Filing a small claims case in New Hampshire means using New Hampshire's own forms and following its court's procedure. This guide covers the core documents a typical case uses, the claim limit, and where to get the official New Hampshire forms — without paying for something your court provides free.
The short version: file your claim in Circuit Court, District Division (Small Claims), serve the defendant, and prepare your evidence for the hearing. You can claim up to $10,000. Get the official forms free from NH Judicial Branch - Small Claims.
What Forms Do You Need in New Hampshire?
Form names and numbers differ by state, but a New Hampshire small claims case generally uses the same core documents:
📄 Small Claim Complaint, Form NHJB-2370 (e-filed via TurboCourt; e-filing mandatory)
The document that opens your case — it names the parties, the amount you're claiming, and the basis of the claim. Get the current version from NH Judicial Branch - Small Claims.
📬 Serving the defendant
After filing, defendant served by certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt) or by Sheriff; plaintiff e-files proof of service.
💵 Fee waiver
Motion to Waive Filing Fee / request to proceed without payment (no confirmed statewide form number) Ask the clerk for the current fee-waiver form.
⚖️ Default judgment
If the defendant is properly served but doesn't respond or appear, you can ask the court to enter a judgment in your favor by default.
Where to Get Official New Hampshire Forms
New Hampshire small claims forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- New Hampshire court forms — NH Judicial Branch - Small Claims
- Official source — courts.nh.gov
- Official source — courts.nh.gov
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
New Hampshire Small Claims Limit & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Circuit Court, District Division (Small Claims) |
| Claim limit | $10,000 |
| Filing fee | $90 if claim does not exceed $5,000; $145 if claim exceeds $5,000. |
| Fee waiver | Motion to Waive Filing Fee / request to proceed without payment (no confirmed statewide form number) |
Sue for $10,000 or less; claims over $5,000 subject to mandatory mediation. Limits and fees change over time and can vary by county — confirm the current figures with your New Hampshire court before you file.
New Hampshire Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in New Hampshire?
A New Hampshire small claims case is filed in Circuit Court, District Division (Small Claims). You generally need a claim/complaint form to open the case, a way to serve the defendant with proof of service, and — if you can't afford the fee — a fee-waiver form. Form names and numbers are set by the court, so download the current official versions from NH Judicial Branch - Small Claims before you file.
❓ How much can you sue for in New Hampshire small claims court?
In New Hampshire you can claim up to $10,000. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file in a higher court instead.
❓ Where do I get official New Hampshire small claims forms?
From your state court — New Hampshire's judiciary publishes the official forms, and the Circuit Court, District Division (Small Claims) clerk can provide the current versions and tell you which ones your court requires. Court-issued forms are free; you only pay the filing fee.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in New Hampshire?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without an attorney, and New Hampshire is no exception. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
Generate Your New Hampshire Small Claims Forms
Answer a few plain-English questions and SmallClaimsHelper drafts your completed claim and a judge script for New Hampshire — ready to review and file for $19.
Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. New Hampshire small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.