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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.

Official statuteRead word-for-word
against N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. · gencourt.state.nh.us
Read from the official source · Jul 17, 2026How we verify →
Our researchNew Hampshire ranks #4 of 50 in our Consumer Protection Index, an original score read from the statutes.

Have a number in mind? See if your claim fits in the New Hampshire small claims checker →

Maximum small claim · New Hampshire
$10,000
Lawyers allowed
Maximum claim$10,000
Filing fee$90 or $145
Lawyers at hearingAllowed
Statute / court ruleN.H. Rev. Stat. Ann.

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 worksOne 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 hearingAllowed
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 ruleN.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) §503:1
Which court?

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.

Filing in New Hampshire?

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 claims

What 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.

Primary source
→ N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) §503:1
N.H. General Court (RSA 503:1) · gencourt.state.nh.us
Cholilurrohman
Every figure on this page is checked line-by-line against the current statute. Editorial standards →

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.

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More New Hampshire law

Other everyday-law questions we answer for New Hampshire, each from the state's own statute and cited to the source.

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