New Hampshire Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in New Hampshire using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
New Hampshire divorces typically cost 34% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in New Hampshire
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $250
- Waiting period
- None
- Residency requirement
- 365 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $2,000 - $5,000
- Attorney hourly rate
- $225/hr - $425/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in New Hampshire: What You Should Know
New Hampshire has no waiting period, so timing depends on court scheduling rather than a statutory clock. The filing fee is $250, attorney rates run $225 to $425 per hour, and uncontested cases cost $2,000 to $5,000. Contested cases fall in the $12,000 to $40,000 range. New Hampshire uses a statutory alimony formula, which makes support more predictable and easier to settle than in purely discretionary states. There is a one-year residency requirement, and property is divided equitably.
Key point: New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period and uses a statutory alimony formula, both of which can speed up and add predictability to a divorce.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to New Hampshire on this page.
Divorce Cost in New Hampshire - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in New Hampshire?
An uncontested divorce in New Hampshire typically runs $2,000 - $5,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $12,000 - $40,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in New Hampshire?
The court filing fee for divorce in New Hampshire is $250. Add about $55 for serving papers on your spouse. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in New Hampshire?
An uncontested divorce in New Hampshire usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 12 months. New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period after filing. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 365 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in New Hampshire?
No, New Hampshire allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. New Hampshire attorneys typically charge $225/hr - $425/hr.
How is property divided in a New Hampshire divorce?
New Hampshire follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $500 to $1,500 in New Hampshire.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.