Manchester Divorce Lawyers
Divorce is a complex process for New Hampshire couples and/or parents, and you may have serious concerns about how you will protect your relationship with your children. The attorneys at Solomon Law Firm understand the importance of preserving this important relationship and protecting the best interests of your children during this difficult time. We can provide compassionate guidance and knowledgeable legal counsel for all of your divorce and parenting concerns.
It is important to make smart decisions during your divorce, whether you have children or no minor children from your marriage. The choices you make now will affect your life for years to come, and we can help you proceed thoughtfully with a strong post-divorce future in mind. From fighting for your fair share of the marital estate to securing a reasonable parenting schedule, our experienced family law attorneys can help.
The Strong And Stable Future You Deserve
We help you pursue a sustainable and fair divorce order by carefully evaluating your situation and developing an appropriate strategy according to your objectives for your future. While we will pursue a reasonable outcome out of court, we will employ our extensive trial experience for your benefit during litigation if necessary. Our lawyers will help you address the following divorce-related concerns:
- Parenting orders
- Spousal support/alimony
- Division of marital property
- Modifications of orders and enforcement of orders
- Child support
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in divorce matters. Our team will provide personalized service tailored to your individual needs. We also explore the possibility of resolving disputes through mediation and other means. You can find more information about specific topics related to divorce on our videos page. Your future is at stake and having an experienced legal ally by your side can be beneficial to your long-term interests.
Requirements For Divorce In New Hampshire
Divorce requirements in New Hampshire – as opposed to many states – are relatively straightforward. This is true in these ways:
- Waiting periods: Most states have at least some “separations” waiting periods, but New Hampshire does not. People may choose to get separated or opt directly for divorce; there is no waiting period in either case.
- Residency requirements: Many states have fairly strict residency requirements, looking only at the time of residency of the petitioner. In New Hampshire, one of the following three options is enough to suffice: Both parties are New Hampshire residents, one party has been a resident for one year, or one party is a resident and is able to serve the other party in New Hampshire.
- Fault: Like every other state, New Hampshire allows people to pursue a no-fault divorce. This is a streamlined version of divorce, which can ease the challenge of leaving a marriage. However, in cases of marital misconduct, unlike many states, New Hampshire does allow the pursuit of fault divorce.
The main thing to understand is that if you’re living in New Hampshire and want to get a divorce, you have many available options.
The New Hampshire Divorce Process
When seeking a divorce in New Hampshire, you must first meet the requirements for divorce, which we covered in the previous section. Your next step will be to make your choices about how to proceed, whether you’re expecting to choose irreconcilable differences or at-fault divorce. Most people opt for the former.
Before your divorce is final, you have to reach several agreements with your ex to divide your life:
- Marital property division: Even though New Hampshire divides the estate equitably, looking at a variety of factors, you must still come to an agreement on how to divide the property acquired during marriage.
- Child custody and support: The ongoing concerns of the children are a top priority for both you and the state. You must figure out your parenting plan and support breakdown before the divorce is final.
- Alimony: For longer marriages, it is common for one spouse to continue to provide financial support to the other once the marriage ends.
Settlement of these questions then leads to affirmation from the state. However, since there is no waiting period, once all forms are submitted and signed and all agreements verified, the divorce is final.
Common Questions About Divorce In New Hampshire
Divorce in New Hampshire involves a mix of no‑fault and fault‑based options that present unique legal considerations. The following questions and answers can offer clarity about your situation and help you make informed decisions.
Is New Hampshire a no-fault state for divorce?
Yes. New Hampshire allows spouses to end their marriage by stating that irreconcilable differences have caused the irremediable breakdown of the union. This option does not require either spouse to prove wrongdoing and is the most common basis for divorce in the state. In a no‑fault case, the court will still review issues like property division, parenting arrangements and financial support to ensure the outcome is fair under state law.
On what grounds can an at-fault divorce be granted in New Hampshire?
Although many couples choose the no‑fault route, New Hampshire also recognizes several fault‑based divorce grounds. This allows a spouse to request a divorce based on misconduct that contributed to the end of the marriage. Fault‑based claims can influence certain aspects of the case, particularly when the court evaluates financial fairness.
Common fault grounds include:
- Adultery
- Extreme cruelty
- Habitual drunkenness
- Imprisonment for more than one year
- Desertion for at least two years
- Treatment that seriously injures health or endangers safety
When one spouse’s behavior contributed significantly to the breakdown of a marriage, citing grounds can help the other spouse feel justice was served. While proving fault can be complex, it may be appropriate when the conduct has had a substantial impact on the relationship or financial circumstances.
Do you have to be legally separated before getting a divorce in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not require spouses to be legally separated before filing for divorce. Couples may file immediately if they meet the residency requirements and have valid grounds, whether fault‑based or no‑fault.
Some spouses choose to pursue a legal separation instead of divorce when they want formal court orders but are not ready to dissolve the marriage. A legal separation can later be converted to a divorce if either spouse decides to move forward.
Helping You Through The Entire Divorce Process
Divorce is difficult, but you do not have to walk through it alone. Contact our office today to schedule a no-obligation assessment of your case and an explanation of your legal options. We have office locations in Manchester and Londonderry to better serve you. Contact us online or call 877-529-4357 for a free initial consultation where you can discuss your case with our team of experts!
