Free Legal Aid in New Hampshire(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
New Hampshire's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through New Hampshire Legal Assistance and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in New Hampshire through New Hampshire Legal Assistance (call 1-800-639-5290) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income New Hampshire residents covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. The New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
New Hampshire Legal Aid Organization
New Hampshire Legal Assistance
Website: nhla.org
Phone: 1-800-639-5290
Statewide civil legal services for low-income New Hampshire residents covering housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/new-hampshire-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Statewide civil legal services for low-income residents
Volunteer attorney services for low-income individuals
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with annulment of criminal records and other reentry barriers
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free annulment (expungement equivalent) assistance for eligible low-income individuals in New Hampshire
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense and intellectual property
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorneys for free legal services
Public Defender System
Statewide
New Hampshire has a statewide Public Defender program providing criminal defense services.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact New Hampshire Legal Assistance
Call 1-800-639-5290 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related New Hampshire Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in New Hampshire?
- Contact New Hampshire Legal Assistance at 1-800-639-5290 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/new-hampshire for a directory of free legal resources, or call the New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-603-229-0002 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in New Hampshire?
- Most legal aid programs in New Hampshire require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in New Hampshire?
- Yes. NHLA — Annulment Assistance provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does New Hampshire have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. New Hampshire has a statewide Public Defender program providing criminal defense services. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- New Hampshire Legal Assistance — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-800-639-5290 for free civil legal assistance.
- New Hampshire LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for New Hampshire residents.
- New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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