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New Hampshire family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 2026

Emergency Family-Law Resources in New Hampshire

Official starting points for immediate safety, interim parental-rights orders, and domestic violence protective orders.

Immediate danger: call 911. For suspected child abuse or neglect, contact local law enforcement or NH DHHS DCYF.

Temporary orders involving children

New Hampshire does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the Family Division interim procedure and forms (RSA 461-A:9), and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request an interim parental-rights order through the Family Division procedure. For an immediate threat, a domestic violence protective order is a separate, faster route.

Domestic violence protective orders (RSA 173-B)

New Hampshire's domestic-violence protective order is filed under RSA 173-B. A temporary order may be issued, with a final hearing within ~5 days. A final order lasts up to one year, renewable. Violating an order requires police to arrest and refer for prosecution.

New Hampshire child protective (DCYF)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to NH DHHS — Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF); call 911 for immediate. The DCYF Central Intake line is 603-271-6562 / 1-800-894-5533. New Hampshire is a universal mandated-reporting state. An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end parental rights and responsibilities.

Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026

Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Circuit Court — Family Division clerk handling your case.

Confirm current court fees and deadlines. Court fees, filing and response deadlines, hearing timing, notice periods, and local procedures can change or vary by New Hampshire county. Before relying on any amount or time period on this page, confirm the current amount or deadline with the Circuit Court — Family Division clerk handling your case.