Alternatives to Court
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs help people resolve their disputes informally, without going to trial. ADR includes mediation, arbitration, and neutral case evaluation. At mediation, you and the other side meet with a neutral professional called a mediator. The mediator helps you discuss issues and work out a solution in a confidential setting. Mediation allows you to talk about the issues that matter the most to you, and can often save you time and money. There are many mediation programs (as well as other ADR programs), that are connected to the court system. To see if ADR is a good fit for your case, please visit the Office of Mediation and Arbitration website.
Resources Outside the Court System
If you have encountered an unfair business or consumer practice, you may contact:
New Hampshire Better Business Bureau
Deals with complaints about businesses located in New Hampshire
NH Department of Justice, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
Protects consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices in New Hampshire.
National Better Business Bureau
Deals with complaints about businesses located outside New Hampshire.
If you have a discrimination complaint with employment, housing or public accommodation, contact:
New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights
A government agency that deals with discrimination cases in employment, housing and public accommodation.
If you believe your rights as a citizen have been violated by government action:
New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union
Deals with legal issues that primarily involve violations of individual rights by the government.
Other ways to resolve issues
Hire a lawyer
It is important for you to know that instead of going to court on your own, you may be able to hire a lawyer to help you with part of your legal case, which could save time and money. A lawyer can review court papers and give you advice, draft a motion or other papers, and represent you at a court hearing.
Visit the Law Library
The New Hampshire Law Library is the only public Law Library in the State of New Hampshire. Its mission is to advance the administration of justice by providing legal information and related services to the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government, the legal communities of New Hampshire, and the people of the state.