Rockingham County Court Records
What Is Rockingham County Court Records
Court records in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained by various courts operating within Rockingham County. Pursuant to New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law RSA 91-A, court records are systematically preserved to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
- Docket sheets chronicling chronological case developments
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
- Probate filings and estate documentation
Court records differ from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property records (deeds, liens, assessments), which are maintained by separate county departments. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch maintains court records through its various courts serving Rockingham County.
The following courts maintain records in Rockingham County:
- Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000)
- Circuit Court (misdemeanors, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes)
- Family Division (divorce, custody, domestic violence petitions)
- Probate Division (wills, estates, guardianships)
These records encompass proceedings related to civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations occurring within county boundaries.
Are Court Records Public In Rockingham County
Court records in Rockingham County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law RSA 91-A and the constitutional principle of open courts. This statutory framework establishes the presumption that judicial records should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain privacy exceptions)
- Criminal case records (post-charging)
- Judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Property records related to judgments and liens
However, certain categories of records may be restricted or redacted to protect privacy interests, including:
- Juvenile proceedings under RSA 169-B
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information)
- Records sealed by judicial order
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through Supreme Court Rule 12, which balances transparency with privacy considerations. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire (which includes Rockingham County) are governed by separate federal regulations and access policies.
How To Find Court Records in Rockingham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Rockingham County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a record request form available at the clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve requested documents
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include case information and specific documents requested
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for estimated copy fees
- Mail to the appropriate court location
Online Access:
- Access the New Hampshire e-Court Case Access Portal
- Register for an account if accessing non-public case information
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay applicable online access fees
- Download available documents
For specialized records such as probate files or older archived cases, requestors may need to contact the specific division directly. The Rockingham County Superior Court maintains records for major civil and criminal cases, while the Circuit Court locations handle district, family, and probate matters.
Pursuant to New Hampshire Court Rule 12(3), certain confidential records require special authorization or court order for access.
How To Look Up Court Records in Rockingham County Online?
Rockingham County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. These electronic systems provide varying levels of access depending on the case type and filing date.
New Hampshire e-Court Case Access Portal:
- Navigate to the e-Court Case Access Portal
- Select the appropriate court division (Superior, Circuit, Family, or Probate)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Access available documents by paying applicable fees
- Download or print retrieved documents
This portal provides access to:
- Superior Court civil and criminal cases
- Circuit Court small claims and landlord-tenant matters
- Family Division non-confidential filings
- Probate Division estate cases
New Hampshire Court Call Notification System:
- Visit the Court Call Notification System
- Search by case number or party name
- View upcoming hearing dates and times
- Access limited case status information
Public Criminal Records Search:
- Access the Criminal Records Unit portal
- Complete the online request form
- Pay the required search fee ($25 per name)
- Receive results showing eligible criminal case information
For federal cases involving Rockingham County residents heard in the U.S. District Court for New Hampshire, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides online access to federal court documents.
How To Search Rockingham County Court Records for Free?
New Hampshire law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse locations, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, the right to inspect public records without charge is guaranteed, though reasonable fees for document reproduction are permitted.
Free access options include:
In-Person Courthouse Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate Rockingham County courthouse during business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
- Present identification and complete any required forms
- Review documents on-site at no charge
- Return materials to court staff when finished
Public Access Terminals:
- Use computer terminals available at courthouse locations
- Search case information through the court's internal database
- View basic case information and docket entries without charge
- Note that printing from terminals incurs standard copy fees
Limited Online Information:
- Access the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website
- View court calendars and hearing schedules at no cost
- Search basic case status information without registration
- Access publicly available court forms and instructions
The New Hampshire Court Call Notification System provides free access to hearing schedules and limited case status information without requiring payment or registration.
For comprehensive document access, fees typically apply for document retrieval and copies, whether requested in person, by mail, or through online systems.
What's Included in a Rockingham County Court Record?
Rockingham County court records contain various documents depending on the case type, court jurisdiction, and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 12 and relevant statutes.
Civil Case Records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service documentation
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings or trials
- Court orders and judgments
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Appeals documentation
Criminal Case Records generally contain:
- Charging documents (indictments, informations, complaints)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bail and bond information
- Pretrial motions and responses
- Evidence logs and exhibits
- Plea agreements
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Appeal filings
Family Division Records may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Parenting plans and custody orders
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Domestic violence petitions and protective orders
- Financial affidavits (may be confidential)
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Mediation agreements
Probate Division Records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for estate administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship petitions and reports
- Conservatorship documentation
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
Each court record also includes a docket sheet chronicling all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case, serving as an index to the complete case file.
How Long Does Rockingham County Keep Court Records?
Rockingham County courts retain records according to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various document types. These retention periods are established pursuant to RSA 490:26-a, which authorizes the Supreme Court to establish records management programs.
Superior Court retention periods:
- Felony criminal cases: Permanently maintained
- Civil cases with judgments: 20 years after final judgment
- Civil cases dismissed: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic violence petitions: 20 years after filing
- Grand jury records: Permanently maintained
Circuit Court retention periods:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Violation level offenses: 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
- Landlord-tenant matters: 7 years after disposition
Family Division retention periods:
- Divorce cases: Permanently maintained
- Child support orders: Until youngest child reaches age 28
- Guardianship of minors: Until ward reaches age 22
- Domestic violence petitions: 20 years after filing
Probate Division retention periods:
- Wills: Permanently maintained
- Estate administration: Permanently maintained
- Guardianships/Conservatorships: 7 years after termination
- Name changes: Permanently maintained
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures, though many historically significant or legally important records are preserved permanently. Digital records are increasingly maintained in electronic format indefinitely, particularly for cases filed after the implementation of e-filing systems.
