Section 169-C:15 Preliminary Hearing. - New Hampshire Statutes

   I. After an ex parte order is issued or petition filed, a preliminary hearing shall be conducted by the court to determine if reasonable cause exists to believe that the child is abused or neglected.
   II. If the court does not find reasonable cause to believe that the child is abused or neglected, it shall dismiss the petition.
   III. Upon a finding of reasonable cause that the child is abused or neglected, the court shall:
      (a) Appoint an attorney to represent the child pursuant to RSA 169-C:10.
      (b) Determine whether any ex parte orders issued should be continued or modified.
      (c) Issue orders pursuant to RSA 169-C:16, which shall be immediate and in writing if the court finds that the child's circumstances or surroundings present an imminent danger to the child's health or life.
      (d) Set a date for an adjudicatory hearing to be held and completed within 30 calendar days of the filing of the petition. Upon a written finding of extraordinary circumstances, the court may continue the adjudicatory hearing to a date certain for the hearing to be held and completed and written findings issued that shall in no event exceed 60 calendar days from the filing of the petition.
   IV. The court shall determine whether each parent summoned, having custody or control of the child, understands the possible consequences to parental rights should the court find that the child is abused or neglected. Each person shall sign a statement stating that such person understands the consequences to parental rights. Such statement shall be in a form to be determined by the court.
   V. Any person who is subject to an ex parte order may challenge the order at the preliminary hearing.

Source. 1979, 361:2. 1991, 214:2. 1994, 411:8, eff. Jan. 1, 1995. 2007, 236:11, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.