Small claims court in New Hampshire

$10,000maximum claim in Circuit Court, District Division (small claims), as of 29 October 2026

The basics

Small claims limit: $10,000^1,2,3RSA 503:1, I
You can sue for up to $10,000 in New Hampshire small claims, not counting interest and costs. Claims over $5,000 must go to mediation.
Court: Circuit Court, District Division (small claims)^2,1RSA 503:1
Small claims cases are heard in the District Division of the Circuit Court.
Filing fee: Not yet confirmed
We have not confirmed this from an official source yet, so we do not show a figure.
Lawyers: Yes, not required^1,2RSA 503:2-a, 503:11
You may represent yourself or use a lawyer, who must file an appearance at least 7 days before the hearing. A business can send an officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee with written authorization.
Appeals: 30 days (to Supreme Court)¹RSA 503:10, II
You may appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court within 30 days of the notice of judgment date.

Deadlines to sue (statutes of limitations)

How long you usually have to file, counted from when the claim arose. Exceptions apply.

Written contract: 3 years⁴RSA 508:4, I
You generally have 3 years from the act or omission to sue, or from when you discovered or should have discovered the harm.
Oral contract: 3 years⁴RSA 508:4, I
You generally have 3 years from the act or omission to sue, or from when you discovered or should have discovered the harm.
Property damage: 3 years⁴RSA 508:4, I
You generally have 3 years from the act or omission to sue, or from when you discovered or should have discovered the harm.
Personal injury: 3 years⁴RSA 508:4, I
You generally have 3 years from the act or omission to sue, or from when you discovered or should have discovered the harm.

Small claims rules are set by state law and court rules, and fees are often set locally. Before you file, check the court's own page or call the clerk.

Sources

RSA Chapter 503, Small claims actions, New Hampshire General Courtofficial
Small Claims, Circuit Court District Division, New Hampshire Judicial Branchofficial
A Quick Guide to Small Claims Cases, New Hampshire Judicial Branch, 2023-03official
RSA 508:4, Personal actions, New Hampshire General Courtofficial

Checked 29 October 2026. "Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read and mark them here.