N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 374:42

Upon the beginning of such suit, it shall be the duty of the court to specify the time, not exceeding 20 days after service of a copy of the petition, within which the defendant complained of must answer. In case of default in answer, or after answer, the court shall immediately make inquiry into the facts and circumstances without other or formal pleadings and without respect to any technical requirement.