How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
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Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Hampshire can give you a fresh start by erasing many common debts, and it’s possible to do it without hiring a lawyer if your case is simple. This guide walks you through each step — from gathering documents and taking required courses to completing forms, paying (or waiving) the filing fee, and submitting everything to the court. Along the way, you’ll learn about exemptions that help you keep important property, low-cost resources if you need extra help, and how Upsolve’s free tool can make the process easier.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated October 8, 2025
Table of Contents
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
If you're feeling overwhelmed by debt and unsure where to turn, you're not alone. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Hampshire can help you get a fresh start by wiping out many kinds of debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans.
Many people think they need a lawyer to file, but that’s not always the case. If your situation is straightforward, you may be able to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own and avoid paying thousands in legal fees.
This step-by-step guide explains how to do it — from gathering your documents and taking required courses to filling out the forms and submitting them to the court.
✨ If you want to get started right away, you can take Upsolve’s quick screener to see if you qualify to use our free filing tool. It only takes a few minutes.
- Collect Your New Hampshire Bankruptcy Documents
- Take a Credit Counseling Course
- Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
- Get Your Filing Fee
- Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
- File Your Forms With the New Hampshire Bankruptcy Court
- Mail Documents to Your Trustee
- Take a Debtor Education Course
- Attend Your 341 Meeting
- Deal With Your Car
Collect Your New Hampshire Bankruptcy Documents
To get started, you’ll need to gather some important documents. Some are required, and others just make it easier to fill out your forms.
✅ Start with the documents you’ll need to submit to the court or your trustee:
Your two most recent federal tax returns
Pay stubs from the past six months
Bank statements for all accounts, including one that shows your balance on the day you file
📂 Next, collect a few documents that can help you report your debts and expenses more accurately:
Credit card and loan statements
Letters or notices from collection agencies
6–12 months of bank statements
A recent credit report
📄 You can get a free credit report every week from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, your credit report will be pulled for you automatically.
Take a Credit Counseling Course
Before you can file your bankruptcy case, you’ll need to take a credit counseling course. This course helps you explore all your debt relief options. It’s usually quick and straightforward and is one of the first steps toward getting a fresh start.
💡Here’s what to know:
You must take the course within 180 days before filing.
You can take it online, over the phone, or sometimes in person, but it must be from an approved provider.
The cost is usually $10–$50, but you may qualify for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it.
⚠️ Once you complete the course, you’ll get a certificate. You must file this certificate with your bankruptcy paperwork. If you don’t, your case may be dismissed.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
To start your Chapter 7 case, you’ll need to fill out a set of bankruptcy forms. These are federal forms, so they’re the same in every state, including New Hampshire. You can download them for free as fillable PDFs from USCourts.gov, along with a detailed instruction manual.
👉 Some courts may also require local forms. You’ll find more information in the New Hampshire Districts & Filing Requirements section.
💻 If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, you won’t need to fill out the forms by hand. Instead, you’ll answer a step-by-step questionnaire, and the software will populate your forms for you. This can save time and reduce stress.
Get Your Filing Fee
The fee to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $338. That can feel like a lot when money is already tight, but you do have options.
Many low-income filers qualify for a fee waiver. If you're using Upsolve’s filing tool, the software will help you fill out the waiver form as part of your paperwork. You’ll just need to turn it in when you file your case.
📆 If you don’t qualify for a waiver, you can ask the court for a payment plan instead. This lets you split the fee into smaller monthly payments. It’s a helpful option if you need to file quickly to stop something like a wage garnishment. Once you file your case, the automatic stay kicks in and temporarily stops most collection efforts.
❗Just know that if you miss a payment or fall behind, the court could dismiss your case — and your debts wouldn’t be erased.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
After you finish filling out your forms, you’ll need to print them and submit a signed paper copy to the court by mail or in person. This is what officially starts your case. Many filers also print a second copy to keep for their own records.
🖨️ Follow these best practices when printing your forms:
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 and sign everywhere a signature is required.
