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Bankruptcy in New Hampshire: Exemptions and Filing Guide

State-specific bankruptcy exemptions and filing information for New Hampshire. These exemptions determine what property you can keep when filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Homestead exemption: $120,000.
  • Vehicle exemption: $4,000.
  • Federal exemptions available — you can choose state or federal.
  • Attorney fees: $1,200–$2,000 (Ch. 7) / $3,000–$4,500 (Ch. 13) typical.
$120,000 Homestead exemption
$4,000 Vehicle exemption
Yes Federal option
$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13) Filing fee

New Hampshire Bankruptcy Exemptions

  • Homestead$120,000
  • Vehicle$4,000
  • Personal property$3,500 household goods; $1,000 jewelry
  • Wildcard$1,000 plus $7,000 unused homestead
  • Federal exemptionsAvailable (can choose)

Means Test: New Hampshire Median Income

To qualify for Chapter 7 in New Hampshire, your income must be below the state median or you must pass the means test showing no disposable income for creditors.

  • 1 person$68,400
  • 2 people$84,800
  • 3 people$97,600
  • 4 people$114,600

Filing Costs

  • Court filing fee$338 (Chapter 7) / $313 (Chapter 13)
  • Typical attorney fee$1,200–$2,000 (Ch. 7) / $3,000–$4,500 (Ch. 13)
  • Court districtsDistrict of New Hampshire

New Hampshire bankruptcy court

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is New Hampshire's homestead exemption?

    New Hampshire provides a $120,000 homestead exemption for your primary residence.

  • Can I choose federal exemptions in New Hampshire?

    Yes. New Hampshire allows debtors to choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions.

  • Does New Hampshire have a wildcard exemption?

    Yes. New Hampshire provides a $1,000 wildcard plus up to $7,000 of unused homestead exemption to protect other property.

  • Is New Hampshire a debtor-friendly state?

    Moderately. The $120,000 homestead and ability to choose federal exemptions give filers flexibility, though the exemptions are not as generous as some Western states.

Legal Disclaimer: FreeNetLaw provides general legal information, not legal advice. The information on this site is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify information with official sources and consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.

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