Judge discusses impact of shifting New Hampshire family division to superior court

A potential overhaul of New Hampshire's family court system is on the table, as discussions at a recent House Children and Family Law meeting highlighted the implications of potentially eliminating the family division. A judge emphasized that such a policy shift would not only affect divorce and parenting cases but would also encompass child support, guardianships, abuse and neglect cases, adoptions, and domestic violence petitions.

Currently, New Hampshire has 31 family division courts, which provide accessible local services. Transitioning these cases to the superior court would drastically reduce the number of courts to just 11, making access to justice more challenging for many residents. The judge pointed out that this change would require significant restructuring of the trial courts, potentially leading to longer travel times for litigants who would need to visit their county courthouse instead of a local court.

The judge also raised concerns about the availability of judges. The family division currently has 72 judges, while the superior court only has 29. This reduction in judicial resources could lead to delays in case processing and hinder the court's ability to handle the increased caseload effectively. Furthermore, superior court judges typically lack specialized training in family law, which could compromise the quality of justice in sensitive cases involving children and families.

As the legislature considers this significant policy decision, the potential impacts on access to justice and the effectiveness of the judicial system remain critical points of discussion. The outcome of these deliberations could reshape how family-related legal matters are handled in New Hampshire, affecting countless families across the state.