Process serving · New Hampshire
How to serve small claims papers in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's Circuit Court - District Division (Small Claims) lists this method: The court mails notice of the claim to the defendant by first-class mail; if undeliverable, the plaintiff completes service as in other civil actions at plaintiff's expense (RSA 503:6; Rule 4.2). Because the court starts that step itself, you may not need a private server unless the court tells you service failed.
Here is how New Hampshire's small claims court says the papers reach the other side, and where a process server fits.
| Court | Circuit Court - District Division (Small Claims) |
|---|---|
| Service | The court mails notice of the claim to the defendant by first-class mail; if undeliverable, the plaintiff completes service as in other civil actions at plaintiff's expense (RSA 503:6; Rule 4.2). |
| Where the case is filed | RSA 503:3-a: in the town where the defendant or plaintiff resides; for nonresident defendants, where the defendant does business, made a contract, committed a tort, or holds property in the state (RSA 503:3-b). Small claims must be filed electronically (Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1); the court's e-filing system is used. |
| Small claims limit | $10,000. RSA 503:1 and Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1: small claims limit is $10,000 (excluding interest and costs); claiming more waives the excess. Mediation is mandatory for claims over $5,000 and voluntary at $5,000 or less. Defendant may request jury trial (transfer to superior court) when claim exceeds $1,500. |
| Filing fees | mediation surcharge added to entry fee, claims $5,000 or less (RSA 503:4, II): $5; mediation surcharge added to entry fee, claims over $5,000 (RSA 503:4, II): $60 |
| Who can file | A person or authorized attorney (RSA 503:3). Anyone filing for another individual or entity must file the Rule 1.3(D) statement and an authorization (power of attorney or board resolution); organizations may be represented by an officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee with written authorization (RSA 503:11). |
When we can help in New Hampshire
If the court lets you use a private server, send us the filed papers, the address and your deadline. A vetted local server makes the attempts and you get the proof of service on the court's form if it has one.
The full New Hampshire small claims page, with limits and fees, is here.
Alabama · all states · serving someone in another state
If you represent yourself, you are responsible for your documents: what they say, that they are complete and signed, which court they go to and that they are filed on time. We are not lawyers, we do not give legal advice or draft pleadings, and we cannot guarantee any legal outcome. We file, serve or pull exactly what you send.
Sources
Before you send
- Send the papers to serve as a PDF, with every page in order.
- Give the best address, a description or photo of the person, and the times they're usually home.
- Up to three attempts at different times of day are included.
- You get a notarized affidavit of service once service is made.
- Rules on who may serve papers vary by state. The desk confirms them for your state before assigning a server.
Prefer to talk?
Call the desk and we'll take the request by phone.
Questions
Who serves small claims papers in New Hampshire?
The court's guide says: The court mails notice of the claim to the defendant by first-class mail; if undeliverable, the plaintiff completes service as in other civil actions at plaintiff's expense (RSA 503:6; Rule 4.2).
What does a New Hampshire serve cost?
Outside New Jersey every serve is quoted per job, because local server rates and travel differ. We confirm the price before any work starts.
Can you tell me if service was done correctly?
No. The New Hampshire court decides whether service was proper. We send you the server's proof of service so you can file it.