New Hampshire Laws

This page summarizes ten New Hampshire laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

New Hampshire Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In New Hampshire, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

New Hampshire Comparative Negligence Laws

New Hampshire follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

New Hampshire Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in New Hampshire is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

New Hampshire Final Paycheck Laws

In New Hampshire, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: within 72 hours. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday, or within 72 hours if one pay period's notice was given. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

New Hampshire Small Claims Court Limits

In New Hampshire, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the Circuit Court (small claims). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

New Hampshire Security Deposit Laws

New Hampshire security deposit limit: 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

New Hampshire Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in New Hampshire, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 7 days' notice to pay or move. A tenant can stop the eviction by paying all rent and costs, up to three times in 12 months. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

New Hampshire Small Estate Affidavit

New Hampshire small estate limit: no affidavit; the probate court can waive full administration in small estates. Waiting period after death: not applicable. Real estate: through court administration. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does New Hampshire Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Only in limited situations. New Hampshire does not recognize common law marriage while both partners are alive, but a surviving partner may be treated as a spouse for inheritance if the couple cohabited and held themselves out as married for at least 3 years before a death.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

New Hampshire Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in New Hampshire: no minimum if both spouses are domiciled in New Hampshire (or the respondent is served there); otherwise 1 year of domicile. Waiting period: none. You must still be able to show domicile, for example with a driver's license, voter registration or lease.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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