Rule 1.8-A - Continuances and postponements and motions for recusalA. All motions for continuance shall be in writing, signed by the moving party stating the reasons therefor and stating that the opposing party does not desire a hearing on the motion, if such is the case.B. No motion for continuance shall be granted without a hearing unless approval of the opposing party is obtained. The moving party shall have the burden of obtaining such approval.C. Agreement of the parties shall constitute a waiver of hearing on a motion to continue; but notwithstanding agreement of the parties, the Court shall exercise its sound discretion in granting such continuances.D. All motions for continuance or postponement in a civil action shall be signed and dated by counsel. Other counsel wishing to join in any motion shall do so in writing. Each motion shall contain a certificate by counsel that the client has been notified of the reasons for the continuance or postponement, has assented thereto either orally or in writing, and has been forwarded a copy of the motion.E. In exceptional situations, motions to continue may be made orally in accordance with these rules and shall be effective as such, but it shall be the burden of the moving party to establish a record thereof by confirming such request in writing. Only attorneys, police prosecutors, or parties pro se, shall be permitted to continue orally.F. In all civil cases, other than small claims cases filed in district division locations in which the electronic filing pilot program has been implemented, see http://www.courts.state.nh.us/circuitcourt/efilingcourts.htm, no motion for a continuance, grounded on the want of material testimony, will be granted, unless supported by an affidavit stating the name of the witness, if known, whose testimony is wanted, the particular facts expected to be proven with the grounds of such expectation, and what has been done to procure attendance or deposition, so that the Court may determine whether due diligence has been used for that purpose. No action shall be continued on such motion if the adverse party will agree that the affidavit shall be received and considered as evidence in like manner as if the witness were present and had testified to the facts therein stated; and such agreement shall be in writing at the foot of the affidavit and signed by the party or the attorney. In small claims cases filed in district division locations in which the electronic filing pilot program has been implemented, see http://www.courts.state.nh.us/circuitcourt/efilingcourts.htm, no motion for a continuance, grounded on the want of material testimony, will be granted, unless supported by a signed statement in which the moving party indicates in writing an understanding that making a false statement in the pleading may subject that party to criminal penalties and stating the name of the witness, if known, whose testimony is wanted, the particular facts expected to be proven with the grounds of such expectation, and what has been done to procure attendance or deposition, so that the Court may determine whether due diligence has been used for that purpose. No action shall be continued on such motion if the adverse party will agree that the statement shall be received and considered as evidence in like manner as if the witness were present and had testified to the facts therein stated; and such agreement shall be in writing at the foot of the statement and signed by the party or the attorney.
G. The same rule shall apply, with necessary changes, when the motion is grounded on the want of any material document, paper or other evidence of like nature; or in the absence of a material witness whom the party deems it necessary to have upon the stand.H. All grounds for recusal that are known or should reasonably be known prior to trial or hearing shall be incorporated in a written motion for recusal and filed promptly with the Court. Grounds for recusal that first become apparent at the time of or during the hearing shall be immediately brought to the attention of the judge. Failure to raise a ground for recusal shall constitute a waiver as specified herein of the right to request recusal on such ground. If a record of the proceedings is not available, the trial judge shall make a record of the request, the Court's findings, and its order. The Court's ruling on the motion shall issue promptly. If the motion is denied, the Court's ruling shall be supported by findings of fact with respect to the allegations contained in the motion.N.H. R. Cir. Ct. Dist. Div. 1.8-A
Amended effective 2/26/2021.