New Hampshire Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in New Hampshire — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official New Hampshire government websites.
How New Hampshire ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in New Hampshire before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $100 in state filing fees , with a $100 annual report due each year after. If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $10,000 — and filing costs between $45 and $95. Divorce filing in New Hampshire starts at $260, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official New Hampshire government and court websites and updated for 2026.
LLC Formation Costs in New Hampshire
Full details →Forming an LLC in New Hampshire requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $100 state fee. After formation, New Hampshire LLCs must file an annual report and pay $100 each year to stay in good standing. Your estimated first-year total including filing is $100+.
New Hampshire has no income tax but does tax interest and dividends.
No sales tax and no income tax — very favorable for online businesses.
Small Claims Court in New Hampshire
Full details →New Hampshire's small claims court — the District Court — handles disputes up to $10,000 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $45 and $95 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 3 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
New Hampshire offers a pre-trial mediation option that's free of charge.
Divorce Filing Costs in New Hampshire
Full details →Filing for an uncontested divorce in New Hampshire starts at $260 in court filing fees. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $50. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
New Hampshire has uniform statewide fees. The Family Division of the Circuit Court handles all divorce cases at the same fee schedule.
Notary Fees in New Hampshire
Full details →New Hampshire caps notary fees by law. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is $10 per signature. Jurat notarizations (sworn statements) cost up to $10. Remote online notarization (RON) is permitted in New Hampshire and costs up to $25 per act. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
$10 per act in-person; $25 for RON. State sets allowable travel fees.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in New Hampshire
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official New Hampshire filing costs.
How New Hampshire Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire ◀ | $100 | $260 | $10,000 | $10 |
| Vermont | $125 | $90 | $5,000 | No cap |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $200 | $7,000 | No cap |
| Maine | $175 | $120 | $6,000 | No cap |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states →
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