🗂️ If you’re using Upsolve’s filing tool, you’ll get a ready-to-print packet with everything you need. The packet includes helpful dividers and clearly marks where to sign, so nothing gets overlooked.
File Your Forms With the New Hampshire Bankruptcy Court
Now you’re ready to file your forms with the court. You’ll need to deliver your signed forms to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Concord. You can file your forms by mail or by going to the court in person, either during regular business hours or by using the court’s dropbox.
🗣️ Many people prefer to file in person if they can. It’s a chance to hand everything over directly and ask quick questions if anything feels confusing. The court staff can also let you know if something’s missing so you don’t run into surprises later.
📬 You can also file your forms via mail. Just know it may take longer for the court to receive and process your forms. It’s a good idea to use certified mail so you get confirmation of when the forms are received.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file your case, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to manage it. The trustee isn’t a judge. They’re a neutral person who reviews your forms, checks your documents, and leads your 341 meeting.
💡 The 341 meeting is a short meeting where you’ll answer a few simple questions about your case.
📌 After you file, you’ll get an official notice from the court with your trustee’s name, contact information, and the date and time of your 341 meeting.
📄 Before the meeting, your trustee needs some documents to confirm the information in your bankruptcy forms. Unless your trustee gives you different instructions, it’s best to send these at least 14 days before your 341 meeting:
A copy of your most recent federal tax return (or a note explaining why you don’t have one)
A bank statement for each account you had on the day you filed
A clear copy of your government-issued photo ID
Proof of your Social Security number (like your Social Security card, a W-2, or a pay stub with your full SSN)
Copies of all pay stubs (or other proof of income) you received in the 60 days before you filed
Your trustee may also send you a letter asking for other documents or details. The sooner you send what’s needed, the smoother things tend to go from there.
Take a Debtor Education Course
After you file your case, you’ll need to complete a second course called debtor education (also known as a financial management course). This course helps you learn the skills to manage your money after bankruptcy and make the most of your fresh start.
🕒 Here’s what to know:
You must take the course within 60 days of your 341 meeting, but many people choose to take it beforehand just to get it out of the way.
You must use a court-approved provider.
The course takes about an hour and costs $10–$50, unless you get a fee waiver.
After finishing, you’ll need to file your certificate with the court.
Everyone who files Chapter 7 needs to take this course and file the certificate with the court. If you don’t, the court won’t issue your discharge. That’s 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 with your bankruptcy trustee. This is called the 341 meeting, or meeting of creditors. The name may sound intimidating, but the meeting is usually quick, straightforward, and stress-free.
📌 Most 341 meetings are held on Zoom. Your court notice will include the date, time, and login instructions, so keep an eye out for that after you file.
🔎 At the meeting, the trustee will place you under oath and ask a few basic questions to confirm your identity and make sure the information in your forms is accurate. Creditors are allowed to join, but in most cases, they don’t.
📄 It’s helpful to have these nearby during the meeting:
A copy of your bankruptcy forms
Any documents you already sent to your trustee (like your tax return or most recent pay stub)
The case notice you received from the court
🎉 Many people feel nervous going in, but 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. In most cases, you’ll receive your discharge within 2–3 months.
Deal With Your Car
Many people worry they’ll lose their car if they file bankruptcy, but that usually doesn’t happen. Most filers keep their cars, and you have a few options to do so.
🚗 If you own your car, you can usually keep it if it’s worth less than the New Hampshire motor vehicle exemption, which protects up to $10,000 in equity.
💡 Equity is the value of your car today minus what you owe. If you own the car outright, equity is equal to the car’s current fair market value.
Exemptions are legal protections that let you keep certain property when you file bankruptcy. We’ll go into more detail about them in the New Hampshire Exemptions section later in this guide.
💵 If you have a car loan, you have a few options:
If the loan payment works for your budget, you’re up to date on payments, and you want to keep the car, you can sign a reaffirmation agreement with your lender. Both the lender and the judge must approve the agreement.
