New Hampshire Civil Practice Law News - New Hampshire Civil Practice News: Changes to Court Procedures Aim to Improve Efficiency
On February 23, 2026, the New Hampshire judicial system announced several upcoming changes to civil practice procedures in an effort to improve efficiency and expedite the resolution of cases. These changes come after months of review and consultation with legal professionals and stakeholders in the state.One of the most significant changes is the implementation of mandatory electronic filing for all civil cases. Starting on March 1, 2026, all legal documents must be filed electronically through the court's online portal. This move is expected to streamline the filing process, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for attorneys and litigants to track the status of their cases.In addition to electronic filing, the court system will also be implementing new rules regarding discovery procedures. Under the new rules, parties will be required to meet and confer early in the litigation process to discuss and agree on a discovery plan. This is intended to reduce discovery-related disputes and ultimately save time and resources for all parties involved.Furthermore, the court will be expanding its use of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, in an effort to resolve cases more efficiently outside of the traditional courtroom setting. These methods have been shown to reduce the time and costs associated with litigation while also promoting better outcomes for all parties involved.Overall, these changes are part of a larger effort by the New Hampshire judicial system to modernize and improve civil practice procedures in the state. By promoting efficiency, reducing delays, and increasing access to justice, these changes are expected to have a positive impact on the legal community and the public at large.