Finding court records in Grafton County, New Hampshire, starts with knowing where to look. GraftonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. Beyond that, the New Hampshire Judicial Branch offers online case search tools, and you can visit court clerks' offices in person or use public access terminals at the courthouse. Records may also be requested by mail or phone depending on the court and record type.
Grafton County Court System & Jurisdictions
New Hampshire's court system is unified at the state level, meaning courts in Grafton County are administered by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch rather than by county government. The Grafton County Courthouse in North Haverhill houses the Grafton County Superior Court. Several circuit courts also serve communities throughout the county.
Grafton County Superior Court
The Superior Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases (typically involving claims over $25,000)
- Equity matters and injunctions
- Appeals from Circuit Court decisions
Circuit Courts Serving Grafton County
New Hampshire's Circuit Court system combines the former District, Probate, and Family divisions into one court with three divisions:
- District Division — misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $10,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases up to $25,000
- Family Division — divorce, parenting, child support, domestic violence protective orders, guardianship of minors, juvenile matters, and adoption
- Probate Division — wills, estates, trusts, guardianship of incapacitated adults, name changes, and termination of parental rights
Circuit court locations serving Grafton County include courts in Plymouth, Littleton, Lebanon, and Haverhill. Each handles cases arising in its geographic area. If you are unsure which court has your case, search the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website or call the clerk at the nearest location.
Traffic violations, including DUI charges, are processed through the District Division of the Circuit Court.
Grafton County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Grafton County courts are managed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. To find today's or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website.
- Navigate to the court calendars section.
- Select the specific court location (e.g., Grafton County Superior Court or a Circuit Court in Plymouth, Lebanon, Littleton, or Haverhill).
- Filter by date to view upcoming hearings.
Calendars typically list the case number, party names, hearing type, judge, and courtroom. You can also call the clerk's office at the relevant court to confirm a hearing date or check whether a case has been continued.
For federal cases filed in the District of New Hampshire, court calendars and case information are available through the U.S. District Court for New Hampshire and the PACER system.
How to Get a Copy of a Grafton County Court Document
Court documents from Grafton County cases can be obtained in several ways, depending on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — suitable for personal reference. Often available at public access terminals in the courthouse or through the clerk's office.
- Certified copies — bear the court's official seal and signature. Required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other jurisdictions.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the court where the case was filed. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
- By mail: Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the case number, party names, the specific documents needed, whether you need certified copies, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online: Some case documents can be viewed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's electronic case access system. Not all documents are available electronically, and downloading or printing from the portal may not produce certified copies.
Mail requests for Superior Court records should be sent to:
For Circuit Court records, direct your request to the specific Circuit Court location where the case was heard (Plymouth, Lebanon, Littleton, or Haverhill).
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Juvenile case files
- Domestic violence petition details (some portions)
- Certain family division records involving minors
- Guardianship records that have been restricted by court order
If you are unsure whether a record is public, ask the clerk before submitting your request.
Grafton County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in New Hampshire are set by court administrative rules and statutes. The following table reflects standard fees established by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document |
| Audio recording of court proceeding (per CD/copy) | $10.00 |
| Search fee (name search by clerk) | Varies — contact clerk |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some court locations may accept credit or debit cards — confirm with the clerk before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Clerk of Court" or as directed by the specific court office.
Fees are subject to change. For the most current fee schedule, check with the New Hampshire Judicial Branch or call the clerk at the court where your case was filed. The Grafton County Sheriff's Office handles civil process service fees separately if you need documents served.