Is My Hearing On?

As many courts close due to the COVID-19 situation, you may be wondering if your hearing will still happen as scheduled. Please see below for information on court closures and rescheduling throughout New Hampshire and Maine.

Current clients, please reach out to your attorney with any concerns about your case. Call 800-451-1002 to speak with one of our intake specialists.

New Hampshire

Updated: 5.19.20

New Hampshire State Courts are now holding hearings by telephone, video, and in certain limited cases, in person. Filing deadlines are no longer being globally extended after May 4, except in certain cases.

For more information: www.courts.state.nh.us

The United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire has continued all jury trials, grand jury proceedings, mediations, and non-court related events until July 1, 2020. The Court is conducting civil and criminal hearings by video, telephone, and in certain limited cases, in person. The Court and clerk’s office are closed to the public except when there are in person court hearings. Filing deadlines are not extended. Electronic filing remains available.

For more information: www.nhd.uscourts.gov

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire, which is also in the Rudman Courthouse, is holding hearings telephonically through July 1, 2020. Court staff is working remotely and attorneys and unrepresented parties may continue to make filings electronically.

For more information: www.nhb.uscourts.gov

Maine

Updated: 5.15.20

State Courts have cancelled all in-person proceedings through May 30 with the exception of certain criminal proceedings, juvenile detention hearings, protection from abuse and harassment hearings, child protection hearings, mental health hearings, and emergency guardianship hearings. The Courts may schedule and hear other case types and proceedings so long as all hearings, conferences and other court events take place by video or audio conference. If there is an urgent and compelling reason a party may petition the Court for a hearing. Forcible Entry and Detainer (eviction), Disclosure, Foreclosure and Small Claims hearings will not be scheduled or heard. All unexpired case deadlines falling between March 17, 2020 and May 30, 2020 are extended by 49 days. Statutes of Limitations and deadlines for appeals of governmental decisions and actions are not affected. The Courts are still open and Judges are still working but many Courts have reduced hours.

For more information:

https://www.courts.maine.gov/covid19.shtml https://www.courts.maine.gov/maine_courts/schedules/closings.shtml

The United States District Court for the District of Maine has continued all criminal and civil jury trials and in-court proceedings through June. The Clerk’s office is open by appointment only. Certain time-sensitive hearings in both criminal and civil cases may be scheduled and held at the Judge’s discretion by telephone or video conference.

Click here for more information