File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire: Step-by-Step Guide

Debt can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in this struggle.

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Hampshire can give you a fresh start. You can erase credit card debt, medical bills, and payday loans.

Many people think they need a lawyer. That’s not always true. If your situation is straightforward, you can file on your own. You’ll avoid paying thousands in legal fees.

This guide shows you how. We’ll walk through each step from start to finish.

Steps To File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in New Hampshire

Collect Your New Hampshire Bankruptcy Documents

You’ll need to gather important documents first. Some are required by the court. Others help you complete your forms accurately.

Start with documents you’ll submit to the court or trustee:

• Your two most recent federal tax returns
• Pay stubs from the past six months
• Bank statements for all accounts, including one showing your balance on filing day

Next, collect documents that help you report debts and expenses:

• Credit card and loan statements
• Letters or notices from collection agencies
• Six to 12 months of bank statements
• A recent credit report

You can get a free credit report every week from each major credit bureau. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to download yours today.

Take a Credit Counseling Course

Before you file, you must complete a credit counseling course. The course helps you explore all your debt relief options.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must take the course within 180 days before filing
• You can take it online, over the phone, or sometimes in person
• You must use a court-approved provider
• The cost is usually $10 to $50, but you may qualify for a fee waiver

After completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate. You must file this certificate with your bankruptcy paperwork. Without it, the court may dismiss your case.

Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

To start your Chapter 7 case, you’ll fill out bankruptcy forms. These are federal forms, so they’re the same in every state.

You can download them for free as fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov. The site includes a detailed instruction manual.

Some courts may also require local forms. You’ll find more information in the Districts & Filing Requirements section below.

Want to save time and reduce stress? Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to learn about your options.

Get Your Filing Fee

The fee to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338. That can feel like a lot when money is tight.

Many low-income filers qualify for a fee waiver. You’ll just need to turn in the waiver form when you file your case.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver, you can ask for a payment plan. The court lets you split the fee into smaller monthly payments.

Payment plans are helpful if you need to file quickly. Filing your case triggers the automatic stay. The stay temporarily stops most collection efforts, including wage garnishment.

If you miss a payment or fall behind, the court could dismiss your case. Your debts wouldn’t be erased.

Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

After you finish filling out your forms, print them. You’ll submit a signed paper copy to the court. Many filers also print a second copy for their records.

Follow these best practices when printing:

• Use standard white 8.5″ x 11″ paper
• Print everything single-sided
• Use black ink
• Don’t staple, bind, or hole-punch your pages

After printing, go through your forms. Sign everywhere a signature is required.

File Your Forms With the New Hampshire Bankruptcy Court

Now you’re ready to file your forms with the court. You’ll deliver your signed forms to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Concord.

You can file by mail or in person during regular business hours. You can also use the court’s dropbox.

Many people prefer to file in person if they can. It’s a chance to hand everything over directly. You can ask quick questions if anything feels confusing. The court staff can let you know if something’s missing.

You can also file via mail. Just know it may take longer to process. Use certified mail so you get confirmation of delivery.

Mail Documents to Your Trustee

After you file your case, the court assigns a bankruptcy trustee. The trustee reviews your forms, checks your documents, and leads your 341 meeting.

The 341 meeting is a short meeting where you answer questions about your case.

After you file, you’ll get an official notice from the court. It includes your trustee’s name, contact information, and meeting date.

Before the meeting, your trustee needs documents to confirm your information. Send these at least 14 days before your 341 meeting:

• A copy of your most recent federal tax return
• A bank statement for each account you had on filing day
• A clear copy of your government-issued photo ID
• Proof of your Social Security number
• Copies of all pay stubs from the 60 days before filing

Your trustee may send you a letter asking for other documents. Send what’s needed as soon as possible.

Take a Debtor Education Course

After you file your case, you must complete a debtor education course. This is also called a financial management course. It helps you learn money management skills.

Here’s what to know:

• You must take the course within 60 days of your 341 meeting
• You must use a court-approved provider
• The course takes about an hour and costs $10 to $50
• After finishing, you must file your certificate with the court

Everyone who files Chapter 7 needs to take this course. If you don’t, the court won’t issue your discharge. The discharge is the court order that officially wipes out your debts.

Attend Your 341 Meeting

About a month after you file, you’ll have a short video call. This is called the 341 meeting, or meeting of creditors. The name may sound intimidating, but the meeting is usually quick and straightforward.

Most 341 meetings are held on Zoom. Your court notice will include the date, time, and login instructions.

At the meeting, the trustee will place you under oath. They’ll ask a few basic questions to confirm your identity. They’ll make sure the information in your forms is accurate.

Creditors are allowed to join, but they rarely do.

Have these documents nearby during the meeting:

• A copy of your bankruptcy forms
• Any documents you sent to your trustee
• The case notice you received from the court

Many people feel nervous going in. Most are surprised by how simple it is. Once your 341 meeting is done and you’ve submitted your debtor education certificate, the hard part is behind you. You’ll receive your discharge within two to three months.

