How To Find Court Records In New Hampshire

When you search for New Hampshire court records, you may want a quick way to see what information is generally available. With CourtCaseFinder, you can explore court case lookup options designed to help you review trial court records from New Hampshire, when available.

You may find details such as case numbers, parties involved, court dates, or case status. Results are compiled from publicly available records and may vary depending on the court, record type, and source availability.

If you are unfamiliar with court records, they are official documents that reflect judicial activity and can provide insight into criminal cases, civil lawsuits, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, driving violations, and more. These records are generally considered public and are often used for informational purposes.

Using CourtCaseFinder, you can take the first step toward exploring New Hampshire's court system and understanding what records may be accessible.

How To Access New Hampshire Public Court Records

When finding public court records in New Hampshire, you can use official government services or start with CourtCaseFinder. CourtCaseFinder is designed to help you explore public court records in one place, saving you time if you don't want to navigate different channels.

However, government offices are the official custodians of these records, so you may also want to know how to access them directly.

Online Access

You can search for case details through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch Case Access Portal. This portal gives you free access to certain case types, such as district division civil, small claims, name change, and estate cases in Circuit Court, as well as civil and criminal cases in Superior Court.

Remember that this system is not considered the official court record, and some orders may appear before they are finalized. To use the portal, you must register and sign in with your email address.

User guides are available for the public, attorneys, and self-represented parties.

In-Person Access

If you prefer direct access, you can visit the courthouse where your case was filed. Each court clerk manages the records for their location, either in paper or electronic format. To do this, you first need to identify the courthouse connected to your case.

Once you visit, you can ask the clerk's office about viewing records or requesting copies. This method is especially useful if your case type is not available online.

Mail Requests

You also have the option of requesting records by mail. To do this, you'll need to complete the appropriate form and send it with the required fee to the Central Processing Center of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.

For most cases, you'll use the Record Research and Billing Form (NHJB-2798-DFS), while probate cases require the Probate Estate Administration Records Research and Payment Form (NHJB-2941-P). You can download and fill out these forms before mailing them to:

New Hampshire Judicial Branch Administrative Offices

Attention: Central Processing Center

1 Granite Place, Suite N400

Concord, NH 03301

If you already have a case number, you won't need to submit a form or pay a search fee. Certain groups, such as prosecutors, law enforcement, or public defenders, may also qualify for fee exemptions. While this method can take more time, it's helpful if you can't travel to the courthouse.

New Hampshire Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

In New Hampshire, you generally have the right to access court records under the New Hampshire Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A), which was first passed in 1976 and later amended in 2002. This law gives you the ability to review many court documents as part of the state's effort to maintain transparency.

When you search for public court records, you may find information such as:

• Names of the parties involved
• Names of attorneys representing the parties
• Motions and affidavits filed with the court
• Court orders and rulings
• Case history documents that reflect the progress of the matter

While many records are accessible, you will not be able to view records that are sealed, restricted, or considered confidential. Examples of records that are generally not public include:

• Denied or pending applications for arrest or search warrants
• Juvenile cases (neglect or abuse, delinquency, adoption, termination of parental rights)
• Applications for wiretaps and related court orders
• Grand jury records
• Any records ordered confidentially by statute, court rule, or judge's order

By knowing which records are generally available and which are not, you can set realistic expectations when you search New Hampshire court records and better understand how the state balances public transparency with the protection of sensitive information.

Who Oversees the Courts in New Hampshire?

The courts in New Hampshire are overseen by the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which serves as the head of the state's unified judicial system. In 1983, the Supreme Court created the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to manage day-to-day operations. The AOC provides operational support to ensure the Judicial Branch can fulfill its constitutional responsibility to administer justice across all state and county courts.

The Director of the AOC, appointed by the Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, plays a key leadership role. The director is responsible for preparing and managing the Judicial Branch's budget and acts as a liaison between the courts, the Legislative, Executive, law enforcement, and public branches.

