What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
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Low-income and elderly residents of New Hampshire have access to free or reduced-rate legal services through community-based organizations or attorneys working on a voluntary basis. Everyone needs an attorney at some time or another, but the rates can be intimidating, even prohibitive, for people on fixed incomes living at or below the poverty line; the good news is that anyone can get legal representation by taking advantage of statewide legal aid initiatives designed for the poor and marginalized members of society.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance, a statewide non-profit firm, offers legal advice and representation for low-income and elderly residents in matters of housing, public benefits, as well as domestic violence issues. NHLA operates a variety of offices throughout the state, defending individuals before NH courts as well as before federal and state agencies administering benefits. You can reach the Manchester office at (603) 668-2900 or (800) 562-3174. To contact other regional offices, consult their website: www.nhla.org
The Legal Advice and Referral Center provides legal advice by telephone to low-income individuals who qualify under federal poverty guidelines. A non-profit firm, LARC offers legal consultation on matters of housing, benefits and welfare, and family law. While they don’t represent clients per se, they may advocate for an individual against an opposing party in a landlord/tenant dispute or in a controversy over benefits. Their primary function, however, is to approve callers for the Pro Bono Referral Program. To contact LARC, call (603) 224-3333 or (800) 639-5290.
The Pro Bono Referral Program of the New Hampshire Bar Association sets up clients with lawyers working at no charge in the public interest. Pro Bono Attorneys concentrate on matters of civil law, including divorce, landlord/tenant disputes, and bankruptcy. Federal guidelines demand that individuals earn annual income at/below 125% of the poverty line to maintain eligibility for Pro Bono legal services. While Pro Bono lawyers waive legal fees, the client must pay for mailing and administrative costs, usually totaling no more than a couple of hundred dollars. To qualify for legal assistance under the Pro Bono program, the LARC has to green-light the initial referral. They can be reached at (800) 639-5290 or (603) 224-3333.
People who make too much money to receive Pro Bono legal assistance but too little to afford attorney fees can obtain a reduced fee referral from the NHBA. These individuals will work out an agreement whereby they meet some of the costs of representation. The Reduced Fee Referral Program permits applications over the phone at (603) 229-0002.
If you have limited financial means, don’t despair of finding an attorney. New Hampshire offers legitimate, competent legal representation at little to no cost for anyone in serious need. All that’s required is a phone call.
