New Hampshire Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced New Hampshire family law attorneys who can navigate New Hampshire’s all-property equitable distribution. Whether you’re in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, or anywhere in the state, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Uncontested divorces in New Hampshire typically finalize 60–120 days after filing. Contested cases generally take 9–18 months. New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period from filing to decree.

Yes. New Hampshire recognizes irreconcilable differences as a no-fault ground under RSA 458:7-a. New Hampshire also retains 9 fault grounds (impotency, adultery, extreme cruelty, conviction of crime imprisoning for more than 1 year, treatment endangering health or reason, refusing to cohabit for 2 years, religious order joining, absence for 2 years without communication, habitual drunkenness for 2 years).

No pre-filing separation is required for irreconcilable differences. New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period.

New Hampshire is an all-property equitable distribution state. Under RSA 458:16-a, ALL property of the parties (regardless of when or how acquired, including premarital, inherited, and gifted property) is subject to division. The court presumes equal division is equitable, but can deviate based on 15 statutory factors.

New Hampshire uses parental rights and responsibilities (PR&R) under RSA 461-A:6 — replacing custody terminology. Courts consider 12 best-interests factors. New Hampshire has a public policy favoring frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

New Hampshire uses Income Shares under RSA 458-C (Child Support Guidelines). Both parents’ gross incomes are applied to the schedule and prorated, with adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and parenting time.

Yes. PR&R can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances. Child support requires substantial change — typically 20%+ deviation. Alimony modification depends on the decree’s terms; the 2019 reform created clearer modification standards. Property division is final.

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire allows divorce on irreconcilable differences (no-fault) under RSA 458:7-a, plus 9 fault grounds. Residency is 1 year for both spouses, or both at the time of filing if one is a NH resident (RSA 458:5). New Hampshire is an all-property equitable distribution state under RSA 458:16-a with a presumption that equal division is equitable — but the court may divide ALL property of the parties (including premarital, inherited, and gifted) equitably. Custody is now called parental rights and responsibilities under RSA 461-A with best-interests factors. New Hampshire uses Income Shares under RSA 458-C (Child Support Guidelines).

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in New Hampshire?

Our network includes New Hampshire family law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Family Law Cases in New Hampshire

From the moment you connect with a New Hampshire family law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Treating inherited or premarital property as untouchable — New Hampshire is an all-property state

Hiding assets — New Hampshire Family Division treats nondisclosure harshly

Posting on social media — New Hampshire courts admit it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in New Hampshire when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the residency requirement under RSA 458:5

Treating inherited or premarital property as untouchable — New Hampshire is an all-property state

Hiding assets — New Hampshire Family Division treats nondisclosure harshly

Posting on social media — New Hampshire courts admit it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in New Hampshire when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the residency requirement under RSA 458:5

Common New Hampshire Family Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do New Hampshire Family Law Attorneys Cost?

Flat Fee

Most matters are billed as a flat fee per petition or filing — fee depends on case complexity.

Family law cases in New Hampshire are not handled on contingency. New Hampshire Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. New Hampshire family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under RSA 458:51.

What Can Your New Hampshire Family Law Compensation Include?

Property Division

All-property equitable distribution under RSA 458:16-a — presumption of equal division across ALL property (including premarital, inherited, gifted).

Alimony

2019 reform: presumed 30% of income difference, capped at one-half marriage length. Court may deviate (RSA 458:19).

Child Support

RSA 458-C Income Shares with parenting time, healthcare, and childcare adjustments.

Custody and Parenting Time

Parental rights and responsibilities under RSA 461-A:6 12 best-interests factors.

Attorney’s Fees

New Hampshire courts award fees under RSA 458:51 based on financial resources of the parties.

Protective Orders

Domestic violence orders under RSA 173-B — emergency and 1-year orders (extendable to permanent).

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

New Hampshire Family Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in New Hampshire?

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in New Hampshire?

Types of Family Law Cases in New Hampshire

Common New Hampshire Family Law Mistakes

How Much Do New Hampshire Family Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your New Hampshire Family Law Compensation Include?

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