Prepare your documents for Domestic Violence Protection Order New Hampshire
This website helps prepare the required forms for Domestic Violence Protection Order New Hampshire.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to find out if a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is the right fit for your situation in New Hampshire.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of filling out court forms on your own, our system guides you through the process by asking for the required information one topic at a time. The questions are written in plain, easy-to-understand language. Once you finish, your answers are automatically placed into the appropriate New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) forms wherever they are needed.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult an advocate for guidance when filing a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO). An advocate can help review your situation, explain your legal options, assist with safety planning, and answer questions about the court process. While working with an advocate is not required, their support can make the process easier and less overwhelming.
4. File with the Clerk
To begin the process of obtaining a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), you must file a petition with the Clerk of Court. You can generally file in the county where you or the respondent lives, or where the domestic violence occurred. Filing is free of charge and may be completed in person at the courthouse or electronically where available.
Process
Step 1
You: Gathering Evidence for a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)
Gather evidence to support your case, though your own testimony is also evidence and may be enough for the court to issue a protection order.
The following types of evidence may help support a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) case:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case related to the domestic violence, let the court know. A pending criminal case may provide additional context about the conduct and related law-enforcement or prosecutorial action.
Evidence Type 2: Photos of Injuries, Property Damage, or the Scene
Photos can help document physical injuries, damage to property, or the condition of the scene after an incident. Include them with your written description to give the judge a clearer understanding of what happened.
Evidence Type 3: Text Messages, Emails, Social Media Posts, or Voicemails
Save or print threatening, abusive, or harassing text messages, emails, social media posts, or voicemails. These records can help document the respondent's conduct and communications.
Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls
If you called 911, include details such as:
- The number called (911)
- The date and time of the call
- Who made the call
- What was reported
- Any identifying details about the dispatcher, if remembered
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Provide records showing medical treatment related to the domestic violence, such as emergency room records, doctor's notes, photographs taken by medical staff, or health portal records.
Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
Attach copies of police reports documenting domestic violence, threats, assaults, stalking, harassment, or other related conduct involving the respondent.
Evidence Type 7: Witness Statements or Affidavits
Statements from family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or other witnesses who saw or heard the domestic violence can support your case. Witnesses should describe specific incidents and what they personally observed.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine whether your situation may qualify for a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) by taking a short online screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code in the top right corner.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After the screening, this website will guide you through the remaining steps to create your case documents.
For your information: To apply for a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), you must complete and submit the required New Hampshire court forms. These forms ask about your relationship to the respondent, the incidents of domestic violence, and the protection you are requesting.
The most important document is the Domestic Violence Petition. In this petition, you explain what happened and why you need protection. The information you provide helps the judge decide whether to issue a temporary or final domestic violence protection order.
Step 4
You: File with the Court - How to File a New Hampshire Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)
New Hampshire allows you to file a Domestic Violence Petition with the Family Division of the Circuit Court. You may generally file in the county where you or the respondent lives, or where the domestic violence occurred.
To formally request court protection, you must complete and submit your petition to the Clerk of Court. This step is known as filing.
Filing options in New Hampshire:
In person: File your petition with the Clerk of Court at the appropriate Family Division location.
Electronically (E-Filing): Electronic filing options may be available through the New Hampshire court system. Check with the appropriate court to confirm availability and requirements.
Domestic Violence Protection Order cases are handled by the Family Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court. After your petition is accepted, the court will assign a case number, which is used to track your case throughout the court process.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order
Based on the information you provide, a New Hampshire court may issue a Temporary Domestic Violence Protection Order when there is an immediate and present danger of abuse. A temporary order may be issued without prior notice to the respondent in appropriate circumstances and is intended to provide immediate protection while the case proceeds.
A temporary order may include provisions such as prohibiting the respondent from abusing or contacting you, staying away from your home or workplace, or requiring the respondent to surrender firearms and ammunition.
If a temporary order is issued without prior notice to the respondent, the respondent may request a hearing. The court will then proceed toward a hearing where the parties may present evidence and testimony before the court decides whether to grant further protection.
Step 6
Law Enforcement Serves the Temporary Domestic Violence Protection Order on the Respondent
Once a judge issues a Temporary Domestic Violence Protection Order, the order must generally be served on the respondent before its terms can be enforced. Law enforcement may assist with serving the order on the respondent.
After the respondent is served, violating the order such as contacting you, coming to your home, workplace, or school, or engaging in other prohibited conduct, may result in arrest and other legal consequences.
Step 7
You, Respondent: Attend Court Hearing
After a Temporary Domestic Violence Protection Order is issued and served, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, both you (the petitioner) and the respondent have the opportunity to attend, present evidence, call witnesses, and testify.
The judge will consider:
- Evidence presented by both parties
- Witness testimony
- Any additional incidents or relevant information since the petition was filed
If the judge finds that domestic violence occurred and that a protection order is warranted, the court may issue a Final Domestic Violence Protection Order.
The final order may:
- Remain in effect for the period ordered by the court, as permitted under New Hampshire law, and
- Include protections the judge determines are appropriate based on the facts of the case.
If you (the petitioner) do not attend the hearing, your case may be dismissed. If the respondent does not attend after being properly served, the judge may proceed with the hearing and issue a final protection order based on the evidence presented.
Step 8
You: Collect the Final Domestic Violence Protection Order
If the judge issues a Final Domestic Violence Protection Order after the hearing, you will receive an official copy of the order. Be sure to obtain a copy from the Clerk of Court before leaving the courthouse.
The order will explain:
- The protections granted to you
- The restrictions and requirements imposed on the respondent
- How long the order remains in effect
Keep a copy of the order in a safe but accessible place. You may need to provide it to law enforcement, your employer, your child's school, or other organizations to help enforce the order and support your safety.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Domestic Violence Protection Order documents and file your case.
Core Forms
-
Domestic Violence Plaintiff Confidential Information Sheet
-
Domestic Violence Petition
- Defendant Confidential Information Sheet
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit (UCCJEA)