Court records in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, can be searched through several channels. HillsboroughNHCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also use official state court resources, visit court clerks' offices in person, or use public access terminals at courthouse locations. For federal cases with a Hillsborough County connection, electronic records are available through the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.
Hillsborough Court System & Jurisdictions
Hillsborough County is the most populous county in New Hampshire, and its court system reflects that. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch operates a unified court structure, so state-level courts in the county fall under the Circuit Court system and the Superior Court.
Hillsborough County Superior Court
New Hampshire Superior Courts handle the most serious matters at the trial level. In Hillsborough County, two Superior Court locations serve different parts of the county:
- Criminal felonies — all felony-level criminal cases
- Civil cases — claims exceeding $25,000
- Equity and injunctive relief
- Jury trials — the Superior Court is the only New Hampshire trial court where jury trials are available as of right
Circuit Court
New Hampshire's Circuit Court consolidates what were formerly the District Court, Family Division, and Probate Division into one system. In Hillsborough County, Circuit Court locations handle:
- District Division — misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $10,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases up to $25,000
- Family Division — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, guardianship of minors, and juvenile matters
- Probate Division — wills, estates, trusts, adoptions, guardianship of incapacitated adults, and name changes
Circuit Court locations in Hillsborough County include courts in Manchester, Nashua, Milford, Goffstown, and Merrimack. Each location may handle a different combination of divisions, so confirm which division operates at the location you need before visiting.
Federal Court
Federal cases involving Hillsborough County parties are heard by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, located in Concord. Federal dockets can be searched through PACER.
Hillsborough Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming court hearings in Hillsborough County, use the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's online court calendar system.
- Visit the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website.
- Navigate to the court calendars section.
- Select the specific court location (e.g., Hillsborough County Superior Court — Northern District, or the Manchester Circuit Court).
- Filter by date to view today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings.
Court calendars typically list the case number, parties' names, hearing type, courtroom assignment, and scheduled time. Calendars are generally updated daily but may not reflect last-minute continuances or cancellations.
For federal cases, hearing schedules are available through the District of New Hampshire's case access page and PACER.
If you cannot find a hearing online, call the clerk's office at the relevant court location to confirm scheduling details.
How to Get a Copy of a Hillsborough Court Document
You can obtain court documents from Hillsborough County courts in several ways, depending on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — plain photocopies of court documents, suitable for personal reference. These are less expensive.
- Certified copies — copies bearing the court's official seal and a clerk's attestation that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. Often required for legal proceedings, background checks, or official transactions.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the court where the case was filed. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the file. You can review documents and request copies on site.
- By mail: Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the case number, the specific documents you need, your return address, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online: The New Hampshire Judicial Branch offers some electronic access to case information. Not all documents are available for download, and availability varies by case type and court location.
Mail requests for Superior Court documents can be sent to:
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible. These typically include:
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Domestic violence protective order files (some portions)
- Guardianship records involving incapacitated persons (portions may be restricted)
- Adoption records
Ask the clerk whether the specific record you need is publicly available before submitting payment.
Hillsborough Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in New Hampshire are set by court administrative rules and may be updated periodically. The following table reflects commonly applicable fees. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting a request.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fees) |
| Search fee (clerk-assisted) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Audio recording of court proceeding (CD/digital) | $10.00–$15.00 |
| PACER access (federal cases) | $0.10 per page (fees capped per document; quarterly charges under $30 are waived) |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some court locations may accept credit or debit cards — confirm before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Clerk of Court" or as directed by the specific court location.
- Online (federal): PACER fees are billed quarterly to a registered account.
Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. Ask the clerk's office about filing a fee-waiver request if applicable to your situation.