New Hampshire Small Claims Court

How it works in New Hampshire

1. Find the right District Division court, which is where either party lives. Different rules apply if the defendant is outside New Hampshire.
2. File electronically through TurboCourt, which is mandatory for self-represented filers unless you get an exemption.
3. Enter the defendant's exact name and address. Suing a corporation requires its officer or registered agent details.
4. Pay the fee. The fee is hard to waive and needs extraordinary circumstances.
5. The court mails the complaint to the defendant. If the claim is over $5,000, expect mediation before any trial.

What it costs

$125 for claims up to $5,000 and $180 for claims of $5,001 to $10,000, including the $20 e-filing surcharge. Card payments add 3%.

How long you have to sue

N.H. RSA 508:4. These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

The party who loses can appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court within 30 days of the judgment or the clerk's notice, whichever is later; the judge's findings of fact are final, so the appeal is on questions of law.

Official links

• New Hampshire small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court