Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Manchester, NH — including verified statewide organizations, who they help, what cases they take, and how to prepare before applying. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Manchester, NH: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Manchester and cannot afford a private attorney, several statewide nonprofit organizations provide free or low-cost civil legal help. These programs assist with eviction defense, housing issues, domestic violence, family law, consumer problems, debt collection, public-benefits denials, elder law, and other civil matters. Even when full representation is not available, many offer clinics, limited-scope services, and self-help support. (You can also upload your documents to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Manchester
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA)
What they do: NHLA is the primary civil legal-aid organization for low-income residents across the state. They assist with eviction defense, landlord–tenant disputes, unsafe housing, domestic violence, family law (limited), debt and consumer issues, elder law, and public-benefits appeals (including Medicaid, SNAP, and disability).
Contact: Manchester Office: (603) 668-2900. Website: nhla.org.
603 Legal Aid
What they do: 603 Legal Aid runs the statewide intake line for most New Hampshire civil legal-aid cases. They provide legal information, brief services, referrals, and in some cases full representation for eligible residents. They focus on eviction defense, family law inquiries, domestic violence, consumer rights, small-claims issues, benefits appeals, and senior-law concerns.
Contact: Statewide legal help line: (603) 598-3800. Apply online at 603legalaid.org.
New Hampshire Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)
What they do: Offers low-cost or fixed-fee consultations with screened private attorneys. This option is helpful for people who do not qualify for free legal aid or whose cases fall outside NHLA and 603 Legal Aid priorities.
Contact: Phone: (603) 715-3290. Website: nhbar.org.
Domestic Violence Crisis Centers (YWCA New Hampshire)
What they do: Provides free support for survivors of domestic or sexual violence, including safety planning, protective orders, legal clinics, and court accompaniment.
Contact: Crisis line: (603) 668-2299. Website: ywcanh.org.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Manchester
- Evictions and landlord–tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable rental conditions
- Domestic violence, stalking, and protective orders
- Family law issues: child support, custody, divorce (limited)
- Debt collection, wage garnishment, and consumer-fraud issues
- Public-benefits disputes (Medicaid, SNAP, disability benefits)
- Elder-law issues, including exploitation and benefits
- Unemployment and wage-claim issues
What Legal Aid Usually Does Not Cover
- Criminal charges (felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses)
- Personal injury or medical-malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial litigation
- Complex immigration matters or removal defense
When Manchester Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- If you receive an eviction notice: New Hampshire eviction timelines are short — call NHLA or 603 Legal Aid immediately.
- If your home is unsafe or repairs are ignored: Document conditions and request help early.
- If you experience domestic violence: Crisis centers and legal-aid attorneys can help with emergency protective orders.
- If you receive debt-collection or garnishment papers: Keep all documents — deadlines can be strict.
- If your benefits are denied or cut off: Many benefit appeals require quick filing.
- Seniors facing exploitation or eviction: Specialized elder-law help may be available.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: leases, eviction notices, repair requests, photos, debt letters, benefit denials, pay stubs, ID, court papers, communication logs, and medical/disability records (if relevant).
- Create a timeline: list key dates — notices received, payments, repair requests, incidents, and upcoming deadlines.
- Prepare income & household details: legal-aid providers use this for eligibility screening.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences explaining the issue and the help you need.
- Note urgent factors: eviction risk, DV, senior status, disability, or upcoming court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- New Hampshire Bar Lawyer Referral Service (LRS): reduced-fee consultations with private attorneys.
- Court self-help resources: free forms and guides for common civil cases.
- Pro bono assistance: coordinated through NHLA and statewide volunteer programs.
- LegalClarity document-explainer tool: upload legal documents for a plain-English explanation (informational only, not legal advice).
Conclusion: Where Manchester Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Manchester and cannot afford an attorney, begin by contacting 603 Legal Aid at (603) 598-3800 or New Hampshire Legal Assistance at (603) 668-2900. If they cannot take your case, consider the Lawyer Referral Service for low-cost legal help, or use the LegalClarity upload tool to understand your documents — informational only.