$10,000Claim Limit
$60–$100Filing Fee
3 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
New Hampshire Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | District Court — Small Claims Division |
| Claim Limit | $10,000 ($10,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$60–$100 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Sheriff or certified mail |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 20 years |
| Online Filing | ✗ In-person at courthouse |
| Official Court Website | https://www.courts.nh.gov/self-help/small-claims → |
New Hampshire Security Deposit & Wage Rules
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Penalty for Violation | Double damages plus attorney fees |
| Wage Claims SOL | 3 years |
💡 Before suing in New Hampshire, send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About New Hampshire Small Claims
New Hampshire small claims are filed in District Court with a $10,000 limit. New Hampshire judgments are valid for 20 years — among the longest nationally — giving you ample time to collect. Double damages plus attorney fees apply for wrongful deposit withholding, making it a strong state for tenant protections.
Filing Tips for New Hampshire
1
New Hampshire judgments are valid for 20 years — one of the longest enforcement windows in the US
2
Double damages plus attorney fees for deposit violations give tenants strong leverage
3
File in the district court nearest to where the defendant lives or the dispute occurred
4
New Hampshire requires a pre-trial mediation attempt in some cases — check with your local court
Common Cases in New Hampshire
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