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Commissioners oppose moving local probate records; offer county space and will send letter
Summary
A registries official warned that moving probate records to the state archives in Concord would hinder local title searches and public access; commissioners discussed offering county space to retain the records and agreed to circulate a letter to the delegation.
A county registries official told the Strafford County Board of Commissioners that probate records kept near the registries of deeds may be moved to the state archives in Concord and urged the board to act to preserve local access.
"The probate records in the court across the hall from the registered deeds, may be moved to the archives," the official said, noting index cards dating back to the early 1900s and arguing those materials take little space and are important for title searches. The speaker said they would draft a letter to the administrative judge and the clerk and asked local title examiners to send letters of concern.
Commissioners discussed next steps and the practicalities of keeping the records in county custody. One commissioner suggested the board offer county space to house the records "for free," noting convenience for the public and researchers. The board also agreed it would be appropriate to copy the county's state delegation on correspondence about the proposal.
The registries official said they had polled other registers and, so far, most probate records remain in their counties — a point used to argue Strafford County should not be treated differently. The commission asked staff to prepare or review a draft letter and to circulate it to commissioners and the clerk.
