NH Circuit Courts begin operation July 1, 2011

New Hampshire District, Probate, and Family Division Courts merge into one Court system, to be known as the New Hampshire Circuit Court, effective July 1, 2011.

The N.H. Circuit Court will have ten circuits, one for each county. Current District, Probate and Family Division court locations remain the same. Hillsborough County will be the 9th Circuit and have the following Court locations:

Manchester-District and Family Divisions
Merrimack-District and Family Divisions
Milford-District Division
Goffstown-District and Family Divisons
Nashua-District Division (Walnut Street)
Nashua-Probate Division (Spring Street)

For more information on this major restructuring of the New Hampshire court system, go to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website at http://www.courts.state.nh.us/.

To view the legislation which created the circuit court, go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2011/HB0609.html.

Submitted By Andrea Labonte, Esq.
603-629-4542
alabonte@wiggin-nourie.com

Appearances at Hearings Can Matter

A September article in the Wall Street Journal highlights how judges and juries may take a person’s appearance into account during a trial. While common sense dictates that parties appearing in court, or before administrative agencies, should dress appropriately, the WSJ article from Thursday, September 2, 2010, written by Christina Binkley and entitled “Opening Statement: What to Wear to Court” provides a good reminder that proper attire shows respect for the tribunal, shows that the person is taking the proceeding seriously, and can even send a more subtle message about the party or witness. While the appearance of a person should not make or break a case, the article is a good reminder that a tribunal may look beyond objective facts, and may consider appearances when making judgments about credibility. The article focuses on the courtroom, but the message holds true for administrative hearings and even meetings with investigators or auditors.

-Submitted By Christopher Pyles, Esq.
603-629-4725
cpyles@wiggin-nourie.com