Civil Cases - District Division
Scheduling of Small Claims and Civil Cases
Scheduling of Small Claims and Civil Cases
During the past two years, small claims and civil cases were significantly impacted by scheduling limitations caused by the Covid state of emergency. Courts are working to reduce backlogs, prioritizing the oldest cases in an effort to bring scheduling of all small claims and civil cases current.
Please check with the Information Center 1-855-212-1234 for the scheduling status of specific courts.
Electronic Filing
Electronic Filing is mandatory in civil cases at all district division locations. Self-represented litigants will use the program TurboCourt. Attorneys will use the program File & Serve. If you had filed your original civil action in paper (not electronically) and have received a judgment that you are trying to collect, you may continue to file your pleadings in paper. Please be aware of the Circuit Court’s Electronic Filing Rules.
Basic Facts
The District Division of the Circuit Court can hear civil cases involving requests for money damages. The damages may not exceed $25,000. If damages exceed $25,000, the case must be filed in the Superior Court. If damages are $10,000 or less, a Small Claim may be filed.
Civil Complaints may be filed in the District Division. The NH Supreme Court recently issued new court rules for these actions. In addition, it is important to be familiar with the general Rules of the Circuit Court District Division.
- Civil Complaint Checklist
- Judgment Checklist for Civil Complaints and Small Claim
- Replevin actions may be filed in the District Division. For these cases, it is important to be familiar with the general Rules of the Circuit Court District Division.
- Writ of Replevin Checklist
- Registrations of Foreign Judgments may be filed in the District Division. For these cases, it is important to be familiar with the general Rules of the Circuit Court District Division.
- Registration of Foreign Judgment Checklist
- Other Civil actions may be filed in the District Division. These include but are not limited to Cease and Desist Orders, Orders to Vacate a Building, Wage Garnishment Motion for Periodic Payments, and Appeals from Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of a Permit to Carry a Pistol. For these cases, it is important to be familiar with the general Rules of the Circuit Court District Division.
After reviewing the information on these pages, if you need further assistance please contact the Trial Court Information Center: 1-855-212-1234 for calls from US or Canada (Calls from outside US or Canada call 603-415-0162)