How to Get a Restraining Order in New Hampshire
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · New Hampshire · Last updated September 17, 2026
In New Hampshire, a domestic violence protective order is a civil court order that directs an abuser to stop the abuse, stay away from you, and have no contact, issued under RSA chapter 173-B. You seek one when a family or household member, or a current or former intimate partner, has abused, threatened, or stalked you. You start by filing a domestic violence petition with the circuit court in the county or district where you or the person you want protection from lives (RSA 173-B:3). There is no filing fee and no fee for service of process (RSA 173-B:3, III). If you show an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can issue a temporary protective order the same day (RSA 173-B:4). That temporary order stays in effect until a full hearing, which the court holds within 30 days of your filing or within 10 days of service on the defendant, whichever is later (RSA 173-B:3, VII). If the court is closed, police can reach an on-call judge for a telephonic emergency order that lasts until the close of the next court business day (RSA 173-B:4). After the hearing, a final order lasts up to one year and can be extended for good cause (RSA 173-B:5). If you are in immediate danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Find out where you stand in New Hampshire
Where are you in getting a restraining order?
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How do I get a restraining order in New Hampshire?
File a domestic violence petition with the circuit court in the county or district where you or the defendant lives (RSA 173-B:3). There is no filing fee. If you show an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can issue a temporary protective order the same day, and a full hearing follows.
How fast can I get emergency protection in New Hampshire?
A judge can issue a temporary protective order the same day you file if you show an immediate and present danger of abuse (RSA 173-B:4). When court is closed, police can reach an on-call judge for a telephonic emergency order that stays in effect until the close of the next court business day.
How long does a protective order last in New Hampshire?
A temporary order stays in effect until your full hearing (RSA 173-B:4). After the hearing, a final protective order lasts up to one year (RSA 173-B:5, VI). The court can extend it on your motion for good cause, first for one more year, then in later renewals for up to five years each.
Which court handles restraining orders in New Hampshire?
You file in the New Hampshire Circuit Court, family division, in the county or district where you or the defendant lives (RSA 173-B:3). The district division also hears these petitions. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch self-help center provides the domestic violence petition forms and step-by-step filing guidance.
New Hampshire protective order law at a glance
In New Hampshire, a domestic violence protective order stops abuse by a family or household member or a current or former intimate partner, under RSA chapter 173-B. You ask for one by filing a domestic violence petition with the circuit court, and there is no filing fee or fee for service (RSA 173-B:3, III). If you show an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can issue a temporary protective order the same day (RSA 173-B:4). When court is closed, police can reach an on-call judge for a telephonic emergency order that lasts until the close of the next court business day. The temporary order stays in effect until a full hearing, held within 30 days of filing or 10 days of service, whichever is later (RSA 173-B:3, VII). A final order lasts up to one year and can be extended for good cause (RSA 173-B:5, VI).
Getting a New Hampshire protective order after an after-hours threat
Suppose your former partner in New Hampshire threatens you late at night after the courts have closed. You call the police, who reach an on-call judge and obtain a telephonic emergency protective order that stays in effect until the close of the next court business day (RSA 173-B:4). The next morning you file a domestic violence petition with the circuit court at no cost (RSA 173-B:3, III). Because your petition shows an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge signs a temporary protective order that lasts until your hearing. A sheriff's deputy serves your ex for free. At the hearing, held within 30 days of filing or 10 days of service, whichever is later, you show threatening messages and testify. The court grants a one-year final order (RSA 173-B:5, VI). You calendar the expiration to extend it if needed. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
RSA 173-B:3 (commencement, no fee, and hearing timing)
Allows a person who suffered abuse to file a petition in the county or district where the plaintiff or defendant resides, provides that no filing fee or fee for service of process shall be charged, and requires the court to hold a hearing within 30 days of the filing or within 10 days of service on the defendant, whichever occurs later.
RSA 173-B:4 (temporary relief and telephonic orders)
Provides that, upon a showing of an immediate and present danger of abuse, the court may enter temporary orders with or without actual notice to the defendant, and may issue such orders by telephone through a circuit court judge to a law enforcement officer, effective until the close of the next regular court business day.
RSA 173-B:5 (relief, duration, and extension)
Provides that any order shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year, but may be extended by the court on the plaintiff's motion showing good cause, for one year after the first order expires, and thereafter each extension may be for up to five years at the court's discretion.
RSA 633:3-a (stalking protective order)
Establishes the crime of stalking and allows a victim to seek a protective order by petition, using the same procedures, relief, and enforcement provided under RSA 173-B, without requiring a family or intimate-partner relationship between the parties.
Regional Variances
New Hampshire protective order rules at a glance
Order name
Domestic violence protective order, issued under RSA chapter 173-B. A separate stalking protective order is available under RSA 633:3-a for abuse by someone who is not a family or intimate partner.
Where to file
The New Hampshire Circuit Court, family division, in the county or district where you or the defendant lives (RSA 173-B:3, I). There is no filing fee and no fee for service of process (RSA 173-B:3, III).
Emergency and temporary orders
A judge can issue a same-day temporary order on a showing of immediate and present danger of abuse (RSA 173-B:4). After hours, police can reach an on-call judge for a telephonic order effective until the close of the next court business day.
Final order duration
After a hearing, a final order lasts up to one year and may be extended on the plaintiff's motion for good cause, first for one year and then for up to five years per later renewal (RSA 173-B:5, VI).
