603 Legal Aid (Free Civil Legal Help in New Hampshire)
Last updated August 2026
Free civil legal help in New Hampshire runs through two groups that work together. 603 Legal Aid is the single intake point: it screens who applies, gives advice by phone, and makes referrals. New Hampshire Legal Assistance, or NHLA, provides the court representation. Both serve low-income Granite Staters with civil, noncriminal legal problems. To start, apply online anytime at 603legalaid.org, or call 1-800-639-5290 or 603-224-3333.
The intake call center has set hours. You can reach it Monday through Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:30pm. Have any court notices or deadlines in front of you when you call, since a fast-moving case like an eviction may need quick action.
The help covers the problems that can knock a family off balance. Main practice areas include housing, such as eviction, foreclosure, and property-tax deeding; family and domestic violence matters, such as protective orders, divorce, and parenting rights; and public benefits, such as disability, unemployment, and more. These are civil cases only, since legal aid does not handle criminal charges.
Who qualifies is based on income and assets. NHLA helps people with low income and limited assets, and it also helps older adults age 60 and over. You do not apply to NHLA directly. The single door is 603 Legal Aid, online or at 1-800-639-5290, which then connects you to the right help.
There is help even without a full application. Anyone can call Lawline for free legal information from volunteer lawyers at 1-800-868-1212, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on the second Wednesday of every month. Low-income residents can also use NH Free Legal Answers online for confidential written advice. Language help is available too, since 603 Legal Aid's intake staff speak Spanish, French, and Portuguese and can connect you with translators for other languages, including sign language.
If you earn a little too much to qualify for free help, you still have options. 603 Legal Aid can refer you to the New Hampshire Bar Association's Modest Means Legal Program at 603-715-3290 for lower-cost help, or to the Lawyer Referral Service at 603-229-0002. If a landlord or utility crisis is behind the legal problem, dial 2-1-1 for local funds that may clear the balance.
Phone 1-800-639-5290
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income New Hampshire residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; income guidelines apply and each situation is screened at intake
- Call during intake hours, 9am to 12:30pm Monday through Wednesday, and have any court notices or deadlines in front of you
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online anytime at 603legalaid.org, or call 1-800-639-5290 or 603-224-3333.
- 2
Reach the call center Monday through Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:30pm.
- 3
Have any court notices, deadlines, and papers in front of you.
- 4
Ask about Lawline at 1-800-868-1212 for quick questions on the second Wednesday, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
- 5
If you earn too much for free help, ask for the Modest Means Program at 603-715-3290.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in New Hampshire?
Apply online at 603legalaid.org or call the single intake line at 1-800-639-5290, open Monday through Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:30pm. It connects you to NHLA for representation.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Civil, noncriminal problems: housing and eviction, family and domestic violence, and public benefits like disability and unemployment. They do not handle criminal cases.
Do they help older adults?
Yes. NHLA helps people with low income and limited assets, and it also serves older adults age 60 and over.
What if I earn a little too much to qualify?
603 Legal Aid can refer you to the Modest Means Legal Program at 603-715-3290 or the Lawyer Referral Service at 603-229-0002 for lower-cost help.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all New Hampshire programs →Free · Private · No account needed