Legal Resources

It can be challenging and stressful to initiate or respond to legal proceedings against an abusive partner or spouse. HAVEN and our trained advocates are here to help by providing you with support and information about the legal system.

It’s important to remember that if you’re being abused:
• You have legal rights and options for protection.
• You are not alone.
• We will walk with you through this process.

We can help you and your family by:
• Providing information about specific legal protections offered to survivors of domestic violence.
• Explaining the processes involved in obtaining legal protection from an abusive partner or spouse.
• Referring you to local pro bono attorneys or legal assistance organizations for advice and representation.
• Offering support as you navigate through the legal system.
• Accompanying you to court hearings and advocating on your behalf to an attorney.

Please call our 24-Hour Confidential Support Line: 1-603-994-SAFE (7233) for information about local resources available to you.

Additional Resources

New Hampshire Courts
Click here for information on court hours of operation, or where to file a domestic violence or stalking restraining order. This page contains information about different legal services available across the state. You can also contact your local Coalition member program for help finding information in your community.

Lawyer Referral Service
(603) 229-0002 – LRSreferral@nhbar.org
LRS provides attorney referrals to members of the public who have legal problems/issues (from personal injury and consumer matters to family law) and can afford to pay for legal services. Referrals may be requested online at www.nhbar.org, under the Lawyer Referral Service menu option.

Reduced-Fee Referral Program
(603) 715-3290 – Reducedfee@nhbar.org
This Program connects lower-income individuals – able to pay something for an attorney’s services – with lawyers providing legal services at reduced rates. Applicants may apply online at www.nhbar.org under the Lawyer Referral Service menu option.

The Pro Bono Referral Program
Pro Bono links low-income people with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal services in family law, bankruptcy, consumer, housing, and senior citizen matters. Most individuals must apply through the Legal Advice and Referral Center at 1 (800) 639-5290 or (603) 224-3333. If seeking help with bankruptcy and/or debt collection, callers should contact the Pro Bono Program directly at 224-5387 for an application.

The Low-Income Taxpayer Project
(603) 228-6028
The Taxpayer Project assists qualified individuals with federal income tax disputes through referrals to volunteer attorneys for free advice and/or representation.

The DOVE Project
Call your local crisis center or:
1 (866) 644-3574 – Domestic Violence Hotline
1 (800) 277-5570 – Sexual Assault Hotline
The Domestic Violence Emergency or DOVE Project provides free legal representation for qualifying survivors of domestic violence at final restraining order hearings.

Lawline
1 (800) 868–1212 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Volunteer lawyers provide free legal information over the phone on the second Wednesday of each month only.

Legal Advice and Referral Center (LARC)
www.larcnh.org  – 1 (800) 639-5290 or (603) 224-3333
LARC provides free legal information, advice, and referrals to low-income people with family law, local welfare, and housing issues, including Pro Se assistance. LARC refers cases to Pro Bono, NHLA, and other legal service agencies.

New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA)
NHLA provides free legal advice and representation to low–income people in civil matters involving basic needs, including food, shelter, income, and medical care. Online at www.nhla.org.
Claremont – 1 (800) 562-3994 or (603) 542-8795
Manchester  -1 (800) 562-3174 or (603) 668-2900
Portsmouth  – 1 (800) 334-3135 or (603) 431-7411
Littleton: 1 (800) 548-1886 or (603) 444-8000
Berlin – 1 (800) 698-8969 or (603) 752-1102
Nashua – 1 (800) 517-0577 or (603) 598-3800
Concord – 1 (800) 921-1115 or (603) 223-9750

Legal Advice Line
Senior Citizen’s Law Project
The Legal Advice Line, a service of New Hampshire Legal Assistance, provides free legal advice in civil matters for senior citizens 60 and older.
(603) 624-6000 (Manchester area)
1 (888) 353-9944

Disabilities Rights Center
www.drcnh.org  – 1 (800) 834-1721 or (603) 228-0432 Voice and TDD
DRC provides information, referrals, legal advice, and legal representation in the area of civil and other legal rights of people with disabilities.