Last updated: July 14, 2026
Bottom line
If you need civil legal help in New Hampshire, start with 603 Legal Aid. You can use the legal aid application online at any time or call 1-800-639-5290 or (603) 224-3333. Current phone intake hours are Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
603 Legal Aid screens people for free civil legal advice, brief help, referrals, or possible representation. It does not handle criminal defense. New Hampshire Legal Assistance handles selected cases involving basic needs such as housing, public benefits, domestic violence, youth law, aging, and immigration. Most people should still begin with 603 Legal Aid so their problem can be screened and routed.
Court and appeal deadlines can be short. If you have a summons, eviction notice, protection-order hearing, custody paper, child support notice, or benefits decision, look for the deadline before making other calls. This article gives general information, not legal advice. ASMOM’s national legal guide offers more help paths.
Urgent legal help
Immediate danger: Call 911. If domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, or child abuse is involved, call New Hampshire’s 24-hour helpline at 1-866-644-3574. The state crisis network connects callers with free, confidential local support.
Protection-order help: The Domestic Violence Emergency (DOVE) Project may provide free legal help for qualifying protection-order cases. Call the same statewide helpline, 1-866-644-3574, or review the DOVE legal resources. Use a safer phone or device if someone may be watching your activity.
Court papers: Find the court name, case number, hearing date, and response deadline. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch Information Center can be reached at 1-855-212-1234. Use the court location finder to confirm where your case is being handled.
For safety and practical support together, ASMOM’s domestic violence guide and New Hampshire emergency help may be useful next steps.
Where to start
Choose the problem with the nearest deadline or greatest safety risk. One family may need legal aid, a court clerk, child support services, and housing help at the same time. These offices have different jobs.
I need a civil lawyer
Apply through 603 Legal Aid. State your county, the other party’s name, the type of case, and the closest deadline.
I need court forms
Use the Judicial Branch forms and self-help pages. A clerk may explain procedure but cannot choose your legal strategy.
I need lower-cost help
Ask the New Hampshire Bar Association about reduced-fee or full-fee referrals if free legal aid cannot take the case.
I need daily support
Call 211 for housing, food, utilities, transportation, child care, mental health, and other non-emergency services.
Quick legal help table
| Problem | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custody, parenting, divorce | 603 Legal Aid and Family Division | Ask about advice, forms, fee help, or representation. | Full representation is not available in every eligible case. |
| Domestic violence or stalking | Crisis advocate, DOVE, and court | Ask about safer filing, court support, and protection orders. | A court order is not a complete safety plan. |
| Eviction or unsafe housing | 603 Legal Aid and District Division | Ask about the hearing, response, repairs, or subsidy rules. | A legal-aid application does not stop court. |
| Child support | DHHS Child Support Services | Ask about establishing, enforcing, or reviewing support. | State staff do not act as either parent’s private lawyer. |
| Benefits denial | Agency notice and DHHS appeals | Ask how to request a hearing and prove it was filed. | The deadline on your notice controls. |
| Unemployment decision | NH Employment Security | Ask how to file a written appeal. | The usual appeal limit is 14 calendar days. |
Free civil legal aid
603 Legal Aid
603 Legal Aid is the main intake point for low-income people with non-criminal legal problems. Its current intake information says staff may give advice by phone, prepare a person to represent herself, refer the case to a volunteer lawyer, or provide representation when resources and case rules allow.
Online applications can be submitted at any time. Phone intake is available Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1-800-639-5290 or (603) 224-3333. Applying does not create an attorney-client relationship or promise that a lawyer will take the case.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance
New Hampshire Legal Assistance is a nonprofit law firm that represents and advises clients in selected civil cases affecting basic needs. Its current legal service areas include housing, public benefits, domestic violence, youth law, aging, and immigration. Applicants are normally screened through 603 Legal Aid.
Online and reduced-fee choices
Free Legal Answers lets eligible New Hampshire residents submit a civil legal question to a volunteer lawyer. It is not meant for emergencies, and an answer may not arrive before a court deadline.
The New Hampshire Bar Association lists a full-fee Lawyer Referral Service and a reduced-fee Modest Means Program. Its lawyer referral programs page says the full-fee service charges a nonrefundable $25 administrative fee. Modest Means applicants must meet financial and case rules and still pay the lawyer’s reduced fee.
Lead with the deadline
Start an intake call with the urgent fact: “My hearing is Thursday,” “I was served today,” or “My appeal must be filed this week.” Then explain the problem in a few clear sentences.
Court forms, fees, and language help
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch self-help center explains common procedures for people without lawyers. It warns that representing yourself carries risk. Use self-help information to understand the process, but ask a lawyer for advice about your facts when possible.
