Divorce records in Grafton County, New Hampshire, can be accessed through several channels. GraftonCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information. Beyond that, records are available through the court that issued the divorce decree, the county clerk's office, and the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. The approach you take depends on whether you need the full court file or a divorce certificate for vital records purposes.
Grafton County Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Grafton County are maintained by two separate entities, each holding different types of documentation. The Grafton County Superior Court — which handles all divorce cases filed in the county — keeps the complete court file, including the divorce petition, final decree, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and any related motions. The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration maintains divorce certificates, which are shorter summary documents confirming that a divorce took place. If you need the full case record, start with the court clerk's office at the Grafton County Courthouse. For a vital record certificate, contact the state office or the town clerk in the municipality where either party resided at the time of the divorce.
Grafton County Superior Court — Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Grafton County
In New Hampshire, divorce cases are filed in and handled by the Circuit Court — Family Division or, for contested matters, the Superior Court. Grafton County divorce petitions are typically filed at the court location serving the area where either spouse resides. After the judge signs the final divorce decree, the court clerk's office retains the complete case file.
Separately, the court reports the divorce to the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration, which creates and stores a divorce certificate. Here is where to go depending on what you need:
For the Full Court Record (Decree, Settlement, Custody Orders)
Grafton County Superior Court — Clerk's Office
- Request copies of the divorce decree, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and any filed motions.
- You will generally need the names of the parties and the approximate year of the divorce to locate the file.
- Most divorce records are considered public, though certain sealed portions — such as financial affidavits or records involving minors — may be restricted.
For a Divorce Certificate (Vital Record)
New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
- Divorce certificates from 1938 to the present are available from this office.
- Certificates confirm the fact of divorce, names of the parties, date, and location — but do not include the full terms of the settlement.
- Eligible requesters include the parties named on the record, their legal representatives, and certain other qualified individuals under New Hampshire RSA 5-C.
- Town clerks may also issue certified copies of divorce certificates for divorces granted in their jurisdiction.
For the New Hampshire Circuit Court — Family Division
Plymouth Circuit Court (serving parts of Grafton County)
- Uncontested divorces and family law matters in Grafton County may be handled at this location.
- Contact the court to confirm which location holds the file for your case.
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch website provides case lookup tools and information about court locations serving Grafton County.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Grafton County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Vital Records Administration) | $25.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional certified copies (same record, same order) | $15.00 each | Same as above |
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (town clerk) | $15.00 | Varies by office |
| Court record copies (Superior Court clerk) | $0.50 per page | While-you-wait for in-person requests; 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified court document copy | $5.00 certification fee plus per-page copy cost | 5–10 business days |