In some situations, waiting for a regular court hearing isn’t an option. When a child is at immediate risk of harm, a parent can petition for an emergency custody order in New Hampshire. 

These orders, also called ex parte orders, allow a judge to make a temporary custody decision without a full hearing and without notifying the other parent, if the circumstances justify such urgent action.

To request emergency custody, the petitioner must provide compelling evidence that the child is in immediate danger. This could include exposure to domestic violence, physical abuse, drug use in the home, or abandonment. Courts do not grant these lightly—the threat must be substantial and present. 

At Naro Law Firm, we work swiftly to help concerned parents prepare the necessary documentation, such as affidavits, police reports, or medical records, to support their request. If the court grants the temporary order, a hearing will usually be scheduled within 10-15 days to allow both parties to present their case.

In that follow-up hearing, the court will consider whether the emergency order should remain in place, be modified, or be dismissed. We not only assist in filing the emergency motion but also represent our clients in these critical hearings to ensure their concerns are properly heard and addressed. 

For parents facing a truly urgent situation, time is of the essence. Having an attorney familiar with New Hampshire’s emergency custody process can make all the difference in protecting your child.

Need to Change a Custody Agreement in New Hampshire?

Life circumstances change, and when they do, your custody agreement may need to change as well. New Hampshire law allows parents to petition the court for modification of a custody or parenting plan when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Examples include:

• One parent relocating
• A parent’s new work schedule
• Changes in the child’s educational or medical needs
• A parent violating the existing order
• Safety concerns or domestic violence

Our team helps clients evaluate whether a modification is warranted, file the appropriate legal motions, and represent them in hearings to protect their rights and their child’s welfare.

Parenting Time Schedules That Work for Your Family

When parents no longer live together, creating a balanced and practical parenting schedule is one of the most important parts of a custody case. In New Hampshire, the law encourages shared parenting whenever possible, meaning both parents remain actively involved in raising the child. 

However, there is no “one size fits all” model. Parenting time schedules must be customized based on each family’s circumstances, such as work schedules, school calendars, and the child’s age and developmental needs.

Common arrangements include alternating weeks, rotating weekends, or mid-week visitations. Some families choose a 2-2-5-5 schedule, where each parent gets two weekdays and alternates weekends. 

Holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation must also be addressed. For younger children, shorter but more frequent visits may be ideal. For teenagers, schedules may revolve more around academic and extracurricular activities.

Relocation Cases and Long-Distance Parenting Challenges

Relocation when one parent wants to move far away or out of state can significantly affect an existing custody order. In New Hampshire, a parent cannot simply move a child without court approval if the move will impact the other parent’s parenting time. 

Whether you are seeking to relocate or trying to prevent the other parent from doing so, these cases can be emotionally charged and legally complex.

The relocating parent must prove that the move is made in good faith and is in the child’s best interest. This includes showing how the move will benefit the child, such as access to better schools, closer proximity to extended family, or improved financial circumstances. 

They must also present a revised parenting plan that maintains a strong relationship between the child and the non-relocating parent.

Conversely, the other parent can challenge the move by arguing that it would disrupt the child’s life, harm the parent-child bond, or limit their ability to be an involved parent. 

Courts look closely at the child’s ties to the current community, the logistics of travel, and each parent’s willingness to foster a continued relationship between the child and the other parent.