New Hampshire Small Claims Playbook: Filing, Service, Hearing and Collecting
Quick answer: New Hampshire small claims are heard in the District Division of the Circuit Court, for claims of $10,000 or less. E-filing is generally required in small claims; check your court's rules. Filing costs $125 for claims of $5,000 or less and $180 above that, including the e-filing surcharge. Cases over $5,000 go to mandatory mediation. Check your court's rules.
How small claims works in New Hampshire
Small claims is heard in the District Division of the Circuit Court. E-filing is generally required in small claims; check your court's rules.
Checked October 2026. Official sources are listed under Sources below.
What is the small claims limit in New Hampshire?
$10,000 or less. Cases over $5,000 go to mandatory mediation, and a defendant can ask for a jury if the claim is over $1,500.
How much does it cost to file small claims in New Hampshire?
$105 for claims of $5,000 or less and $160 for $5,001 to $10,000, plus a $20 e-filing surcharge ($125 or $180 total), under Rule 1.28. Check your court's rules for any added fees.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing, claim of $5,000 or less | $105 + $20 e-filing surcharge = $125 |
| Filing, claim of $5,001 to $10,000 | $160 + $20 e-filing surcharge = $180 |
| Counterclaim | Same as filing, by amount |
| Transfer fee (no surcharge) | $145 |
From Circuit Court Rule 1.28. The $20 surcharge is added to each small claims filing fee except the transfer fee.
Where do I file a small claim in New Hampshire?
The District Division court for the town where you or the defendant lives. If unsure, check your court's rules.
How to file in New Hampshire: the basic steps
- Gather the defendant's correct name and address.
- E-file the Small Claim Complaint and pay the fee ($125 or $180 with the surcharge).
- The court mails the complaint to the defendant.
- Go to mediation (required over $5,000) and then the hearing.
New Hampshire small claims FAQ
What is the small claims limit in New Hampshire?
$10,000 or less. Cases over $5,000 go to mandatory mediation.
How much does it cost to file small claims in New Hampshire?
$125 for claims of $5,000 or less and $180 for $5,001 to $10,000, including the $20 e-filing surcharge.
Where do I file a small claim in New Hampshire?
The District Division court for the town where you or the defendant lives. E-filing is generally required in small claims; check your court's rules.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in New Hampshire?
No. Lawyers are allowed. A business may use a lawyer or a non-attorney officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee with written authorization (signed by an authorized official, notarized, and presented to the court under oath; RSA 503:11).
Can I get a jury in New Hampshire small claims?
If the claim is over $1,500, the defendant can ask for a jury trial by checking the box on the Response and filing it by the return date, with the $145 transfer fee. The case then moves to Superior Court (RSA 503:1(III); Rule 4.3(b); Rule 1.28). The statute also mentions 5 business days after filing, so file as early as you can.
Is mediation required in New Hampshire small claims?
Yes, for cases over $5,000.
Can a business sue in New Hampshire small claims?
Yes. A business can be represented by an officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee with written authorization (signed by an authorized official, notarized, and presented to the court under oath; RSA 503:11).
Sources
All checked 2026-10-14.
Related guides: Ready to sue · Just got sued · Small claims court basics · 10 things to do before you sue · How to save text messages as evidence · Sued in small claims? What to do next
Small Claims Starter Kit (basic timeline and checklists).
What's in the New Hampshire Playbook section
- How much should I ask for in New Hampshire small claims?
- Who can appear for a business in New Hampshire
- Where to file in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire small claims forms and fees
- Serving the defendant: options and fees
- How to file a small claim in New Hampshire, step by step (made-up example)
- New Hampshire small claims checklist
- New Hampshire small claims timeline and deadlines
- What to expect at your New Hampshire small claims hearing
- Appeals in New Hampshire small claims
- Collecting after you win in New Hampshire
Want the whole game plan for New Hampshire? The New Hampshire Playbook takes you from filing to hearing day: what to gather, how to label your exhibits, a one-page timeline, and a day-of plan for your hearing. One yearly membership covers every state guide. See the Playbook
Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.
Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.