Divorce records in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, can be accessed through several channels. CheshireCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the town clerk's office where the divorce was recorded, or the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. The type of document you need — a court file versus a vital record certificate — determines which office to contact.
Cheshire County Divorce Records Search
In New Hampshire, divorce cases are handled by the superior court in each county. The Cheshire County Superior Court maintains court files for all divorce cases filed within the county, including divorce decrees, settlement agreements, parenting plans, custody orders, property division orders, and related motions. The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration also keeps divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred but do not include the full case details. Additionally, town clerks in New Hampshire municipalities such as Keene can issue certified copies of vital records, including divorce records, for events registered in the state.
Cheshire County Superior Court
New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Cheshire County
Understanding where divorce records are filed in New Hampshire helps you contact the right office on the first try.
- Cheshire County Superior Court — All divorce petitions in Cheshire County are filed with and adjudicated by the superior court. After the court enters a final divorce decree, the complete case file — including the decree, any settlement agreements, custody and support orders, and motions — remains with the court clerk's office at the superior court. If you need the full divorce decree or any documents from the case file, contact the Cheshire County Superior Court directly.
- New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration — Once a divorce is finalized, the court reports the event to the state vital records office. The Division of Vital Records maintains a divorce certificate, which is a summary document confirming the divorce, the names of the parties, the date, and the county where it was granted. This certificate is typically what people need for proof of divorce status. You can request it from the state office in Concord or from any town clerk in New Hampshire.
- Town Clerk — Under New Hampshire law (RSA 5-C), any town or city clerk in the state can issue certified copies of divorce records registered with the state system. The town where the divorce was granted or where either party resides is often the most convenient option.
If you need the detailed court record — the actual decree, property settlement, or custody order — request it from the Cheshire County Superior Court. If you simply need a certified certificate confirming the divorce occurred, the Division of Vital Records or a local town clerk can help.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Cheshire County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (state vital records office) | $25.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional certified copies (same record, same order — state office) | $15.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (town clerk) | $25.00 | Same day if in person |
| Additional certified copies (same record, same order — town clerk) | $15.00 each | Same day if in person |
| Court record copies (Cheshire County Superior Court) | $0.50 per page | Varies; typically 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified court document copy | $0.50 per page plus $5.00 certification fee | Varies |