Types of Courts In Rockingham County
Rockingham County's judicial system comprises several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate under the unified New Hampshire Judicial Branch structure.
Rockingham County Superior Court
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Superior Court
The Superior Court handles felony criminal prosecutions, civil cases involving claims exceeding $25,000, and equity matters. It is the only court in the county with authority to conduct jury trials.
10th Circuit Court - Portsmouth District Division
111 Parrott Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Circuit Court
This division handles misdemeanor and violation-level criminal cases, small claims up to $10,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases up to $25,000.
10th Circuit Court - Salem District Division
35 Geremonty Drive
Salem, NH 03079
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Circuit Court
Similar jurisdiction to the Portsmouth Division, serving the western portion of the county.
10th Circuit Court - Family Division (Brentwood)
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Circuit Court - Family Division
Handles divorce, parenting rights, child support, domestic violence petitions, guardianships of minors, and juvenile matters.
10th Circuit Court - Probate Division
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
(855) 212-1234
New Hampshire Circuit Court - Probate Division
Oversees estates, wills, trusts, guardianships of incapacitated persons, and adoptions.
The hierarchical structure of courts serving Rockingham County is:
- Circuit Court (District, Family, and Probate Divisions)
- Superior Court
- New Hampshire Supreme Court (statewide appellate court)
Federal cases involving Rockingham County residents are heard at:
United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire
55 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-1423
U.S. District Court - New Hampshire
What Types of Cases Do Rockingham County Courts Hear?
Rockingham County courts adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by New Hampshire RSA 490-F and related statutes.
Superior Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, serious assaults)
- Civil litigation exceeding $25,000 in claimed damages
- Real property disputes and quiet title actions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Administrative appeals from state agency decisions
- Petitions for injunctive relief
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Jury trials for both civil and criminal matters
Circuit Court - District Division handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Violation-level offenses
- Motor vehicle violations
- Small claims up to $10,000
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Stalking and harassment petitions
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Administrative license suspensions
Circuit Court - Family Division adjudicates:
- Divorce and legal separation proceedings
- Child custody and parenting time disputes
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile delinquency cases (under RSA 169-B)
- Children in Need of Services (CHINS) petitions
- Guardianship of minors
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoption proceedings
Circuit Court - Probate Division oversees:
- Wills and estate administration
- Trust management and disputes
- Guardianships of incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for financial management
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
- Name change petitions
- Structured settlement approvals
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by state statute, with the Superior Court having general jurisdiction over major matters and the Circuit Court divisions handling specialized case types.
How To Find a Court Docket In Rockingham County
Court dockets in Rockingham County provide chronological listings of all filings, hearings, and judicial actions in a case. These records are accessible through several methods established by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the New Hampshire e-Court Case Access Portal
- Select the appropriate court division
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review docket entries showing filings and court actions
- Note that some entries may link to viewable documents (fees may apply)
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
- Request to view the docket for a specific case
- Provide identifying information (case number, party names)
- Review the docket sheet on public access terminals or in paper form
- Request copies of specific documents referenced in the docket (fees apply)
Court Call Notification System:
- Access the Court Call Notification System
- Search by case number or party name
- View upcoming hearing dates from the docket calendar
- Obtain limited case status information
Daily Court Calendars:
- Visit the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website
- Navigate to the specific court location
- Access published daily or weekly hearing schedules
- Review cases scheduled for upcoming proceedings
For federal cases involving Rockingham County residents, docket information is available through the PACER system maintained by the U.S. Courts.
Pursuant to New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 12, docket information is generally public, though access to specific documents referenced in the docket may be restricted in certain case types.
Which Courts in Rockingham County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the New Hampshire judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts or recordings of proceedings and follow formal rules of evidence and procedure. Conversely, courts "not of record" typically conduct more informal proceedings without complete transcription. The distinction is established under New Hampshire RSA 490-F:3.
Within Rockingham County, the following are not courts of record:
Small Claims Sessions of the Circuit Court:
- Handle civil claims up to $10,000
- Utilize simplified procedures without formal rules of evidence
- Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts
- Maintain only summary records of proceedings
- Appeals from these sessions receive de novo hearings in regular Circuit Court
Violation Bureau Proceedings:
- Process minor traffic and non-criminal violations
- Operate administratively rather than judicially
- Maintain only payment and disposition records
- No formal hearings are recorded
Administrative License Suspension Hearings:
- Conducted by hearings officers rather than judges
- Use relaxed evidentiary standards
- Create summary reports rather than verbatim transcripts
- Appeals receive de novo review in Circuit Court
All other judicial forums in Rockingham County qualify as courts of record, including:
- Superior Court (all divisions and proceedings)
- Circuit Court - District Division (for criminal misdemeanors)
- Circuit Court - Family Division (all proceedings)
- Circuit Court - Probate Division (all proceedings)
Courts of record maintain official transcripts or recordings that can be used for appeal purposes, while appeals from courts not of record typically result in entirely new proceedings (trials de novo) rather than reviews of the original proceeding.