Main form
The domestic violence petition, Form NHJB-2050-DF, filed with the circuit court. Clerks supply free forms designed for people filing without a lawyer, and the New Hampshire Judicial Branch self-help center adds instructions.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Complete the New Hampshire domestic violence petition
As soon as possible after the abuse days after startingFill out the domestic violence petition (Form NHJB-2050-DF), describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates, and swear that the information is true. Use the free circuit court forms and self-help resources. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
File your petition with the circuit court
Same day you finish the petition days after startingFile the petition with the circuit court in the county or district where you or the defendant lives (RSA 173-B:3, I). There is no filing fee and no fee for service (RSA 173-B:3, III). Ask the clerk when a judge will review your request for a temporary order.
Get and carry the temporary protective order
Same day the judge signs it days after startingIf the judge grants a temporary protective order (RSA 173-B:4), get the written order and keep a copy with you. It stays in effect until your full hearing. Note your hearing date and read the order's terms carefully.
Confirm the defendant is served
Before the hearing days after startingA peace officer or the sheriff's department serves the defendant with your petition and any temporary order at no charge (RSA 173-B:3, III). Service is required before the court can issue a final order, so confirm it was completed and returned to the court.
Attend the hearing with your evidence
Within 30 days of filing or 10 days of service, whichever is later days after startingGo to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. The court decides whether to grant a final order (RSA 173-B:5). If you miss the hearing, your temporary order can expire and your case can be dismissed.
Track the expiration and extend if needed
Before the order expires (up to 1 year out) days after startingA final order lasts up to one year (RSA 173-B:5, VI). Calendar the expiration date and file a motion to extend for good cause before it ends. The first extension can be for one year, and later renewals can each run up to five years.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the New Hampshire domestic violence petition | Fill out the domestic violence petition (Form NHJB-2050-DF), describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates, and swear that the information is true. Use the free circuit court forms and self-help resources. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft. | - | As soon as possible after the abuse |
| File your petition with the circuit court | File the petition with the circuit court in the county or district where you or the defendant lives (RSA 173-B:3, I). There is no filing fee and no fee for service (RSA 173-B:3, III). Ask the clerk when a judge will review your request for a temporary order. | - | Same day you finish the petition |
| Get and carry the temporary protective order | If the judge grants a temporary protective order (RSA 173-B:4), get the written order and keep a copy with you. It stays in effect until your full hearing. Note your hearing date and read the order's terms carefully. | - | Same day the judge signs it |
| Confirm the defendant is served | A peace officer or the sheriff's department serves the defendant with your petition and any temporary order at no charge (RSA 173-B:3, III). Service is required before the court can issue a final order, so confirm it was completed and returned to the court. | - | Before the hearing |
| Attend the hearing with your evidence | Go to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. The court decides whether to grant a final order (RSA 173-B:5). If you miss the hearing, your temporary order can expire and your case can be dismissed. | - | Within 30 days of filing or 10 days of service, whichever is later |
| Track the expiration and extend if needed | A final order lasts up to one year (RSA 173-B:5, VI). Calendar the expiration date and file a motion to extend for good cause before it ends. The first extension can be for one year, and later renewals can each run up to five years. | - | Before the order expires (up to 1 year out) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. RSA 173-B:3, III states that no filing fee or fee for service of process shall be charged for a petition or response under the domestic violence chapter. A peace officer or the sheriff's department serves the defendant at no charge, and you may proceed without legal counsel.
When the court is closed, police can contact an on-call circuit court judge, who may issue a temporary order by telephone (RSA 173-B:4, I). That telephonic emergency order is valid statewide and stays in effect until the close of the next regular court business day, when you go to court to file your petition.
You can file if the person who abused you is a family or household member, or a current or former intimate partner, spouse, or ex-spouse (RSA 173-B). A minor can seek an order against an intimate partner without a parent present. For abuse by someone else, a stalking petition under RSA 633:3-a may fit.
You file the domestic violence petition, Form NHJB-2050-DF, with the circuit court. The clerks supply free forms designed to help people file without a lawyer (RSA 173-B:3, IV). The New Hampshire Judicial Branch self-help center provides the current petition, instructions, and related forms at no charge.
At the hearing, both sides can attend, present evidence, and testify. The court decides by a preponderance of the evidence whether to grant a final order and what terms to include, such as no contact and stay-away orders (RSA 173-B:5). Bring photos, messages, and any witnesses to support your petition.
Yes. A final order lasts up to one year, but the court may extend it on your motion showing good cause, with notice to the defendant (RSA 173-B:5, VI). The first extension can be for one year, and later renewals can each be for up to five years, at the court's discretion.
A willful violation is a crime and also contempt of court (RSA 173-B:5, VII). Violating the protective provisions results in arrest and may result in imprisonment. Call the police and keep a copy of your order with you. Orders are entered in a statewide database available to police and sheriff departments.
No. RSA 173-B:3 lets you proceed without legal counsel, and the circuit court clerks supply forms designed for people filing on their own. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch self-help center adds instructions and videos. Legal help can be useful if the case is contested or the other side has an attorney.
Other New Hampshire guides
Asset Protection Planning in New Hampshire (2026)
Dealing With Debt Collectors in New Hampshire (2026)
Expunging a Criminal Record in New Hampshire (2026)
Filing a Workplace Harassment Complaint in New Hampshire
Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in New Hampshire (2026)
Firing an Employee in New Hampshire (2026)
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