Divorce in New Hampshire: Costs, Laws, and Calculators (2026)

Everything you need to understand the financial reality of divorce in New Hampshire. State-specific costs, formulas, and free calculators.

Avg. uncontested
$2,000 - $5,000
Avg. contested
$12,000 - $40,000
Typical timeline
3 - 12 months
DCE State Score
64 / 100

New Hampshire divorces typically cost 34% less than the national average of $12,900.

New Hampshire sets alimony with a statutory formula and requires a full year of residency.

New Hampshire is an equitable distribution state and uses the Income Shares model for child support. What sets it apart is alimony: the state applies a statutory formula tied to the income difference between spouses, which makes support amounts more predictable than in purely discretionary states. There is no waiting period, but a 1-year residency requirement applies before filing. Attorney rates run $225 to $425 per hour, and a contested case typically falls between $12,000 and $40,000.

Key Fact

New Hampshire uses a statutory alimony formula based on the income difference between spouses, giving couples a clearer estimate of support than discretionary states provide.

Recent Development

New Hampshire continues to set alimony through a statutory formula rather than open-ended judicial discretion, tying the amount to the income gap between spouses. Because the calculation is formula-driven, spouses can estimate a likely support range early in the process.

New Hampshire Divorce Quick Facts

Verified statutory data, attorney rates, and procedural rules for New Hampshire.

Property division system
Equitable Distribution (judicial discretion)
Alimony formula type
Statutory Formula
Child support formula
Income Shares Model
Mandatory waiting period
None
Residency requirement
365 days
Mediation required
No
Equal parenting presumption
No
Fault divorce available
Yes
Collaborative divorce available
Yes
Filing fee range
$250
Attorney hourly rates
$225 - $425/hour
Data last verified
January 1, 2025

DCE State Score Breakdown

Our proprietary index ranks every state on cost, complexity, and timeline. Higher is more favorable.

Overall DCE State Score

64/ 100

A score of 64 means New Hampshire is roughly average in terms of divorce cost and complexity.

Cost Score

25/ 40

Based on filing fees, attorney rates, and total typical costs in New Hampshire.

Complexity Score

25/ 30

Reflects judicial discretion, mandatory mediation, and procedural hurdles.

Timeline Score

14/ 30

Driven by waiting periods and average case duration from filing to decree.

Divorce Calculators for New Hampshire

All 15 calculators preconfigured with New Hampshire statutory data.

New Hampshire Divorce Laws Overview

Property Division

New Hampshire uses equitable distribution to divide marital property. This does not mean equal, it means fair, based on the circumstances. Judges consider factors including each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, length of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse. Outcomes can vary significantly from case to case.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

New Hampshire uses a statutory formula to calculate alimony, which makes spousal support more predictable than in purely discretionary states. The formula typically considers the income difference between spouses and the length of the marriage. Courts have limited discretion to deviate from the formula without documented justification.

Child Support

New Hampshire uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.

Custody and Parenting Time

New Hampshire courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. While there is no statutory presumption of equal time, courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents meaningful involvement in the child's life.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in New Hampshire?
An uncontested divorce in New Hampshire typically costs $2,000 - $5,000. Contested cases run $12,000 - $40,000, depending on attorney involvement, custody disputes, and the complexity of the marital estate. Court filing fees alone are $250.
How long does a divorce take in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires a 0-day waiting period after filing. Uncontested cases finalize in roughly 3 months on average, while contested cases take about 12 months from filing to final decree.
How is property divided in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire uses equitable distribution. Marital assets are divided based on what the court considers fair, not necessarily equal. Judges weigh income, contributions, length of marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
How is child support calculated in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire uses the Income Shares Model. New Hampshire uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.
How is alimony determined in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire alimony follows a statutory formula approach. New Hampshire uses a statutory formula to calculate alimony, which makes spousal support more predictable than in purely discretionary states. The formula typically considers the income difference between spouses and the length of the marriage. Courts have limited discretion to deviate from the formula without documented justification.

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