Court records in Chaves County, New Mexico, can be searched through several channels. ChavesCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also use official state court portals such as NM Case Lookup and the New Mexico Courts' Public Access site. For records not available online, visit the court clerk's office in person, submit a written request, or use public access terminals at the courthouse.
Chaves Court System & Jurisdictions
Chaves County falls within the Fifth Judicial District of New Mexico. Several courts operate in the county, each handling different case types:
- Fifth Judicial District Court (Chaves County Division) — The general-jurisdiction trial court. Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases above magistrate court limits, domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, child support), abuse and neglect proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. Divorce and family law forms specific to this district are available on the court's website.
- Chaves County Magistrate Court (Roswell) — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, DWI offenses, civil disputes up to $10,000, landlord-tenant matters, small claims (up to $10,000), and traffic violations. Small claims cases are filed and heard in this court.
- Chaves County Probate Court — Handles informal probate of wills, appointment of personal representatives in uncontested estates, and related matters. Contested probate cases transfer to the District Court.
- Municipal Court (City of Roswell) — Handles violations of city ordinances, petty misdemeanors occurring within city limits, and municipal traffic infractions.
If you are unsure which court holds the record you need, start by searching the NM Case Lookup tool, which covers district and magistrate court cases statewide.
Chaves Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Fifth Judicial District publishes court hearing schedules on its website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's calendar for Chaves County:
- Visit the Fifth Judicial District homepage and look for the "Court Hearing Schedules" section.
- Select the Chaves County division to view upcoming hearings by judge, date, or courtroom.
- For magistrate court calendars, contact the Chaves County Magistrate Court directly or check the New Mexico Courts' Public Access portal, which may list scheduled hearing dates alongside case information.
Hearing schedules can change on short notice due to continuances, settlements, or judicial reassignments. If you have a specific hearing date you need to confirm, call the clerk's office for the relevant court:
Fifth Judicial District Court — Chaves County
Chaves County Magistrate Court
How to Get a Copy of a Chaves Court Document
Court documents in Chaves County can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies bear the court clerk's seal and signature and are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, or out-of-state use. Uncertified copies work for personal reference or informal purposes.
Ways to Request Copies
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was filed. Bring the case number, party names, or as much identifying information as possible. You can review documents at a public terminal before requesting copies.
- By mail: Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the case number, document title, your name, mailing address, and a check or money order for the estimated fees. Mail requests for district court records to:Fifth Judicial District Court, Clerk's Office
- Online (IPRA request): New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act allows you to submit a formal records request. The judiciary's IPRA request form can be used for court case records. You can also submit requests through the Fifth Judicial District's public records page.
Restricted Records
Not all court documents are publicly accessible. Records that may be sealed or restricted include:
- Juvenile cases
- Adoption proceedings
- Cases sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence protective order files
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records expunged under New Mexico law
If you need a document that has been sealed, you may need to file a motion with the court requesting access. Ask the clerk whether the record you need is subject to any restrictions before paying fees.
For documents that need to be used internationally, the New Mexico Secretary of State's office can provide apostille authentication for court documents.
Chaves Court Records Fees & Payment
New Mexico court fees are set by statute and Supreme Court rule. The following table lists common fees you may encounter when requesting records from Chaves County courts. Fees are subject to change — confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of document | $1.50 per document |
| Docket sheet copy | $0.50 per page |
| Record search (by clerk) | No statutory fee for basic searches; complex requests may incur costs |
| Audio recording copy of hearing | Varies — contact clerk's office |
| Exemplified copy (with dual certification) | Contact clerk's office for current fee |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, money orders, and personal checks made payable to the court. Credit and debit card acceptance varies by location — call ahead to confirm. For mail requests, include a check or money order with your written request.
Fees cited above reflect standard New Mexico court copy and certification rates under NMSA 1978, § 34-6-27 and applicable Supreme Court administrative orders. For the most current fee schedule, contact the Fifth Judicial District Clerk's Office directly or visit the New Mexico Courts website.