In addition, the AOC oversees a range of statewide functions for the judiciary. These responsibilities typically include audit, communications, facilities, fiscal management, legal support, human resources, information technology, and security.

What Types of Courts Exist in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has a unified court system made up of different courts that handle specific types of cases. Each court has its own jurisdiction, meaning it has authority over certain kinds of legal matters. Below is a clear breakdown of the main courts in New Hampshire, their jurisdiction, and the types of cases they typically handle:

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court	State's only appellate court; reviews decisions from trial courts and state administrative agencies; issues writs such as certiorari, prohibition, and habeas corpus.	Appeals from lower courts, review of administrative agency decisions, constitutional interpretation, and correcting trial court errors
Superior Court	Statewide court of general jurisdiction; holds jury trials; exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $25,000 and certain special matters.	Civil cases (negligence, contracts, real property disputes), felony criminal cases (burglary, drugs, sexual assault), misdemeanor appeals from Circuit Court, petitions for injunctive relief, zoning/planning appeals, title disputes, and contract enforcement
Circuit Court - District Division	Statewide division with 32 locations; handles misdemeanor and violation-level offenses, small claims, and civil cases with limited amounts.	Misdemeanors, motor vehicle violations, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, stalking cases, Involuntary Emergency Admissions (IEAs), and other minor civil cases
Circuit Court - Family Division	Operates in 28 locations across all counties; focuses on family and child-related matters.	Divorce and parenting actions, child support, domestic violence petitions, guardianship of minors, termination of parental rights, abuse/neglect cases, children in need of services, juvenile delinquency, and some adoptions
Circuit Court - Probate Division	Located in each of the ten counties; handles matters involving estates, trusts, and guardianships.	Wills, trusts, estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, involuntary admissions, and equity matters (partition, quiet title, intervivos trust, cy pres doctrine)

What Federal Courts Are In New Hampshire?

When you compare state and federal courts, the key difference is jurisdiction, federal courts handle cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, disputes between states, and matters where the U.S. government is a party (including bankruptcy), while state courts oversee matters under state law.

In New Hampshire, the primary federal courts are the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire and the Bankruptcy Court in that district.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire	Has original jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters under federal law throughout the state. It also handles cases where the federal government is involved, as well as patent, copyright, and admiralty matters.	Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse 55 Pleasant Street Room 110 Concord, NH 03301 Phone: (603) 225-1423
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of New Hampshire	Authorized to handle bankruptcy cases referred by the district court. It handles Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases as well as other related proceedings under federal bankruptcy law.	Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse 55 Pleasant Street Room 200 Concord, NH 03301 Phone: (603) 222-2600

When decisions are made by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire or the Bankruptcy Court, any appeals generally go to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, located in Boston, MA. In bankruptcy matters, certain appeals may also go to the First Circuit's Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in New Hampshire Courts?

Based on the New Hampshire court system data, the state's courts handle a substantial volume of cases annually across multiple jurisdictions and case types.

The Superior Courts alone process approximately 18,000 new case filings per year, while the Circuit Courts handle significantly more, with around 112,000 annual filings. The New Hampshire Supreme Court, the state's highest appellate court, receives more than 700 new filings annually.

Here's the estimated annual volume of cases filed by case type:

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Superior Court Civil	~6,200
Superior Court Criminal	~11,700
Circuit Court Civil	~2,900
Circuit Court Criminal	~54,700
Circuit Court Civil Stalking	~3,200
Circuit Court Adoption/Surrender	~600
Circuit Court Domestic Matters	~6,600
Circuit Court Domestic Violence	~3,800
Circuit Court Emergency Admissions	~1,900
Circuit Court Equity	~170
Circuit Court Estate	~7,900
Circuit Court Guardianship of Incapacitated (Adult)	~900
Circuit Court Guardianship of Minor	~1,000
Circuit Court Involuntary Admissions	~700
Circuit Court Juvenile	~2,200
Circuit Court Landlord/Tenant	~5,700
Circuit Court Name Change	~2,300
Circuit Court Small Claims	~17,000
Circuit Court Termination of Parental Rights	~500
Circuit Court Trust	~70

For miscellaneous and updated data, visit the Data & Reports page on the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's website or direct general inquiries about court data to AOC@courts.state.nh.us. Members of the news media may direct inquiries to Communications@courts.state.nh.us.

