NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH

COURT STRUCTURE

The New Hampshire Court System

SUPREME COURT Five Justices Hears appeals from all levels of court. Has discretionary jurisdiction in civil, criminal, juvenile cases and cases involving administrative agencies. Issues advisory opinions for the state executive and legislative branches..

PROBATE COURT 10 Judges sit in 10 counties Has exclusive jurisdiction over cases dealing with adoption, termination of parental rights, guardianships, trusts, wills, estates and involuntary commitments.

SUPERIOR COURT 29 Justices sit in 10 Counties Hears cases involving torts, contracts, real property rights and other civil matters ($1,500 minimum, no maximum). Has exclusive jurisdiction over marriage dissolution and custody/support cases. Has jurisdiction over felonies. Hears de novo appeals from District Courts. Jury trials.

DISTRICT & MUNICIPAL COURTS 76 full- and part-time Justices sit in 39 District and Municipal Courts Hears civil cases involving torts, contracts, real property ($0 - $25,000). Hears small claims ($0 - $2,500). Has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic violations. Distric Court hears domestic violence petitions concurrent with Superior Court and juvenile matters.

In 1995 the Legislature enacted Chapter 152 creating a Family Division Pilot Program in Rockingham and Grafton Counties. The Family Division has jurisdiction over all types of family law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, juvenile matters, domestic violence, guardianship of minors and adoptions. There are four Family Division locations in each of the two pilot counties.

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