New Hampshire courts will now be accepting petitions for protection from domestic violence and stalking electronically, reports nhpr.
According to Domestic Violence Program Manager Sarah Freeman, the courts having to limit the number of people inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic has made domestic violence and stalking filings drop by about 20 percent. Freeman states, “And so we’re hoping that this additional option of electronic filing will ensure that people who may not be able to leave their home because of child care issues, because of concerns about their health status, that they’ll still be able to get this initial emergency relief.”
The trial process began on May 26th. During this beginning process, the only way to gain access to electronic filing is to go through a Crisis Center or Family Justice Center, where you will be given the appropriate online forms. The process, according to Freeman, will not be any different to the defendant than the previous way. Plaintiffs can still file at any Circuit Court location.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, online filings were not permitted.
WNTK Local News 