N.H. bankruptcies hit five-year low in Nov.

Fewer New Hampshire households filed for bankruptcy in November than any month in the last year – indeed, in nearly five years.

November bankruptcy filings dropped to a total of 271 households and businesses, down 43 filings, or 13.7, percent from October and 19.8 percent lower than November 2011.

In fact, it is the lowest number of bankruptcies filed in New Hampshire since December 2007.

The sharp drop came after a slight but insignificant increase in filings over the last two months, creating a plateau that gave credence to some who claimed that the recovery had stalled.

With one month left in 2012, there have been 3,654 filings, about 17 percent lower than last year's pace, when the total was 14 percent lower than the record set in 2010 – 5,500 filings.

Business bankruptcies also have declined over the last year or more. Three businesses filed for bankruptcy in November, compared to 11 in October and four in September.

• BoatFix Inc., Concord, filed Nov. 5, Chapter 7. Assets: $19,450. Liabilities: $273,987.

• NGS Dental PLLC, Lebanon, filed Nov. 16, Chapter 7, Assets: $10,619. Liabilities: $341,542.

• Northeast Interior Supply Inc., Londonderry, filed Nov. 23, Chapter 7, Assets and Liabilities: Less than $50,000.