Grafton County Public Records /Grafton County Divorce Records

Grafton County Divorce Records

What Are Grafton County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Grafton County are official legal documents maintained by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 458, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically originate in the Grafton County Family Division of the Circuit Court, where divorce petitions are filed and proceedings are conducted.

Divorce records serve multiple important functions:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits adjustments
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research purposes

The New Hampshire Judicial Branch maintains these records as part of its statutory obligation to document judicial proceedings. Divorce records in Grafton County consist of both court case files containing the complete proceedings and divorce certificates that officially summarize the dissolution of marriage.

Are Grafton County Divorce Records Public?

Grafton County divorce records have a nuanced public access status governed by both New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law RSA 91-A and specific provisions in family law statutes. The accessibility of these records varies based on the type of document and the requesting party's relationship to the case.

Court divorce case files in Grafton County are generally considered public records with important exceptions:

Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date, and general case status) is publicly accessible
Financial affidavits and information about minor children are confidential pursuant to New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 12
Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders restricting access
Records may be sealed by judicial order when privacy interests outweigh public access rights

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access:

Available to the parties named in the divorce
Accessible to individuals with a direct interest in the record (legal representatives, immediate family members)
Available to those with court orders authorizing access
Researchers with approved credentials may access records for statistical purposes with identifying information redacted

The New Hampshire Department of State's Division of Vital Records Administration maintains certified records of divorce and controls their dissemination according to state regulations.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Grafton County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Grafton County may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files:

Contact the Grafton County Family Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court where the divorce was filed
Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce filing
Complete a record request form available from the court clerk
Pay applicable search and copy fees ($20 search fee plus $0.50 per page for copies)
Present valid photo identification when requesting records in person

Grafton County Family Division - Lebanon
38 Centerra Parkway
Lebanon, NH 03766
855-212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch

Grafton County Family Division - Haverhill
3785 Dartmouth College Highway
North Haverhill, NH 03774
855-212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch

For certified divorce certificates:

Submit a completed application to the Division of Vital Records Administration
Provide proof of identity and establish direct interest in the record
Pay the required fee ($15 for the first copy, $10 for each additional copy)
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing if requesting by mail

New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
71 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-4651
NH Division of Vital Records Administration

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Grafton County Online?

Grafton County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce record information through online platforms maintained by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. The online search capabilities are subject to specific limitations and requirements.

The primary online resource is the New Hampshire Court System's Case Search portal, which provides:

Basic case information for divorces filed after 2000
Case numbers, filing dates, and general case status
Party names and attorney information
Scheduled hearing dates
Case disposition information

To conduct an online search:

Visit the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website
Navigate to the public case search section
Create a user account if required
Enter search criteria (party name, case number, or date range)
Pay any applicable online search fees
Review the available case summary information

Important limitations of online searches include:

Complete case documents are not available for download
Financial information and details about minor children are redacted
Cases with protective orders may not appear in search results
Historical records (pre-2000) may not be included in the database

For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, requesters must still contact the appropriate court clerk's office or the Division of Vital Records Administration directly, as online access provides only limited information.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Grafton County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Grafton County have limited but viable options. While most official record requests involve fees, certain methods allow for free examination of basic divorce information.

Free access options include:

In-person inspection of public court files at the Grafton County Family Division courthouse locations during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Use of public access terminals at courthouse locations to view basic case information
Consultation of publicly available court dockets and calendars
Review of local newspaper archives that may contain public notices of divorce filings

Grafton County Family Division - Plymouth
26 Green Street
Plymouth, NH 03264
855-212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch

When utilizing free access methods, requesters should note:

Photo identification is required for courthouse access
Personal inspection does not include the right to photograph or scan documents
Staff assistance for extensive searches may not be available without fees
Certain confidential portions of divorce files remain inaccessible
Historical records may require advance notice to retrieve from archives

While inspection may be free, obtaining copies of documents still incurs standard fees ($0.50 per page). Additionally, certified copies of divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records Administration always require payment of statutory fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Grafton County

Divorce records in Grafton County contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. These records typically consist of multiple documents that collectively detail the legal termination of the marital relationship.

Court case files generally include:

Petition for Divorce (initial filing stating grounds and requested relief)
Summons and proof of service to the responding party
Financial affidavits detailing assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
Parenting plans and child support worksheets when minor children are involved
Temporary orders governing conduct during proceedings
Motions filed by either party and corresponding court orders
Transcripts of hearings or depositions when applicable
Final Decree of Divorce specifying the terms of dissolution
Property settlement agreements detailing division of marital assets
Name change orders if requested by either party

Certified divorce certificates contain more limited information:

Full names of both parties
Date and location of the divorce filing
Date the divorce became final
Case number assigned by the court
Grounds for divorce as recognized by New Hampshire law
Name of the presiding judge
Official state seal and certification

Pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 458:15-b, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records, including social security numbers, financial account details, and information pertaining to minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Grafton County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Grafton County must obtain a certified copy of their divorce certificate or decree. These documents serve as legally recognized evidence of marital dissolution for various administrative and legal purposes.

To obtain certified proof of divorce:

Request a certified copy of the divorce certificate from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
- Complete the application form available on the DVRA website
- Provide acceptable identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Submit proof of direct interest in the record
- Pay the required fee ($15 for first copy, $10 for additional copies)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for processing if requesting by mail
Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Grafton County Family Division
- Visit or contact the court where the divorce was finalized
- Provide the case number or names of parties and approximate date
- Complete the court's record request form
- Pay the certification fee ($10 per document plus copy fees)
- Present valid identification when requesting in person

New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
71 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-4651
NH Division of Vital Records Administration

For expedited service, requesters may:

Visit the DVRA office in person during business hours
Use the court's certified copy request service with priority processing
Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return delivery

Certified copies contain official seals and signatures that verify their authenticity for legal purposes such as remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, and benefit applications.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Grafton County?

