Divorce Decree
In many cases, records for individuals divorced in New Hampshire are available from the City or Town Clerk in your community. If you were divorced in New Hampshire sometime after 1979 to within 6 months from the present search date, you will likely be able to a certified copy of your divorce decree at our office located at the Exeter Town Clerk's Office at 10 Front Street or from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration.
Confidentiality
Divorce records are considered private and confidential, with access limited to those individuals who have a "direct and tangible" interest in the record. The only exception is divorce records more than 50 years old which are considered public and are open to the public.
Copies of divorce records may only be obtained by the registrant, a member of his/her immediate family, or a representative with a "direct and tangible interest" such as an attorney, physicians, funeral director or other authorized representative acting on behalf of the the registrant. In order to determine if the "legal representative" may have access to the record, the direct and tangible interest must be listed in any written correspondence with a copy of such legal document being provided.
Definition of immediate family: mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, great-grandmother, great-grandfather, nephew, niece or any spouse of divorced or legally separated person or person whose former marriage has been annulled. It shall not include cousins, ex wife/husband or in laws.
Fees
The fees for a certified divorce decree is $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time for the same record. Please make check or money order payable to the Town of Exeter.
Applying for a Certified Copy of a Divorce Decree
All individuals requesting a certified copy of a record (RSA 5-C:102, VI) must present positive identification including, but not limited to, a driver's license, passport or other picture identification or in the absence of acceptable picture identification shall complete the form Documentation Evidence for Individuals Not Possessing An Acceptable Picture Identification. See Supporting Documents at the bottom of the page. If a search was made for the record you requested from the information you provided, and we are unable to locate such record, you will be charged $15 per RSA 5-C:10.
In Person - You may come down to the Office of the Town Clerk, 10 Front Street, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Fridays 8:00 am - 12:30 pm. You will need to provide positive identification and complete a request form. Can't make it to Town Clerks Office? We also offer an online service.
Online - Can't make it to the Town Clerks Office? We also offer online service. Click Here
By Mail - You may complete the online application Request for Divorce Decree form and send with proper payment and a copy of your drivers license or photo ID to the Exeter Town Clerk, 10 Front Street, Exeter, NH 03833. A self-addressed return envelope with the appropriate postage affixed is required to process all mail requests.
If the record is not found, the office will retain the $15.00 for each record requested, and notify you that the record was not found.
The State of NH requires a copy of the driver's license for the individual applying for a copy of the divorce decree before a record will be released.
Amending a Divorce Decree
Sometimes a person may find that the information on the official divorce decree is not correct or information is missing. If this is the case, you must contact the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Under no circumstances can the Exeter Town Clerk amend your decree. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at (603) 778-0591 x 403 or by email to tcexeter@exeternh.gov with any questions you may have regarding obtaining divorce decrees.
Divorce Proceedings
In New Hampshire, divorces are handled through the Superior Court system. Please contact them, or a divorce attorney directly to schedule a hearing.
