Any party may file a reply within ten (10) days of the filing of an objection to a motion. A party who intends to file a reply to an objection shall advise the clerk within three (3) days of the Court's receipt of the objection. Surreplies may only be filed with permission of the Court.
Rule 13A.Reply and Surreply
Group III: Pleadings and Motions · Last amended July 1, 2017 · Last verified July 14, 2026
In one sentenceRule 13A allows a party to file a reply to an objection within 10 days, requires the clerk to be notified within 3 days that a reply is coming, and permits a surreply only with the court’s permission.
Full Text of Rule 13A
Amendment History
Adopted April 20, 2017, eff. July 1, 2017.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 13A closes out the round of paper that follows a motion and an objection. Once the other side objects, the original moving party may file a reply addressing the objection’s arguments, due within 10 days of the objection’s filing.
The rule adds a short procedural trigger: a party planning to reply must tell the clerk within 3 days of the court’s receipt of the objection. That notice lets the court know a reply is coming before the 10-day window closes.
Beyond the reply, the rule closes the door on further argument as of right. A surreply — a response to the reply — can be filed only with the court’s permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a reply to an objection in New Hampshire superior court?
Rule 13A gives a party 10 days from the filing of an objection to a motion to file a reply.
Do I need to notify the court before filing a reply?
Yes. A party who intends to file a reply to an objection must advise the clerk within 3 days of the court’s receipt of the objection.
Can I file a surreply to the other side’s reply?
Only with the court’s permission. Rule 13A states that surreplies may only be filed with permission of the court.
What is a reply under Rule 13A?
It is the moving party’s response to the opposing party’s objection to a motion, filed within 10 days of the objection.
Is a surreply the same thing as a reply?
No. A reply responds to an objection and may be filed within 10 days without asking first. A surreply responds to a reply and requires the court’s permission before it can be filed.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Comments, and amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the New Hampshire Superior Court Civil Rules, adopted
by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Last verified July 14, 2026.
· Official source
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