While divorce proceedings in Grafton County are generally matters of public record, New Hampshire law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may remain confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' privacy interests.

Confidentiality protections include:

Financial affidavits are automatically confidential pursuant to New Hampshire Family Division Rule 1.25-A
Records containing information about minor children receive heightened protection
Cases involving domestic violence may qualify for confidential filing status
Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files
Sensitive personal identifiers (social security numbers, financial account numbers) are redacted from public documents

To request confidential treatment of divorce records:

File a motion with the Grafton County Family Division requesting confidentiality
Demonstrate compelling privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
Specify which documents or information should remain confidential
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court to consider the request

The court applies a balancing test when considering confidentiality requests, weighing:

The nature of the information sought to be protected
Potential harm from disclosure
Public interest in accessing the information
Availability of less restrictive alternatives

Even when records are designated confidential, they remain accessible to the parties, their attorneys, and court personnel. Additionally, researchers may access anonymized data for statistical purposes with appropriate approvals.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Grafton County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Grafton County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Under New Hampshire law, divorces cannot be finalized until a minimum waiting period has elapsed, but the total timeline depends on case-specific circumstances.

Factors influencing divorce timeframes include:

Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested
Complexity of asset division and financial matters
Presence of minor children requiring custody and support determinations
Court calendar congestion and scheduling availability
Cooperation level between parties and their legal representatives
Need for discovery, depositions, or expert evaluations

Approximate timeframes for Grafton County divorces:

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 3-6 months
Moderately contested divorces requiring negotiation: 6-12 months
Highly contested divorces with complex issues: 12-24+ months

According to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch annual report, the statewide median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases is approximately 7.2 months, though Grafton County statistics may vary from this average.

New Hampshire law establishes certain mandatory timeframes:

Minimum 30-day waiting period after service of the petition before a final hearing
10-day objection period for temporary orders
10-day period to file motions for reconsideration of final orders

Parties seeking expedited proceedings may utilize:

Alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation
Collaborative divorce processes
Joint petition filings with comprehensive settlement agreements

How Long Does Grafton County Keep Divorce Records?

Grafton County adheres to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch records retention schedule for maintaining divorce records. This schedule, established pursuant to New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 58, determines how long different types of divorce documentation must be preserved.

Retention periods for divorce records:

Final Divorce Decrees: Permanent retention (never destroyed)
Case indices and docket books: Permanent retention
Complete case files for divorces with minor children: 25 years after final decree
Complete case files for divorces without minor children: 10 years after final decree
Financial affidavits and supporting documentation: 10 years after final decree
Audio recordings of hearings: 7 years after final disposition
Temporary orders: Retained with case file according to case type

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration maintains certified divorce certificates permanently as vital records of the state. These records remain available for certified copies regardless of when the divorce occurred.

For historical divorce records (pre-1990):

Some may be transferred to the New Hampshire State Archives
Older records may be stored on microfilm rather than as original documents
Retrieval may require additional time and specialized handling
Research fees may apply for extensive historical searches

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should contact:

New Hampshire State Archives
71 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-2236
NH State Archives

How To Get a Divorce In Grafton County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Grafton County must follow specific procedures established by New Hampshire law. The divorce process involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

To initiate a divorce in Grafton County:

Determine eligibility: Either spouse must have been a New Hampshire resident for at least one year, or if the grounds occurred in New Hampshire, one spouse must be a resident when filing.
Select the appropriate court location within Grafton County:
- Lebanon Family Division for southern Grafton County residents
- Haverhill Family Division for northern Grafton County residents
- Plymouth Family Division for central Grafton County residents
Prepare and file required documents:
- Petition for Divorce (Form NHJB-2057-F)
- Personal Data Sheet (Form NHJB-2077-F)
- Financial Affidavit (Form NHJB-2068-F)
- Certificate of Service
- Parenting plans and child support worksheets if minor children are involved
Pay the filing fee ($250) or submit a fee waiver application if financially qualified
Serve the divorce papers on the other spouse according to court rules:
- By sheriff's service
- By certified mail, return receipt requested
- By acceptance of service if the spouse agrees
- By alternative service if ordered by the court
Participate in case structuring conferences and temporary hearings as scheduled
Complete mandatory programs if children are involved:
- Child Impact Seminar
- Mediation for parenting issues
Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial on contested issues
Attend final hearing to obtain divorce decree

Grafton County Family Division - Lebanon
38 Centerra Parkway
Lebanon, NH 03766
855-212-1234
New Hampshire Judicial Branch

The New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides self-help resources including forms, instructions, and procedural information for individuals proceeding without legal representation.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Grafton County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Grafton County must obtain the appropriate legal forms and documentation. Multiple methods exist for acquiring these essential divorce papers.

To obtain divorce papers in Grafton County:

Download forms from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website:
- Visit the Circuit Court Family Division Forms page
- Select the appropriate divorce packet based on circumstances (with/without children)
- Print all required forms and instructions
Request forms in person from a Grafton County Family Division location:
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Specify whether children are involved in the divorce
- Request both mandatory and optional forms relevant to your situation
Request forms by mail:
- Contact the Family Division clerk's office
- Specify which forms are needed
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery