Divorce records in Strafford County, New Hampshire, are available through several channels. StraffordCourt.us allows quick access to public information regarding divorce records in this county. Additionally, you can contact the court that issued the divorce decree, the town clerk of the respective municipality, or the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Each of these institutions maintains a certain type of document — from complete court cases to certified certificates.
Strafford Divorce Records Search
In New Hampshire, divorce cases are handled by the state's judicial system, not the county. Strafford County is served by the Strafford County Superior Court, where the court clerk's office keeps complete case files: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents.
Separate from the court, there is the Division of Vital Records Administration under the Secretary of State — NH Division of Vital Records Administration. This institution issues divorce certificates, which contain basic information: the names of the parties, the date, and place of the divorce. It does not retain the full text of the court decision.
Town clerks within the county are also authorized to issue certified copies of vital records for events that occurred in their municipality.
Strafford County Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Strafford
Divorces in Strafford County are processed through the Superior Court — this court has jurisdiction over family matters at the county level according to New Hampshire law. After a decision is made, the court clerk's office retains the original case in its archive.
At the same time, the court reports the fact of the divorce to the state's Division of Vital Records. Therefore, there are two types of documents, and where to apply depends on the purpose of the request:
- Complete court case (decree, settlement agreement, custody orders) — Strafford County Superior Court Clerk's Office.
- Divorce certificate — NH Division of Vital Records Administration or the town clerk of the municipality where the divorce was registered.
Strafford County Superior Court — Clerk's Office
NH Division of Vital Records Administration
If the divorce took place in one of the thirteen municipalities of the county, the local Town Clerk may also have a record. For example, the Strafford Town Clerk is authorized by the Secretary of State to issue certified copies for events registered in that town.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Strafford
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (NH Vital Records) | $25.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional certified copy (ordered simultaneously) | $15.00 | Together with the first copy |
| Certified copy through town clerk | $25.00 (first), $15.00 (each subsequent) | Usually on the day of request |
| Copy of court decree (Superior Court Clerk) | $0.50 per page | Usually 3–5 business days |
| Certification of court document copy | $5.00 | Together with the copy |