There was a time when divorce was considered a taboo in society. Everything changes with time, and the notion about divorce has also gone through a lot of changes too. In fact, it is a complete about-turn now as there are far too many divorces taking place, in New Hampshire, and elsewhere in the country. So it is good to be careful if you are thinking of getting married.
You may have fallen in love with a person and want to get married to him or her. Are you sure that you know the past of this man or woman? Are you sure that he/she has not been married before? Perhaps he or she was married but has told you about a divorce. Are you sure that the divorce was granted? It is always best not to take a chance. So find out the truth, check the state divorce records.
You can legally check his or her divorce record. All records of divorces in New Hampshire are maintained and properly documented. All you have to do is just ask for it.
If you want to access the state divorce records, you need to approach the following office:
Division of Vital Records Administration
Archives Building
71 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301-2410
Phone Number: 603-271-4654
This office forwards your application to the right county that granted the decree. A divorce record in New Hampshire is maintained at the county level. However since, all the offices are networked, you can apply to the central office. If you know the precise county from where the divorce was granted, then it is best to approach the county directly. This will save you valuable time.
All documents related to the divorce are well categorized so as to facilitate easy search.
When writing an application, you must remember to keep it short. You should also remember to provide all the details that are necessary to facilitate the search. This includes the full name of the people involved in the divorce, the maiden name of the wife, the probable date of their divorce, the county from where the divorce was granted, and others like this. Your name and contact details along with a photo identity proof is also required. Plus, you must provide the reason for accessing the record, and your relation with the divorced individual. Remember, the record cannot be forwarded to just about anyone. You must be a son, father, mother, daughter, uncle or some other relative, or an interested party like a future husband/wife. The report cannot be given to private investigators.
Instead of obtaining the divorce records from the state or county court office, you may also choose to get it from the Internet. There are a few private websites that can help you in this. These websites will charge a fee, but they can do it quickly for you, and save you time. But remember, you cannot get the divorce decree here.
To obtain a New Hampshire divorce record, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
Download the Vital Records Certificate application.
Step 2.
Read the instruction on the application carefully. Then, fill out the Divorce portion of the form with the names of the husband and wife, date of divorce, and county of divorce. You must also include a legible copy of your government issued ID with the application.
Step 3.
Submit the completed application to the address below. Also, send a money order or check in the amount of $15. Please Note: As of July 1, 2010, the new fee amount increases from $12 to $15.
Send the application to:
New Hampshire Department of State
Division of Vital Records Adminstration
71 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301-2410
About New Hampshire Divorce Records
Divorce records in New Hampshire can be found at the state level with the New Hampshire Department of State Division of Vital Records Administration. Certified copies can be requested from this office, in addition to the city or town clerk's office there the divorce was granted.
Who May Request Divorce Records?
Laws in New Hampshire restrict access to private information on divorce records. Only those with a "direct and tangible interest" in the record may place a request with proper ID verification.
Divorce Records and Genealogy
The Genealogical Research Center does keep unrestricted records prior to 1959 for anyone wishing to obtain a copy for genealogical research. Visit the office at the address below.