United States · State guide
Divorce inNew Hampshire.
Family law is state law. Here is how it works in New Hampshire: the property rules, support, how to file, what it costs, who enforces it, and every FairWell guide and tool set up for New Hampshire.
Official source: www.courts.nh.gov
Property division
Equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, which usually means roughly equally but the court can adjust based on statutory factors; separate property stays with the owner.
Residency and waiting period
Court: Circuit Court (Family Division)Generally: 1 year residency unless both live in-state; no set waiting period. Exceptions apply; check the official source for current rules.
Child support
Percentage-of-income model. Some states address pets in property division; check the official source for New Hampshire's current rule.
Retirement accounts
Workplace retirement plans are divided by a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) prepared after the decree; IRAs are divided by the decree itself. A former spouse married ten years or more may claim Social Security on the ex's record.
Enforcement
Child support is enforced by New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services under the federal Title IV-D program: income withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspension and passport denial for arrears.
Health insurance
Divorce ends a former spouse's eligibility on an employer plan. COBRA continuation is available for up to 36 months at full cost; the ACA marketplace opens a special enrollment period.
Official guidelines and tools
The government and court sources for child support, spousal support, the family law statute and self-help. Use these to check any estimate, including ours.
Common questions
How is property divided in a New Hampshire divorce?
Equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, which usually means roughly equally but the court can adjust based on statutory factors; separate property stays with the owner.
How do I file for divorce in New Hampshire?
Generally: 1 year residency unless both live in-state; no set waiting period. Exceptions apply; check the official source for current rules. File in the Circuit Court (Family Division).
When does child support end in New Hampshire?
Child support usually ends at 18. Under a law in effect since July 1, 2025, if the child is still a full-time student in school at 18, support continues until graduation or two months after the child turns 19, whichever comes first; a court can continue support for a child with a disability, but not beyond 21.
What happens to property when unmarried couples separate in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire only treats a cohabiting couple as married after one partner dies (if they lived together and were known as spouses for three years), so this does not help couples who separate. Separating unmarried partners are not covered by divorce property rules; property generally belongs to whoever holds title, subject to any agreement between you.
How long do you need to live in New Hampshire to file for divorce?
You can file if both spouses live in New Hampshire, if the person filing has lived there for one year, or if the person filing lives there and the other spouse can be served in New Hampshire. Divorce is handled by the Family Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court.
Official help: New Hampshire Judicial Branch: How to File a Divorce Petition. Rules change, so confirm with a family lawyer in New Hampshire before you rely on them.
Read next
Guides for New Hampshire
Filing for an uncontested divorce in the US
GuideWhat divorce costs in the US
GuideQDROs and retirement accounts
GuideDivorce and US taxes
GuideHealth insurance after divorce
GuideRelocation with children
GuideThe complete parenting plan guide
GuideYour separation date controls everything
GuideHidden assets: warning signs
GuideJoint debt at separation
GuideWhen your ex won't pay
GuideSeparating when there is abuse
Professionals
Family lawyers, mediators and coaches in New Hampshire
Family lawyers
Listings marked Verified have been checked against the state bar directory. Each lawyer sets their own fees.
DirectoryMediators
Family mediators for parenting and financial issues. Listings marked Verified have been checked against their association.
DirectoryDivorce coaches and counselors
Decision support, communication and co-parenting help. What a coach does.
Are you a professional in New Hampshire? List your practice.
New Hampshire
Get organized in New Hampshire
Guided questions for separation agreements, parenting plans and financial disclosure, linked to the official sources on this page and organized into a plain-language summary for a local family lawyer, who prepares the agreement and advises you.
Sources and further reading
This page is legal information, not legal advice. It summarizes how the process works in New Hampshire so you can plan; the official sources above are where current fees, forms and deadlines live, and they are the final word if anything here differs. When you're ready, the assessment and FairWell's guided questions link to the rules for New Hampshire; a local lawyer prepares any agreement and advises you before you sign.