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Civil Cases

If you have a civil case in Superior Court, you and the other parties in the case must attend an alternative dispute resolution process unless the court says otherwise, as required by Superior Court Rule 32. You and the other parties in the case must agree on whom you would like to serve as your ADR provider and complete the Case Structuring Order.

List of Approved ADR Providers for Superior Court Cases – Rule 32 Roster  

Completing Your ADR Process

The Court will review your Case Structuring Order. If approved, contact the ADR Provider and the other parties in your case and schedule the ADR event. When ADR is completed, the plaintiff must complete the ADR Report and submit it to the court.

Available ADR Processes

Mediation: You and the other side meet with a neutral, highly qualified professional called a mediator. The mediator helps you discuss issues and work out a solution in a confidential setting. 
Arbitration: You and the other party will present your evidence in front of a neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator will then announce a decision. You may request arbitration before filing a lawsuit in accordance with Superior Court Rule 33. To do so, submit a written request for arbitration to the Office of Mediation and Arbitration. A list of court-approved arbitrators is available here. 
Business Court Mediation: To be transferred to the business docket, at least one party must be a business entity, no party is a consumer, and the amount in controversy must exceed $50,000. A longer list of eligibility criteria can be found in RSA 491:7. Once your case has been transferred to Business Court, you may choose a mediator from the Business Court Mediation Roster
Complex Civil Judge-Conducted Intensive Mediation: If you have a case where the amount in controversy realistically exceeds $250,000, may request judge-conducted intensive mediation to fulfill your Rule 32 ADR requirement. The Court will manage it in accordance with Superior Court Rule 34

Forms

Let us know how mediation worked for you: www.surveymonkey.com/r/NHMediation