintain records of local criminal cases. These files are available through the Case Access Portal or courthouse terminals. Court clerks oversee case filings, docket entries, and judgments. Certified copies and additional documents are available upon request at the clerk’s office.
Strafford County Probate Records
Strafford County probate records document legal matters, including estates, wills, and guardianships, handled after death or during legal incapacity. These files form the official history of proceedings from the Strafford County Circuit Court, Probate Division. Probate court documents often include estate records, probate filings, and court orders that guide estate administration.
Some Strafford County probate records are available online through the Judicial Branch’s electronic case system. Access to older estate records or complete case files may require visiting the probate court clerk in person. Certain probate matters, such as adoption records, sealed cases, and sensitive guardianship information, remain confidential under state law.
County | Court Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Strafford County | 7th Circuit Probate Division: | William A. Grimes Justice & Administration Building, Suite 203 259 County Farm Road Dover, NH 03820 | (855) 212-1234 | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Strafford County Family Court Records
Strafford County family court records are the official documents that document the Circuit Court Family Division’s actions in domestic relations cases. These records include matters like divorce, child custody, parenting plans, child support, adoption, and other family law matters. In most cases, the public can view case summaries and certain documents for standard family law cases through the case access portal. However, some records are not available to the public, including those related to the following:
- domestic violence petitions
- juvenile cases
- stalking orders
- adoption matters
Alternatively, eligible parties may visit the courthouse to inspect available records using public access terminals. Requestors seeking certified copies may make requests, present valid identification, and pay the required certification fees to the clerk of court.
Federal Court Records in Strafford County
Federal cases arising in Strafford County fall under the authority of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. These cases include federal criminal matters, civil rights claims, and bankruptcy proceedings.
Interested persons may access federal court records in two ways. The clerk’s office accepts requests during work hours. Online access is available through PACER, where registered users may search and download federal case documents for a per-page fee.