Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in New Hampshire
The most you can sue for in New Hampshire small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in New Hampshire
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $10,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $90 or $145 by claim size: $90 for claims of $5,000 or less, $145 for claims over $5,000 up to $10,000 (a certified-mail service fee may be added on request) |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Allowed A lawyer is allowed but not required, and most people appear on their own. Under RSA 503:11 a business (corporation, partnership, LLC, or trust) may be represented at a small-claims hearing by a non-lawyer officer, employee, partner, owner, or trustee who brings written authorization, so an entity does not have to hire counsel. |
| Statute / court rule | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) §503:1 |
Small claims are heard in the district division of the circuit court. The $10,000 cap is statewide. If the debt or damages exceed $1,500 and either side claims a jury trial, the case is removed from the small-claims track to a regular civil proceeding.
Where to file in New Hampshire
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use New Hampshire's official court self-help resource.
→ NH Judicial Branch small claimsWhat New Hampshire filers get wrong
New Hampshire caps a small claim at $10,000, and the case is filed in the district division of the circuit court under RSA 503:1. A small claim is any money dispute, not involving title to real estate, where the amount owed does not top $10,000. The filing fee runs $90 for claims of $5,000 or less and $145 for claims above that up to the limit. New Hampshire adds two wrinkles worth knowing: e-filing is mandatory in small claims, and if a claim tops $5,000 with no jury demand the parties are sent to mediation before a judge decides. Either side can claim a jury trial once damages exceed $1,500, which pulls the case off the small-claims track. Lawyers are permitted but rarely needed, and a business can send a non-lawyer officer or employee with written authorization instead of hiring counsel.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire small claims are capped at $10,000 under RSA 503:1. A small claim is a money dispute, not involving title to real estate, where the amount owed does not exceed $10,000. Cases are filed in the district division of the circuit court.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in New Hampshire?
The filing fee is $90 for claims of $5,000 or less and $145 for claims over $5,000 up to $10,000. If you ask the clerk to arrange service, a certified-mail service fee is added on top.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court in New Hampshire?
No. Lawyers are allowed but not required, and most people represent themselves. A business can be represented at the hearing by a non-lawyer officer, employee, partner, owner, or trustee who brings written authorization under RSA 503:11, so a company does not have to hire an attorney.
Can a small claims case go to a jury in New Hampshire?
Yes. If the debt or damages exceed $1,500, either the plaintiff or the defendant can claim a jury trial, which moves the case off the small-claims track into a regular civil proceeding. Below $1,500 there is no jury option.
Where are small claims filed in New Hampshire?
In the district division of the circuit court for the area, and e-filing is mandatory at all district division locations. File where the defendant lives or where the transaction happened.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.