New Hampshire Divorce Laws

Important New Hampshire Divorce Guidelines to File for a Divorce

Divorce Requirements for New Hampshire Residents

In filing for divorce in New Hampshire, these are the following considerations: Both petitioner and respondent must be residents of the Granite State, and the filing spouse or petitioner must be a resident for a least one (1) year; or the grounds for the divorce must have occurred in the state, and at least one of the spouses must be a resident for at least one (1) year prior to filing.

New Hampshire Grounds For Divorce

New Hampshire has both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. The no-fault ground is the irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage. The fault-based grounds include, but not limited to:

1. Impotence
2. Adultery
3. Extreme cruelty of either party to the other
4. Conviction of a felony punishable by more than one year in prison
5. Physical and substance abuse
6. Abandonment by a spouse for more than two years

Child Custody Law in New Hampshire

Divorce courts in New Hampshire recognize joint custody in the child’s best interest. The court considers the following factors in custody decisions:

1. Relationship of the child with each parent and the ability of each parent to provide the child with nurture, love, affection, and guidance;
2. Child’s developmental needs and parental ability to meet them, both present and future;
3. Child’s adjustment to home, school, and community; and
4. Support of each parent for the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Guidelines for New Hampshire Child Support

Taking into account the gross income of both parties and certain child related expenses, calculating child support involves a flat percentage method: 25% for one (1) child; 33% for two (2) children; 40% for three (3) children; and 45% for four (4) or more children.

Where to file for a divorce?

New Hampshire divorce forms can be filed in the county where either of the spouses resides. The superior court usually handles some of the divorce proceedings, while in other counties the family court will handle the divorce proceedings.

For a fast and inexpensive divorce process, you can file New Hampshire online divorce papers.

Refer to the “Divorce Requirements for New Hampshire Residents” above and also review the best online divorce sites.

Mediation

Divorce mediation in New Hampshire is a process of resolving disputes wherein spouses involved will negotiate the solution, assisted by a trained neutral person. This process is often the least expensive and fastest way to settle marital disputes or conflicts which led to the divorce filing. Before or after filing a New Hampshire divorce petition, either spouse may opt for a mediation settlement so they could go on an uncontested divorce in court.

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You may also visit the New Hampshire Courts