In Strafford County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by the NH Circuit Court, 7th Circuit – District Division – Dover. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 25 St. Thomas Street, Dover, NH 03820 · Map
Phone: 855-212-1234
Online filing: available, per the court
2 district divisions in this county; each serves listed towns, so check the court page for which one covers the defendant's town. Others: Rochester (76 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867)
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File in the district division where you or the defendant lives. If the defendant is out of state, file where they do business, made a contract with a resident, caused the harm, or own property.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all New Hampshire counties.
New Hampshire doesn't require a demand before you file, but the court encourages you to ask for payment and try to settle first. Make a free demand letter.
Small Claim Complaint, completed online through the court's e-filing system Get the form.
$90 for claims up to $5,000 and $145 for claims over $5,000, plus any online processing fee. The court mails the papers to the defendant, so there's usually no separate service fee. Fee waiver: Motion to waive filing fee (granted only in extraordinary circumstances).
The court mails the complaint to the defendant by first-class mail. If it comes back, you must give a new address or arrange service by the sheriff; out-of-state defendants are served through the Secretary of State.
If the defendant asks for a hearing, the court sets a pretrial hearing (and mediation for claims over $5,000), then a trial. Timing depends on each court's backlog. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full New Hampshire filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Strafford County are filed with the NH Circuit Court, 7th Circuit – District Division – Dover, 25 St. Thomas Street, Dover, NH 03820. Phone: 855-212-1234.
Up to $10,000. You can sue for up to $10,000. If you ask for more, you give up the extra. The limit has been $10,000 since July 1, 2015. Claims over $5,000 must go to mediation first.
$90 for claims up to $5,000 and $145 for claims over $5,000, plus any online processing fee. The court mails the papers to the defendant, so there's usually no separate service fee.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.