N.H. R. Cir. Ct. Dist. Div. 1.8

As amended through September 26, 2024
Rule 1.8 - Motions
A. Any request for action by the Court shall be by motion. All motions, other than those made during trial or hearing, shall be made in writing unless otherwise provided by these rules. They shall state with particularity the grounds upon which they are made and shall set forth the relief or order sought.
B. The Court will not hear any motion grounded upon facts, unless the moving party indicates in writing an understanding that making a false statement in the pleading may subject that party to criminal penalties, or the facts are apparent from the record or from the papers on file in the case, or are agreed to and stated in writing signed by the parties or their attorneys; and the same rule will be applied as to all facts relied on in opposing any motion.
C. Any party filing a motion shall certify to the Court that a good faith attempt to obtain concurrence in the relief sought has been made, except in the case of dispositive motions, motions for contempt or sanctions, or comparable motions where it can be reasonably assumed that the party or counsel will be unable to obtain concurrence.
D. In any case, other than small claims cases unless the opposing party requests a hearing upon any motion and sets forth the grounds of the objection by a pleading and, if required, an affidavit within ten days after the filing of the motion, that party shall be deemed to have waived a hearing and the court may act thereon.

In small claims cases, unless the opposing party requests a hearing upon any motion and sets forth the grounds of the objection by a pleading and, if required, a written statement indicating an understanding that making a false statement in the pleading may subject that party to criminal penalties, within ten days after the filing of the motion, that party shall be deemed to have waived a hearing and the court may act thereon.

E. Any motion which is capable of determination without the trial of the general issue shall be raised before trial, but may, in the discretion of the Court, be heard during trial.
F. The Court may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable counsel fees, against any party whose frivolous or unreasonable conduct makes necessary the filing of or hearing on any motion.
G.Motions to Dismiss. Upon request of a party, hearings on motions to dismiss shall be scheduled as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days prior to the date set for trial on the merits, unless the court shall otherwise order in the exercise of discretion. All parties shall be prepared, at any such hearing, to present all necessary arguments.
H.Motions to Recuse. All grounds for recusal that are known or should reasonably be known prior to trial or hearing shall be incorporated in a written motion for recusal and filed promptly with the court. Grounds for recusal that first become apparent at the time of or during the hearing shall be immediately brought to the attention of the court. Failure to raise a ground for recusal shall constitute a waiver as specified herein of the right to request recusal on such ground. If a record of the proceedings is not available, the court shall make a record of the request, the court's findings, and its order. The court's ruling on the motion shall issue promptly. If the motion is denied, the court's ruling shall be supported by findings of fact with respect to the allegations contained in the motion.
I.Motions to Reconsider. A party intending to file a motion for reconsideration or to request other post-decision relief shall do so within 10 days of the date on the written Notice of the order or decision, which shall be mailed or electronically delivered by the clerk on the date of the Notice. The Motion shall state, with particular clarity, points of law or fact that the court has overlooked or misapprehended and shall contain such argument in support of the Motion as the movant desires to present; but the motion shall not exceed 10 pages. To preserve issues for an appeal to the Supreme Court, an appellant must have given the court the opportunity to consider such issues; thus, to the extent that the court, in its decision, addresses matters not previously raised in the case, a party must identify any alleged errors concerning those matters in a motion under this rule to preserve such issues for appeal. A hearing on the motion shall not be permitted except by order of the court.
(1) No Answer or Objection to a Motion for Reconsideration or other post-decision relief shall be required unless ordered by the court.
(2) If a Motion for Reconsideration or other post-decision relief is granted, the court may revise its order or take other appropriate action without rehearing or may schedule a further hearing.
(3) The filing of a motion for reconsideration or other post-decision relief shall not stay any order of the court unless, upon specific written request, the court has ordered such a stay.
J. No filing which is contained in a letter, will be accepted by the clerk, as such, or acted on by the court. All pleadings, motions, objections and forms filed shall be in the format of 8 1/2 x 11 inch documents either typewritten or printed double spaced, on one side of the paper, so they are clearly legible.
K. All pleadings, motions and objections shall set forth the factual allegations in numbered paragraphs.
L. No attorney, non-attorney representative or party to litigation shall directly address himself or herself by pleading, motion, or objection to any judge but shall file such pleading, motion, or objection with the clerk.
M. All motions must contain the word "Motion" in the title. Filers shall not combine multiple motions seeking separate and distinct relief into a single filing. Separate motions must be filed. Objections to pending motions and affirmative motions for relief shall not be combined in one filing.
N. The court may in all cases order either party to plead and also to file a statement in sufficient detail to give to the adverse party and to the Court reasonable knowledge of the nature and grounds of the action or defense.
O. Documents shall not be withdrawn from the court files except by leave of court and upon the filing of a receipt therefor.

N.H. R. Cir. Ct. Dist. Div. 1.8

The temporary amendments to subdivisions B and D are designed to facilitate the implementation of the electronic filing rules applicable on a pilot basis, in small claims actions in the circuit court - district division. The amendments, adopted 6/2/2014, will become effective as of the date set forth in a circuit court administrative order implementing the electronic filing pilot program in a particular district division location; amended effective 9/30/2019; amended effective 1/1/2020.