New Hampshire Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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New Hampshire Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

20 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
3 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
10%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

New Hampshire provides a very long 20-year judgment lien with a 10% post-judgment interest rate. However, the state has a short 3-year statute of limitations for contract claims, making early action essential. Wage garnishment is highly restricted in New Hampshire — creditors must rely primarily on bank levies and property liens.

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 3 years RSA 508:4
Open Account / Credit Card 3 years RSA 508:4
Oral Contract 3 years RSA 508:4
Promissory Note 6 years RSA 508:4
Judgment Lien 20 years RSA 524:6-a

New Hampshire’s 3-year SOL is among the shortest in New England. Creditors must act quickly after default to preserve their right to sue.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

New Hampshire post-judgment interest accrues at 10% per annum under RSA 336:1(II). Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in New Hampshire

Wage Garnishment limited
New Hampshire has extremely limited wage garnishment. Wages may only be garnished after a court hearing and with strict judicial oversight. Not available for most consumer debt judgments (RSA 512:21).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account attachments are available after judgment under RSA 511:2. The trustee process is used to seize funds held by financial institutions.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
A judgment attaches as a lien on all real property in New Hampshire after docketing in the superior court (RSA 524:6-a). Lien lasts 20 years.
Turnover Order yes
New Hampshire courts may issue supplemental orders requiring debtors to disclose and transfer non-exempt assets. Contempt available for non-compliance.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property (RSA 529:1).
Vehicle Levy yes
New Hampshire exempts one motor vehicle up to $10,000 in equity under RSA 511:2(I)(g). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $120,000 RSA 480:1
Motor Vehicle $10,000 equity RSA 511:2(I)(g)
Wages Highly restricted — see RSA 512:21 RSA 512:21
Personal Property $3,500 general RSA 511:2
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans RSA 511:2(IX)

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Official New Hampshire Resources

New Hampshire Courts – Case InformationCivil case records statewideNew Hampshire SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookupNew Hampshire Registry of DeedsReal property & lien filingsNew Hampshire Revised Statutes – LegislatureOfficial state code

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed New Hampshire attorney before taking collection action.