The main court forms page links to forms by division and case type. Family Division forms include divorce, parenting, domestic violence, guardianship, and related matters. District Division forms include landlord-tenant, small claims, stalking, and other civil matters.
If you cannot afford a filing fee, the court may allow you to pay less or file without prepaying the fee. The fee waiver page lists the form for each court and case type. A judge decides the request. Call the Information Center at 1-855-212-1234 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you are unsure which form applies.
Ask for an interpreter as early as possible if you need one. The court’s interpreter service explains that qualified court interpreters are independent and that a friend or family member should not interpret during the hearing.
Custody, parenting, divorce, and child support
New Hampshire family cases may involve parental rights and responsibilities, parenting time, divorce, guardianship, relocation, child support, or changes to an existing order. If a current order no longer fits your situation, do not simply stop following it. Ask what motion or petition is needed to request a change.
The Judicial Branch family court forms page organizes forms by case type. Court staff may explain where to file and what public forms exist. They cannot tell you what facts to write, whether to file, or what result a judge may reach.
The New Hampshire Bureau of Child Support Services can help locate a parent, establish parentage and support, collect and enforce support, and address medical support. The child support application page lists (603) 271-4427 for questions.
Child support staff work for the Department of Health and Human Services. They do not act as either parent’s personal attorney and do not decide custody or parenting time. Use ASMOM’s New Hampshire support guide to prepare records and questions.
Protection orders and family safety
New Hampshire courts have different protection paths for domestic violence, stalking, and some other civil conduct. The restraining-order guide explains where requests are filed and links to the proper court information. The right form depends on the relationship, conduct, and type of protection requested.
Talk with a crisis advocate when it is safe to do so. New Hampshire’s 12 crisis centers offer free and confidential help at any time through 1-866-644-3574. Advocates may help with safety planning, court support, shelter, and referrals, but they do not replace advice from a lawyer.
Tell legal aid or an advocate if children, weapons, stalking, strangulation, threats, shared housing, immigration concerns, or an existing parenting order are involved. Do not keep evidence where the other person can easily find it. Use ASMOM’s New Hampshire safety guide for local support.
Eviction, rent, and housing rights
Housing legal problems may include eviction, lockout, unsafe conditions, repairs, security deposits, discrimination, mobile homes, foreclosure, public housing, or Housing Choice Vouchers. Apply for legal aid as soon as you receive a notice or court paper.
The court’s landlord-tenant forms page includes eviction and related filings. Read the notice and hearing date carefully. Applying for rent help or legal aid does not cancel a hearing or extend a deadline.
Subsidized housing cases may have both court rules and program rules. Ask for advice before moving out, signing a repayment agreement, giving up a voucher, or missing a housing-authority hearing. ASMOM’s New Hampshire housing guide covers shelter, rent help, and affordable housing while a legal issue is pending.
Benefits and unemployment appeals
A SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, child care, or other DHHS notice should explain the decision and how to appeal. The DHHS appeals unit conducts hearings independently from the program office. Use the deadline and instructions on your own notice because time limits can differ by program and decision.
Keep proof that the appeal was sent. Save an upload confirmation, fax report, email, certified-mail receipt, or stamped copy. Ask whether benefits may continue while an appeal is pending and whether a separate request is required.
Unemployment appeals have a short, specific rule. New Hampshire Employment Security says an appeal normally must be filed in writing within 14 calendar days of the date the determination was issued. The unemployment appeal page provides online and paper options. An appeal cannot be made by telephone.
Use ASMOM’s benefits problem guide to organize the notice, deadline, missing documents, and call record.
Disability, work, consumer, and local welfare issues
Disability Rights Center–New Hampshire is the state’s independent protection and advocacy organization. Its disability legal intake may provide information, referral, advice, advocacy, or representation for disability-related issues. Case acceptance depends on its priorities and resources. ASMOM’s disability help guide lists related benefit and service paths.
For pregnancy discrimination, workplace accommodations, unpaid wages, or job loss, save schedules, pay records, messages, handbook pages, medical notes, and termination papers. The workplace rights guide can help you identify the agency that handles the issue.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice accepts written complaints about scams and unfair or deceptive business practices. Its consumer complaint page explains what records to include. The Consumer Protection Bureau may review or help resolve a complaint, but it cannot be your private lawyer.
New Hampshire towns and cities also have local welfare duties for qualifying residents who cannot meet basic needs. The local welfare guide explains that a person may apply even if she works or recently moved. Contact legal aid if an office refuses to take an application or gives a written denial you do not understand.