If you owe a lot more than the car is worth, but you still want to keep the car, you can try to redeem it by paying its current value in one lump sum. The lender must agree to this.
If the car no longer makes sense for your budget or situation, you can surrender it and wipe out the loan balance in your bankruptcy.
📄 If you’re leasing a car and you’re current on your payments, you may be able to keep the lease by continuing to pay each month. Leases work a little differently than loans, so it can help to read Upsolve’s Guide to Leases in Bankruptcy to learn more.
New Hampshire Bankruptcy Means Test
Before you can file Chapter 7, you’ll need to take something called the means test. It helps the court decide if you can afford to pay back your debts or if you qualify for a fresh start. This test makes sure that Chapter 7 relief goes to the people who truly need it.
✅ Step 1 compares your household income to the median income of a similar household size in New Hampshire. 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 takes a closer look at your day-to-day expenses to see what’s left over each month. This part can get a little tricky, so it may help to talk with a lawyer to better understand your options and whether you still qualify.
Upsolve can connect you with a local attorney for a free consultation.
Data on Median Income Levels for New Hampshire
New Hampshire Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
1 | $7,279.67 | $87,356.00 |
2 | $8,460.08 | $101,521.00 |
3 | $11,526.67 | $138,320.00 |
4 | $12,576.08 | $150,913.00 |
5 | $13,501.08 | $162,013.00 |
6 | $14,426.08 | $173,113.00 |
7 | $15,351.08 | $184,213.00 |
8 | $16,276.08 | $195,313.00 |
9 | $17,201.08 | $206,413.00 |
10 | $18,126.08 | $217,513.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2025Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
---|---|---|
Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
1 | $1,255.00 | $1,882.50 |
2 | $1,703.33 | $2,555.00 |
3 | $2,151.67 | $3,227.50 |
4 | $2,600.00 | $3,900.00 |
5 | $3,048.33 | $4,572.50 |
6 | $3,496.67 | $5,245.00 |
7 | $3,945.00 | $5,917.50 |
8 | $4,393.33 | $6,590.00 |
9 | $4,841.67 | $7,262.50 |
10 | $5,290.00 | $7,935.00 |
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 to walk you through the process.
Everyone filing in New Hampshire must submit their paperwork to the federal courthouse in Concord, either in person or by mail.
📍Address for in-person filings: | 📬 Address for mailed filings: |
---|---|
Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse 55 Pleasant Street, Room 200 Concord, NH 03301 | 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. Just follow the court’s instructions, make sure your paperwork is date and time stamped, and include your filing fee if needed.
Local Forms
📄 New Hampshire mostly uses the standard federal bankruptcy forms, but there are a couple of local requirements to know about.
One is the Creditor Mailing List, also called a creditor matrix. This is a separate document that lists the names and mailing addresses of everyone you owe money to. The court uses it to send important notices about your case, so the format needs to follow certain rules.
👉 You’ll also need to submit a Verification of Creditor Mailing List form. This tells the court that your list is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Filing Fee
💰 In New Hampshire, you can pay the filing fee with a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. If you’re filing in person, you can also pay in cash — just be sure to 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 the court for permission to pay in installments. If your request is approved, your first payment — at least one-quarter of the total fee— is due within two weeks of filing.
Upsolve Member Experiences
4,720+ Members OnlineNew Hampshire Bankruptcy Exemptions
When you file for bankruptcy, exemptions help you keep the things you need to move forward. These laws protect everyday property, like your home, car, clothing, or furniture, so you can get relief from your debts without losing everything.
If you live in New Hampshire, you can choose to use either the state exemptions or the 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 you’re married and both are 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 bankruptcy. 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, according to Ascend data. 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.
Most bankruptcy lawyers offer a free consultation so you can ask questions, understand how they’d work for you, and compare costs.
New Hampshire Legal Aid Organizations
Legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people who can’t afford to hire a lawyer. If you’d prefer not to handle your bankruptcy case alone, these groups may be able to help.