Navigating No-Fault Divorce in New Hampshire: A Step-by-Step Guide

In New Hampshire, no-fault divorce is the only type of divorce recognized by the state. This means that you don't need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to get a divorce. Instead, you can simply state that the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to file for no-fault divorce in New Hampshire.

Step 1: Meet the Residency Requirements

In New Hampshire, you must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing for divorce. This is known as the residency requirement. If you don't meet this requirement, you'll need to file for divorce in the state where you do meet the residency requirement.

Step 2: File the Complaint

To file for divorce, you'll need to complete a complaint form, which is available from the New Hampshire Superior Court. The complaint form will ask you to provide information about your marriage, including the date of marriage, the reason for the divorce, and any children you have together.

Step 3: Serve Your Spouse

Once you've filed the complaint, you'll need to serve your spouse with a copy of the complaint and a summons. This is known as service of process. You can serve your spouse yourself, or you can hire a process server to do it for you.

Step 4: Wait for a Response

After you've served your spouse, you'll need to wait for a response. If your spouse doesn't respond, you can proceed with the divorce without their input. If your spouse does respond, you'll need to work out the details of the divorce, including child custody, child support, and property division.

Step 5: Attend a Hearing

Once you've worked out the details of the divorce, you'll need to attend a hearing in front of a judge. At the hearing, the judge will review the terms of the divorce and make sure that they're fair and reasonable. If the judge approves the divorce, you'll be officially divorced.

Step 6: Finalize the Divorce

After the hearing, you'll need to finalize the divorce by filing a final divorce decree with the court. This will officially end your marriage and grant you a divorce.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of filing for no-fault divorce in New Hampshire. Remember to consult with an attorney if you have any questions or concerns about the process.