New Hampshire Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy Courts in New Hampshire
If you live in New Hampshire and are considering filing for bankruptcy, your case will be handled in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire, located in Concord. This court covers the entire state and handles both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases filed by individuals and families.
All bankruptcy cases in New Hampshire follow federal bankruptcy law, with appellate review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which also covers Maine, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island. Because the court also has its own local rules and procedures, it’s best to consult a bankruptcy attorney who can make sure your paperwork is properly filed and your property protected under the available exemptions.
Where You File Depends on Where You Live
The District of New Hampshire covers the entire state. All bankruptcy cases—whether Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13—are filed and administered through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Concord.
Although the court’s primary location is in Concord, hearings may be held virtually or in person, depending on the case type and the filer’s location.
Counties Served
Belknap • Carroll • Cheshire • Coös • Grafton • Hillsborough • Merrimack • Rockingham • Strafford • Sullivan
A bankruptcy attorney can confirm the correct filing procedures and ensure that your case complies with all local rules and deadlines.
Bankruptcy Filing Trends in New Hampshire
The District of New Hampshire handles several thousand bankruptcy filings each year. Most are Chapter 7 cases, used by individuals to eliminate unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills. Chapter 13 repayment plans are also common, especially among homeowners seeking to prevent foreclosure or catch up on missed payments.
The majority of filings originate in the southern counties near Concord, Manchester, and Nashua, but the court serves debtors statewide, including those in rural and coastal areas.
New Hampshire Exemptions — What You Can Keep
Bankruptcy doesn’t mean losing everything you own. Exemption laws protect property that you need to live and work, such as your home, car, household goods, and retirement funds. Exempt property is protected by law and cannot be taken or sold to pay creditors.
New Hampshire allows filers to choose between state and federal exemptions. A married couple filing jointly may each claim the full amount of every exemption in property they jointly own. Choosing to use state or federal exemptions depends on your circumstances, so speaking with an attorney can help you decide which option provides greater protection.
Common State Exemptions
| Type of Property | Amount You Can Protect (Individual / Joint) |
|---|---|
| Homestead (primary residence) | $400,000 / $550,000 |
| Household furniture and appliances | $3,500 / $7,000 |
| Fuel and provisions | $400 / $800 |
| Books and library materials | $800 / $1,600 |
| Motor vehicle (one) | $10,000 / $20,000 |
| Jewelry | $500 / $1,000 |
| Tools of trade | $5,000 / $10,000 |
| Wildcard (any property) | $1,000 plus up to $7,000 of unused allowances |
| Retirement accounts | 100 % |
| Insurance proceeds for exempt property | $5,000 / $10,000 |
| Wages | Up to 50× the federal minimum hourly wage per week |
| Public assistance, unemployment, workers’ comp | 100 % |
Federal Bankruptcy Exemption Option
Filers in New Hampshire may alternatively use the federal exemptions found in the Bankruptcy Code.
| Type of Property | Amount You Can Protect (Individual / Joint) |
|---|---|
| Home equity | $31,575 / $63,150 |
| Motor vehicle | $5,025 / $10,050 |
| Household goods and furnishings ($800 per item limit) | $16,850 / $33,700 |
| Jewelry | $2,125 / $4,250 |
| Wildcard (any property) | $1,675 + unused homestead (up to $15,800) |
| Tools of trade | $3,175 / $6,350 |
| Personal-injury compensation | $31,575 / $63,150 |
| Retirement accounts and pensions | 100 % |
Because exemption values and categories differ between state and federal exemptions, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help evaluate which option provides better protection for your home, vehicle, and savings.
Steps and Local Requirements
Credit counseling. Before filing, you must complete a credit counselling course from an approved provider. A second debtor education course is required before discharge.
Means test. To qualify for Chapter 7, your income must be below New Hampshire’s median or pass a means-test calculation comparing income and expenses.
Filing fees. The filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. If you can’t pay all at once, you can request to pay in installments or apply for a waiver.
Meeting of creditors. About a month after filing, you’ll attend a short “341 meeting.” It isn’t held before a judge; a trustee will confirm your identity and review your documents.
In New Hampshire, meetings are typically held virtually or in person at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Concord, depending on where you live.
Local rules and forms. The court’s website lists all current local rules and required forms. Following them carefully helps your case move forward smoothly.
What This Means for You
Filing for bankruptcy in New Hampshire can provide immediate relief from lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosures. Most filers keep their homes, vehicles, and personal property.
Because New Hampshire allows a choice between federal and state exemptions, it’s important to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing. An attorney can help you:
- Decide between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13;
- Choose exemptions that best protect your property;
- Complete credit-counseling and education requirements; and
- File all documents correctly and meet local deadlines.
With the right guidance, bankruptcy can give you a fresh financial start and a foundation for long-term stability.
