Limited Courthouse Access Extended: The Supreme Court has issued Renewed and Amended Emergency Orders to protect the staff and the public. Access to courthouses and clerks’ offices continues to be limited. Only those who are seeking emergency relief, who are scheduled to attend a hearing, take part in a bench trial in Circuit Court or an in-person delinquency/CHINS hearing, who are parties to a landlord/tenant case and must file required documents or make rental payments, or who are members of the press will be permitted access. Emergency filings or pleadings can also be filed at drop boxes at each court location. People wearing face covers should still strive to maintain appropriate social distancing from others.

Face coverings required:  From now until July 27, following Amended Emergency Orders anyone entering a New Hampshire courthouse or Judicial Branch building must wear a face cover over the mouth and nose. One will be supplied if needed by courthouse security officers.

The New Hampshire Courts Response to COVID-19
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the declaration of a judicial emergency in March 27, 2020, the courts have been using video and telephone for hearings and proceedings and remote bench trials where possible instead of in-person appearances while postponing non-emergency matters.  Our courts (Supreme, Superior, and Circuit) are processing cases during this time and the courthouses are open for limited in-person hearings.

Telephone access to our courts is fully available and e-filing is encouraged as are remote bench trials at Superior or Circuit Courts.  For questions related to Superior Court or Circuit Court cases, please call 1-855-212-1234. For questions related to Supreme Court, please contact the clerk’s office at (603) 271-2646. To request a bench trial, contact your clerk of court. Registered members of the media should reference the current media protocol.

Updates on current operations, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions and the latest orders governing proceedings in each court, are on the NHJB COVID-19 Response page.