Deal With Your Car

Many people worry they’ll lose their car in bankruptcy. That usually doesn’t happen. Most filers keep their cars.

If you own your car outright, you can usually keep it. New Hampshire protects up to $10,000 in car equity. Equity is your car’s current value minus what you owe.

Exemptions are legal protections that let you keep certain property. We’ll explain more about them in the Exemptions section below.

If you have a car loan, you have a few options:

• If the loan payment works for your budget and you’re current on payments, you can sign a reaffirmation agreement. Both the lender and the judge must approve it.
• If you owe more than the car is worth but still want to keep it, you can try to redeem it. You’ll pay its current value in one lump sum. The lender must agree.
• If the car no longer makes sense for your budget, you can surrender it. The loan balance will be wiped out in your bankruptcy.

If you’re leasing a car and current on payments, you may keep the lease. Just continue making your monthly payments.

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Means Test

Before you can file Chapter 7, you’ll take the means test. It helps the court decide if you can afford to pay back debts. The test ensures Chapter 7 relief goes to people who truly need it.

Step 1 compares your household income to New Hampshire’s median income. If you’re below that line, you pass the test. Many people qualify at this step.

If your income is over the limit, Step 2 looks at your expenses. It calculates what’s left over each month. This part can get tricky. You may want to talk with a bankruptcy attorney to understand your options.

Data on Median Income Levels for New Hampshire

New Hampshire median income standards for means test for cases filed in 2025 vary by household size. The larger your household, the higher the income limit. Check current income limits on the court’s website or consult with an attorney.

Data on Poverty Levels for New Hampshire

You’re eligible for a fee waiver when your income is under 150% of the poverty level. Here are the 2025 monthly income limits:

• Household of 1: $1,882.50
• Household of 2: $2,555.00
• Household of 3: $3,227.50
• Household of 4: $3,900.00
• Household of 5: $4,572.50

New Hampshire Districts & Filing Requirements

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire covers the entire state. If you’re filing without a lawyer, the court offers a helpful Pro Se Debtor Guide.

Everyone filing in New Hampshire must submit paperwork to the federal courthouse in Concord. You can file in person or by mail.

Address for in-person filings:
Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse
55 Pleasant Street, Room 200
Concord, NH 03301

Address for mailed filings:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
District of New Hampshire
Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse
55 Pleasant Street, Room 200
Concord, NH 03301-3941

Can’t make it during business hours? The court has an after-hours dropbox at the south entrance of the Cleveland Building. Follow the court’s instructions, make sure your paperwork is date and time stamped, and include your filing fee.

Local Forms

New Hampshire mostly uses standard federal bankruptcy forms. There are a couple of local requirements to know about.

One is the Creditor Mailing List, also called a creditor matrix. This document lists the names and mailing addresses of everyone you owe money to. The court uses it to send important notices about your case.

You’ll also need to submit a Verification of Creditor Mailing List form. It tells the court your list is complete and accurate.

Filing Fee

In New Hampshire, you can pay the filing fee with a cashier’s check or money order. Make it out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you’re filing in person, you can also pay in cash. Bring exact change.

The court doesn’t accept personal checks or credit cards for pro se filings.

If you can’t afford to pay the full fee up front, you can ask for permission to pay in installments. Your first payment must be at least one-quarter of the total fee. It’s due within two weeks of filing.

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Exemptions

When you file for bankruptcy, exemptions help you keep the things you need. These laws protect everyday property, like your home, car, clothing, or furniture.

If you live in New Hampshire, you can choose state exemptions or federal bankruptcy exemptions. You’ll need to pick one set. You can’t mix and match.

Here’s how a few key exemptions compare:

Homestead:

• New Hampshire: Protects up to $120,000 of equity in your home ($240,000 if married and both on the deed)
• Federal: Protects up to $31,575 of equity ($63,150 for married couples filing jointly)

Motor vehicle:

• New Hampshire: Protects up to $10,000 of equity in one car
• Federal: Protects up to $5,025 of equity

Wildcard (anything you choose):

• New Hampshire: $1,000 plus up to $7,000 of any unused exemption value from certain categories
• Federal: $1,675 plus up to $15,800 of any unused homestead exemption

Household goods and furnishings:

• New Hampshire: Protects up to $3,500 worth of household items
• Federal: Protects up to $16,850, with a cap of $800 per item

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost

Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is often the biggest expense when filing Chapter 7. Attorneys commonly charge a flat fee for a typical case.

In New Hampshire, legal fees for Chapter 7 generally range from $900 to $2,500. Cost often depends on how complex your case is.

You don’t have to hire an attorney to file bankruptcy. But it can be especially helpful if you have a home, significant assets, tax issues, or other complicating factors.

If you’re unsure whether you need an attorney, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to discuss your situation.

New Hampshire Legal Aid Organizations

Legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people who can’t afford a lawyer. If you’d prefer not to handle your bankruptcy case alone, these groups may be able to help.

Contact your local legal aid office to see if you qualify for assistance. Many organizations have income requirements and prioritize cases based on need.