Divorce Law in New Hampshire
How to Find a New Hampshire Divorce Attorney
When you’re going through divorce, you likely have challenging experiences you can draw from to gain strength. You may be able to learn from the experience of others as well. After all, there’s no sense in reinventing the wheel.
Experience is the name everyone gives to his mistakes.
~Oscar Wilde, Lady Windemere’s Fan, 1896
If you’re considering divorcing and looking for a New Hampshire divorce attorney, this article is for you. Here is the opportunity to learn from your own successes and mistakes as well as of those who have gone before you.
In this article (which is based upon New Hampshire divorce law), we’ll discuss:
- New Hampshire specific divorce law requirements;
- What you need to know about divorce; and
- Whether it’s in your best interest to hire a New Hampshire divorce lawyer and, if so, how to find one and how to prepare to work with him or her.
New Hampshire Divorce Law Specifics
- There are residency requirements for filing divorce in New Hampshire.
- New Hampshire divorce may be filed based upon either “no-fault” or “fault” grounds.
- New Hampshire uses the terms, “petitioner” and “respondent” to describe, first, the spouse who initially filed the divorce papers, and, second, the other spouse.
- In New Hampshire, divorce papers are filed in the county Superior Court.
- In some cases, alimony is available.
- In New Hampshire property distribution will be based upon what’s “equitable” (i.e. fair) and child support will be based upon the Percentage of Income Formula.
What You Need to Know About Divorce in New Hampshire
In this section, we’ll highlight the aspects of divorce that will help you this most.
- While your divorce lawyer will handle the legal aspects of divorce, a qualified therapist is best suited to help you handle the emotional aspects of divorce.
- Like all negotiations, every divorce involves compromise; if you and your spouse create your own marital settlement agreement, you will get more of what you want.
- Always be thinking, “compromise, collaboration, communication, and cooperation”.
Yes, it’s difficult because your emotions are bound to run high. Use the therapist and new fun adventures (hobbies, exercise, volunteerism, and friends) to channel your energies so you can stay balanced to make good decisions.
If you follow our advice:
- You are in a position to keep you legal fees to a minimum.
- You can make the divorce easier on yourself and your children.
- You can reduce the stress.
- You can get more of what you want.
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with a New Hampshire Divorce Lawyer?
Technically, you are able to represent yourself through a New Hampshire divorce; in practicality, it’s likely a very bad idea. After all, if you give up any marital rights during divorce, you will be forever barred from asserting them in New Hampshire courts.
And what will one mistake cost you?
Even New Hampshire attorneys, who go through divorce, hire their own divorce lawyers. One mistake may cost you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars and time with your children.
How to Find and Select a New Hampshire Divorce Attorney
Ask friends for a referral and Google “How to Find a New Hampshire Divorce Attorney”. Make sure that potential attorneys focus their practice on divorce law, family law, or matrimonial law and are licensed to practice law in New Hampshire.
Select the attorney with whom you are most comfortable and who is willing to work collaboratively (no shark attorneys) to get you what you need.
Always ask whatever questions you have about fees, process, what to expect, communications, and timing.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Divorce Attorney
Here is a checklist that will help you to prepare to work with your attorney:
- Determine whether reconciliation should be attempted. It’s okay to wait to file divorce.
- Consult with a therapist or psychologist, who specializes in helping people going through divorce.
- Make a list of questions and concerns to address with your divorce attorney.
- Make a “wish list” of everything you would like in the divorce (e.g. finances, living arrangements, and child related matters) and indicate which items are your top priorities and which items aren’t as important.
- Gather financial documents such as tax returns, loan applications, financial account statements, bills, expenses, income sources, and retirement account statements.
As important as it is to keep picking yourself up and brushing yourself off, it’s also important to stop tripping over your own two feet.
~Robert Brault,
