How To File Bankruptcy for Free in New Hampshire
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If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many New Hampshirites file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in New Hampshire.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated April 29, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in New Hampshire
If you're feeling overwhelmed by bills, collection calls, or the stress of making ends meet, you're not alone. Many people turn to bankruptcy when they've tried everything else and still can't get ahead. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: See If You Qualify
Chapter 7 has income limits, but most people who need it meet them. You'll answer a few questions about your household size and income. If you use Upsolve's free tool, it just takes two minutes to see if you qualify.
If your income is below New Hampshire’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
New Hampshire Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
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Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you file, you'll need to pull together a few key documents. One of those is a certificate from a short credit counseling course, which you'll complete online. It takes 1–2 hours and costs $10–$50 (fee waivers available).
See the full document checklist →
Step 3: Complete Your Forms and File
The forms you'll fill out are federal, so they're the same across the country. You can find them as free fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms, which we cover in the Local Forms/Requirements section later.
If you use Upsolve, your forms are generated for you based on your answers and organized so they’re ready to print and sign.
Everyone filing in New Hampshire must submit their paperwork to the federal courthouse in Concord, either in person or by mail.
📍 Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse 55 Pleasant Street, Room 200 Concord, NH 03301
How filing works with Upsolve →
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you can’t afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee when you file your paperwork.
People whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible. A bankruptcy judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
New Hampshire Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2026Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,330.00 | $1,995.00 |
| 2 | $1,803.33 | $2,705.00 |
| 3 | $2,276.67 | $3,415.00 |
| 4 | $2,750.00 | $4,125.00 |
| 5 | $3,223.33 | $4,835.00 |
| 6 | $3,696.67 | $5,545.00 |
| 7 | $4,170.00 | $6,255.00 |
| 8 | $4,643.33 | $6,965.00 |
| 9 | $5,116.67 | $7,675.00 |
| 10 | $5,590.00 | $8,385.00 |
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver, you’ll need to pay the full filing fee or an installment payment (if approved) when you file your forms.
💰 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 those filing without a lawyer.
Step 4: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you'll have a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee on Zoom. It typically takes about five minutes. The trustee will verify your identity and ask a few basic questions about your paperwork.
Upsolve can help you prep for your 341 meeting →
Step 5: Get Your Discharge
After your 341 meeting, you'll need to take one more short course — a debtor education course on budgeting and managing credit. Once that's done and any follow-up is resolved, the court erases your eligible debts. That's your fresh start, usually within 3–4 months of filing.
What debts does Chapter 7 discharge? →
Local Forms/Requirements for New Hampshire
New Hampshire uses the standard federal bankruptcy forms, but there are also 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.
👉 If you’re filing without a lawyer, the court offers a helpful Pro Se Debtor Guide to walk you through the process.
Free Legal Aid in New Hampshire
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — free and low-cost legal help is available across New Hampshire.
603 Legal Aid (603) 224-3333 93 North State Street Concord, NH 03301
