New Hampshire Public Records /New Hampshire Court Records Online

New Hampshire Court Records Online

Are Court Records in New Hampshire Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in New Hampshire are generally accessible to the public under the New Hampshire Right to Know Law. However, certain records are exempt from public access. To obtain these records, requesters must provide:

The name of the person listed in the record
The case number, if available
Any other relevant details that can help locate the record

Some records, such as juvenile cases, sealed documents, and grand jury proceedings, are not available for public viewing. Requesters should be aware that specific protocols and fees may apply when accessing these records.

What Information Appears in a New Hampshire Court Records Search?

A New Hampshire court records search will typically reveal:

Names of involved parties
Attorneys' names
Case motions and affidavits
Court orders
Documents created during the case history

How To Find Court Records in New Hampshire

To find court records in New Hampshire, the first step is to identify the courthouse where the record is maintained. The court clerk's office holds these records in either paper or electronic formats.

Records can be accessed in person at the courthouse or via the electronic case management system (CM/ECF) for cases filed after certain dates. Requesters may need to set up a PACER account to view electronic records. Costs for accessing records may include copying fees and certification charges.

Public Access to New Hampshire Court Records

Court records in New Hampshire are maintained in both paper and electronic formats. Criminal cases filed after January 2005 and civil cases filed after June 2004 are available electronically. Requestors can access these records through PACER accounts or public terminals at the clerk's office. Older records are stored in paper files and may be accessed at the National Archives and Records Administration-Federal Records Center (NARA-FRC).

Searching New Hampshire Court Records by Name

Individuals can search for court records by name using the Case Access Portal or by visiting the court clerk's office. The search can be conducted using the names of litigants, attorneys, or judges involved in the case. Public computers at the court also allow for name-based searches.

The court's directory provides contact information for courts across New Hampshire, making it easier for requesters to locate the appropriate courthouse for their search.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in New Hampshire

Free court records can be accessed through various online databases, including the Case Access Portal. While availability may vary, these resources offer a good starting point for those seeking court records.

Low-cost options like PACER also provide access to court records at $0.10 per page. Users must create an account to perform searches using names, legal representatives, or case numbers.

Exemptions for New Hampshire Court Case Lookup

Certain types of court records are exempt from public access, including:

Presentence reports
Unexecuted warrants/summons
Pretrial bails
Expunged cases
Juvenile cases

These exemptions are in place to protect sensitive information and comply with federal and state confidentiality requirements.

Finding a Court Docket in New Hampshire

Court dockets, which summarize ongoing and pending cases, are public records in New Hampshire. These dockets can be accessed online or at court clerks' offices. To find a docket online, individuals need the case type, docket number, or the name of an involved party.

Court dockets include exhibits, briefs, judgments, and other relevant documents. Accessing these records usually requires a fee.

What Information Is Found in New Hampshire Judgment Records?

New Hampshire judgment records typically include:

Case background
Court's findings
Final judgment details

These records can be obtained from the court clerk's office by providing the case number or litigants' names. Requesters must pay associated fees for copying and certification.

Are Bankruptcy Records in New Hampshire Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in New Hampshire are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide the debtor's name or the bankruptcy case number to obtain these records.

Bankruptcy records include details such as the debtor's name, attorney, filing date, creditor's name, case number, and debt value.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in New Hampshire

Bankruptcy records can be found at the court clerk's office or through search tools like the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) and PACER. Each search on PACER costs $0.10 per page.

Requesters need to provide the debtor's name or the bankruptcy case number. These records are available during business hours at the court clerk's office.

Different Types of Courts in New Hampshire

Supreme Court: Highest authority, handles criminal, civil, administrative, and juvenile appeals.
Superior Courts: Jurisdiction over various case types, including civil and criminal, and provides trial by jury.
District Division Circuit Courts: Handles violation offenses and juvenile cases.
Probate Division Courts: Manages land ownership, wills, trusts, estate ownership, adoption, and parental rights.
Family Division Courts: Deals with domestic violence, neglect, juvenile delinquencies, parental rights termination, child support, divorce, and parenting actions.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, Small Claims Courts are subdivisions of Municipal Courts or the District Division of Circuit Courts. They handle disputes below $10,000 that do not involve real estate.

Civil cases involving money disputes up to $25,000 are heard in the District Division of Circuit Courts. Cases over $25,000 must be filed in the Superior Court. Filing a claim involves submitting a complaint with the defendant's details and the amount in dispute to the court clerk.

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