How Do I File a Case in New Hampshire Courts?

Filing a case in New Hampshire usually follows four basic steps. Many cases can be filed electronically, but some matters require paper filings or in-person work at the court clerk's office. Below are steps to start your case, with links to the official forms, e-filing resources, and fee information you may need.

Pick the Right Court and Case Type

Decide whether your matter belongs in the Circuit Court (District / Family / Probate), Superior Court, or the Supreme Court (appeals). Use the Judicial Branch "Getting Started" checklists and the court locator to confirm which courthouse has jurisdiction over your case and where to file. Choosing the correct court affects the forms you use, the filing method, and the fees.

Assemble the Required Forms and Supporting Documents

Download the forms you need (for example, Civil Complaint or Small Claims forms, Family Division or Probate forms) and any exhibits or affidavits the court requires. If you cannot afford fees, prepare a motion to waive the filing fee (Motion to Waive Filing Fee, NHJB-2759-SUP) and the required affidavit of assets.

The Judicial Branch maintains e-filing form sets and court-specific form pages to guide you.

File the Case , Online, in Person, or by Mail as Applicable

Electronic filing in New Hampshire is available for various case types, depending on the court. At the Supreme Court level, all case types can be filed online. The Superior Court allows electronic submission of both civil and criminal cases, though self-represented parties are not able to e-file criminal matters.

Within the Circuit Court system, you can use e-filing for several categories, such as small claims, guardianships for minors or incapacitated individuals, probate matters involving wills and estates, and petitions for name changes.

Other eligible filings include Involuntary Admission 135-C cases, a variety of civil complaints (such as writs of replevin or registering foreign judgments), and certain specialized civil matters. Examples of the latter include cease-and-desist orders, unsafe building actions, eviction orders, appeals of denied or suspended firearm permits, and petitions related to wage garnishment.

If your case type isn't mentioned, you'll need to file paper copies in person at the courthouse or by mail to the clerk's office.

Pay Filing Fees and Track Your Case

Filing fees depend on the type of case and the court where it is filed. You can review the complete fee details through the Judicial Branch's official fee schedule:

• Circuit Court Fees
• Superior Court Fees
• Supreme Court Fees

Payment can be made online when filing electronically or at the courthouse when filing in person. If you've submitted a fee waiver and it's approved, you may not need to pay. After filing, you can track your case through the Case Access Portal or by contacting the court clerk.

How Is the New Hampshire Court System Unique?

The New Hampshire court system is unique because it is fully unified, meaning all courts in the state are managed under one administrative structure. This allows for consistent rules, streamlined procedures, and efficient use of resources across every level of the judiciary.

Another feature that sets it apart is the presence of only one appellate court, the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which hears all appeals from trial courts and agencies. The state also operates specialty treatment courts that focus on rehabilitation, making the system both centralized and innovative.

New Hampshire Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Belknap
• Carroll
• Cheshire
• Coos
• Grafton
• Hillsborough
• Merrimack
• Rockingham
• Strafford
• Sullivan

Where to Find Additional Information About New Hampshire Courts?

• New Hampshire Judicial Branch
• How to Find What You Need in the Court System
• e-Filing and other Electronic Services - New Hampshire
• Circuit Court District Division Service Center - New Hampshire
• Find Your Court - NH Judicial Branch Self-Help Center
• Superior Court - New Hampshire Judicial Branch
• Circuit Court District Division - New Hampshire Judicial Branch
• Your Guide to the NH Courts - New Hampshire Judicial Branch

FAQs