Small claims court in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
In Hillsborough County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by more than one court: 6 district divisions in this county. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 855-212-1234 (NH Circuit Court, 9th Circuit – District Division – Manchester) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Hillsborough County
NH Circuit Court, 9th Circuit – District Division – Manchester
Address: 35 Amherst Street, Manchester, NH 03101 · Map
Phone: 855-212-1234
Online filing: available, per the court
6 district divisions in this county; each serves listed towns, so check the court page for which one covers the defendant's town.
All 6 small claims courts in Hillsborough County:
- NH Circuit Court, 9th Circuit – District Division – Manchester
- Nashua (30 Spring Street, Suite 101, Nashua, NH 03060)
- Goffstown (329 Mast Road, Goffstown, NH 03045)
- Hillsborough (15 Antrim Road, Hillsborough, NH 03244)
- Merrimack (4 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, NH 03054)
- Milford (4 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, NH 03055)
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File in the district division where you or the defendant lives. If the defendant is out of state, file where they do business, made a contract with a resident, caused the harm, or own property.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all New Hampshire counties.
How to file in Hillsborough County
Ask for payment in writing
New Hampshire doesn't require a demand before you file, but the court encourages you to ask for payment and try to settle first. Make a free demand letter.
Fill out the claim form
Small Claim Complaint, completed online through the court's e-filing system.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$90 for claims up to $5,000 and $145 for claims over $5,000, plus any online processing fee. The court mails the papers to the defendant, so there's usually no separate service fee. Fee waiver: Motion to waive filing fee (granted only in extraordinary circumstances).
Have the papers served
The court mails the complaint to the defendant by first-class mail. If it comes back, you must give a new address or arrange service by the sheriff; out-of-state defendants are served through the Secretary of State.
Go to the hearing
If the defendant asks for a hearing, the court sets a pretrial hearing (and mediation for claims over $5,000), then a trial. Timing depends on each court's backlog. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full New Hampshire filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County has more than one small claims court (6 district divisions in this county). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the NH Circuit Court, 9th Circuit – District Division – Manchester, 35 Amherst Street, Manchester, NH 03101. Phone: 855-212-1234. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.courts.nh.gov/your-visit/find-court
How much can I sue for in Hillsborough County small claims court?
Up to $10,000. You can sue for up to $10,000. If you ask for more, you give up the extra. The limit has been $10,000 since July 1, 2015. Claims over $5,000 must go to mediation first.
How much does it cost to file in Hillsborough County?
$90 for claims up to $5,000 and $145 for claims over $5,000, plus any online processing fee. The court mails the papers to the defendant, so there's usually no separate service fee. Fee waiver: Motion to waive filing fee (granted only in extraordinary circumstances).
Can I file a small claim online in Hillsborough County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.