Strafford County court records, New Hampshire, are available through several channels. StraffordCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court resources, court clerks' offices, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings. Online tools allow you to check the status of a case, hearing dates, and other details.
Strafford Court System & Jurisdictions
The court system in Strafford County is managed by the state of New Hampshire, not the county government. This means that the courts are funded and administered at the state level through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.
Here are the courts operating in the county:
- Strafford County Superior Court — handles criminal cases involving felonies, civil claims over $25,000, divorce and custody cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. Located in Dover.
- Dover District Court — serves the cities of Dover, Durham, Lee, Madbury, Rollinsford, and Somersworth. It handles minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, small claims cases (up to $10,000), and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
- Rochester District Court — serves Rochester, Barrington, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, and Strafford. Its jurisdiction is similar to Dover District Court.
Probate cases are handled by Strafford County Probate Court — these include wills, guardianship of incapacitated persons, and estate management of deceased persons. There is no separate family court in New Hampshire: divorce and child custody cases fall under the Superior Court or Circuit Court — Family Division.
Federal cases related to the county are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire in Concord.
Strafford Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's online system. The state provides public access to calendars through the Court Case Look-up portal on the website www.courts.nh.gov.
Steps for searching:
- Go to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch case search page.
- Select a court — for example, "Strafford County Superior Court" or "Dover District Court."
- Enter the party's name or case number.
- The search results will display the scheduled hearing dates.
Public terminals in court buildings also allow you to view the schedule. If you need information about a specific case, call the clerk's office of the relevant court — the clerk can confirm the time and courtroom.
For federal cases, the schedule is available through the PACER system.
How to Get a Copy of a Strafford Court Document
Copies of court documents can be obtained in several ways — depending on whether you need a certified copy or a regular copy.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
A certified copy has the court's seal and the clerk's signature, confirming its authenticity. Such a document is usually required for official purposes — for example, submission to another court or government agency. A regular copy is cheaper and suitable for personal reference.
Channels for Obtaining
- In Person — visit the clerk's office where the case was heard. Bring identification and the case number (if known).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — some documents can be viewed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch portal. Federal cases are available through the U.S. District Court's electronic access system.
Address of Strafford County Superior Court
For cases heard in District Court, direct requests to the clerk's office of Dover District Court or Rochester District Court.
Arrest records can also be searched through the Strafford County Sheriff's Office, and Dover police arrest logs are published weekly.
Strafford Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court documents in New Hampshire are set by the administrative rules of the Judicial Branch. Below are the approximate rates in effect in state courts:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document |
| Court record search (by name) | Free through the public portal; a written request may incur a fee |
| Copy of hearing audio recording | Depends on duration; check with the clerk |
| Access to federal cases (PACER) | $0.10 per page (free up to $30 per quarter) |
Courts accept payment by check, money order, and in some cases, credit and debit cards. Cash is not always accepted — it's best to confirm in advance.
Fees for land records differ and are administered separately by the Strafford County Registry of Deeds. For current rates, contact the court clerk's office directly, as amounts may be updated according to administrative orders of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.