Documents to gather
Do not delay an urgent call because your file is incomplete. Gather what you can and ask what may be submitted later. Keep a copy of every document you give to a court, lawyer, or agency.
| Document | Why it helps | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Court papers | Shows the case and deadlines | Summons, petition, order, hearing notice |
| Income records | Supports legal-aid and fee screening | Pay stubs, benefit letters, tax records |
| Family records | Helps with parenting and support | Birth records, prior orders, school papers |
| Housing records | Helps with eviction or repairs | Lease, ledger, receipts, notices, photos |
| Benefit decisions | Shows appeal rights | DHHS or unemployment notices |
| Safety evidence | May support a protection request | Messages, reports, photos, witness names |
| Contact log | Shows what you already did | Names, dates, case numbers, receipts |
ASMOM’s documents checklist gives a longer list for benefits and emergency applications.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing a hearing. A legal-aid application or benefits appeal does not cancel a court date.
- Waiting for perfect papers. Contact help before the deadline, then ask what is still needed.
- Using the wrong form. Check the court division and case type before filing.
- Assuming agency staff are your lawyer. Child support, benefits, and court staff have limited roles.
- Posting case details online. Messages and social posts may later be used as evidence.
- Using an unsafe device. Contact a crisis advocate when another person may monitor your phone.
If help is denied or delayed
If 603 Legal Aid cannot accept the case, ask whether brief advice, a form review, a clinic, Free Legal Answers, or a lawyer referral is available. Ask whether you may apply again if a hearing is scheduled or new papers arrive.
If an agency denies or closes benefits, request the full written decision and follow its appeal instructions. If the court rejects a filing, ask the clerk what procedural problem must be fixed. The clerk cannot tell you how to argue the case.
For daily needs while the legal problem continues, call 211 New Hampshire or 1-866-444-4211. The service is open 24 hours and connects residents with housing, food, utilities, health care, child care, and other non-emergency help.
ASMOM’s New Hampshire community help, New Hampshire child care, and transportation help guide may reduce practical barriers to court and appointments.
Phone scripts
Calling 603 Legal Aid
“Hello, I live in _____ County and need help with a civil legal problem. The issue is _____. My hearing or deadline is _____. Can you screen me for advice, a referral, or representation, and tell me what papers to send?”
Calling the court
“Hello, my case number is _____. Please confirm the hearing date, court location, and public forms for this case. I also need to know how to request a lower filing fee or an interpreter.”
Calling child support
“Hello, I need help with child support. I want to ask about opening a case, enforcement, parentage, medical support, or a review. Which application or office handles my situation?”
Calling about an appeal
“Hello, I received a decision dated _____. I disagree with it and want to appeal. What is the filing deadline, where must I send the request, and how can I prove it was received?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda legal civil en New Hampshire, solicite ayuda con 603 Legal Aid por internet o llame al 1-800-639-5290 o al (603) 224-3333. Las llamadas de admisión se reciben de lunes a miércoles, de 9:00 a.m. a 12:30 p.m. La ayuda y la representación no están garantizadas.
Si recibió papeles de la corte, busque el número del caso, la fecha de audiencia y cualquier fecha límite. Si hay violencia, abuso, acoso o peligro, llame al 911 en una emergencia o a la línea estatal de ayuda al 1-866-644-3574. Use un teléfono más seguro si alguien puede estar vigilando su dispositivo.
Guarde copias de órdenes, avisos, pruebas de ingresos, registros de renta, decisiones de beneficios y comprobantes de envío. Esta guía es información general y no reemplaza el consejo de un abogado autorizado.
FAQs about New Hampshire legal help
Can single mothers get a free lawyer in New Hampshire?
Some may qualify for free civil legal help through 603 Legal Aid. Help depends on income, case type, conflicts, deadlines, facts, and available staff.
When can I call 603 Legal Aid?
Current phone intake hours are Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Online applications can be submitted at any time.
Where do I get New Hampshire court forms?
Use the New Hampshire Judicial Branch forms page and select the correct court division and case type. The court Information Center can also help locate forms.
Can child support staff handle custody?
No. Child Support Services handles parentage and financial or medical support. It does not decide parenting time or act as either parent’s private lawyer.
How long do I have to appeal unemployment?
New Hampshire Employment Security says the usual deadline is 14 calendar days from the date the determination was issued. The appeal must be in writing.
What if legal aid cannot take my case?
Ask about brief advice, Free Legal Answers, court self-help, a clinic, the Bar’s Modest Means Program, or a lawyer who handles only part of the case.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 14, 2026, next review October 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.