New Hampshire Divorce & Family Law Guide
Clear, Accurate, Step-by-Step Information for Every Stage of Your Divorce
Navigating a divorce or family law matter in New Hampshire can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our mission is to provide simple, reliable, and New Hampshire–specific guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
From residency requirements and court forms to custody, support, high-asset issues, and parental rights, you’ll find clear explanations for every step of the process. Whether you’re filing on your own, working with an attorney, or exploring your options, this resource is here to support you from start to finish.
Understanding Divorce in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s divorce laws are unique, including residency rules, no-fault and fault grounds, and mandatory financial disclosures. We explain each part of the process so you always know what to expect, what forms you need, and how to move your case forward correctly.
What You’ll Learn
- How to meet New Hampshire’s residency requirements
- The difference between individual petitions and joint petitions
- Required forms for each type of divorce
- Expected timelines and costs
- How property, debts, and retirement accounts are divided
- When alimony may be ordered and how the court calculates it
New Hampshire Divorce Forms Made Simple
Finding the right legal forms and filling them out correctly is one of the biggest hurdles for self-represented individuals. Our guides make this easier by explaining:
- Which forms you need based on your situation
- Where to find official New Hampshire court forms
- What each form means and how to complete it
- Filing and service procedures
- County-specific rules you should know
Whether filing together or alone, you’ll find clear instructions to help you avoid delays.
Child Custody and Child Support Guidance
If you have children, your divorce must address parental rights, residential responsibility, and financial support. We explain New Hampshire’s child-related laws in plain, practical language.
Topics Covered
- Legal vs. residential responsibility
- How courts determine a child’s best interests
- How to create a complete Parenting Plan
- Child Impact Seminar requirements
- New Hampshire’s child support formula and adjustments
- Shared or equal parenting time calculations
These guides help you build a parenting plan that protects your children’s stability and future.
Support for High Net Worth Divorce
High-asset divorces involve more complex financial issues that require advanced planning and careful analysis. We offer guidance on topics such as:
- Business valuation and ownership interests
- Separate vs. marital property
- Stock options and executive compensation
- Tracing and uncovering hidden assets
- Tax considerations affecting settlement outcomes
- Strategies for protecting business operations
Our high-asset resources help you understand key financial concerns and what to expect during the process.
LGBTQ Divorce in New Hampshire
Same-sex divorce follows the same legal structure as all New Hampshire divorces, but LGBTQ couples may face additional challenges. Our guides explain:
- Parentage and rights of non-biological parents
- Pre-marriage cohabitation and its effect on asset division
- Civil unions and automatic conversions
- Adoption, paternity, and second-parent rights
These resources help ensure both your parental rights and financial interests are protected.
Accessing New Hampshire Divorce Records
If you need copies of your divorce documents, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to obtain:
- Certified divorce decrees
- Divorce certificates from Vital Records
- Family Division and Superior Court case files
- Public records older than 50 years
- Online case search options (when available)
You’ll learn who can request records, what documentation is required, and fees you may need to pay.
New Hampshire’s Legal Process Explained
Understanding New Hampshire’s court procedures is essential for anyone involved in a family law case. Our guides cover:
- Filing and service of process
- Required deadlines and documents
- Mandatory financial disclosures
- Temporary orders and hearings
- First Appearances and Structuring Conferences
- Contested case procedures
- What happens after you file
We break down each step in a clear, easy-to-follow format.
Who This Resource Helps
This guide is designed for:
- Individuals filing for divorce in New Hampshire
- Spouses deciding whether to hire a lawyer
- Self-represented litigants seeking step-by-step guidance
- Parents managing custody and child support issues
- LGBTQ families with unique legal concerns
- High-net-worth individuals facing complex divorce matters
- Anyone searching for New Hampshire divorce records or forms
Our goal is to make the legal process easier, clearer, and more accessible for everyone.
Why New Hampshire Residents Trust Us
- Information tailored specifically to New Hampshire law
- Clear explanations written in everyday language
- Updated content based on current statutes and court rules
- Comprehensive coverage from the first step to the final decree
- Designed for both self-represented individuals and those working with attorneys
You’ll understand your rights, your options, and the path ahead.
Do I need my spouse’s agreement to get a divorce in New Hampshire ?
No. New Hampshire is a no-fault divorce state. As long as you meet the residency rules and tell the court your marriage is “irretrievably broken,” you can get a divorce even if your spouse doesn’t agree or participate.
How long does it take to finalize a divorce in New Hampshire ?
New Hampshire has a minimum 21-day waiting period after your spouse is served (or after you file a joint petition). Many uncontested cases finish in about 2–4 months. Contested cases with disagreements over kids, property, or support can take several months to a year or more.
Can I file for divorce in New Hampshire if I just moved here?
You (or your spouse) must have lived in New Hampshire for at least 90 days before filing. If you have minor children, they usually must have lived in New Hampshire for 6 months before the court can make custody orders. If you haven’t met these time frames yet, you may need to wait or talk to a lawyer about your options.
New Hampshire Divorce Process
Step 1: File the Case
Submit your Petition for Divorce (or Joint Petition) to the Family Division and pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver.
Step 2: Serve Your Spouse
If filing alone, legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers and file the Return of Service to prove they were notified.
Step 3: Exchange Financial Information
Both spouses must complete and share Financial Affidavits and mandatory disclosures, including income, assets, debts, and expenses.
Step 4: Settle or Attend Hearings
Work toward agreements on property division, parenting plans, child support, and alimony—or proceed to hearings where a judge will decide disputed issues.
Step 5: Attend Final Hearing & Get Your Decree
Submit your proposed Final Decree. After the judge signs it (and the appeal period passes, if required), your divorce becomes final.