Nashua Divorce Attorneys

Facing the end of a marriage can be overwhelming. While this is no easy or simple choice, with the right law firm, this process can begin and end as smoothly as possible. Our experienced Nashua divorce lawyer can help you understand the steps of the divorce process and the consequences, such as property division and parenting plan negotiations.

At Fricano&Weber P.L.L.C., we care about you and your future; we will fight for your interests in the negotiations room and the trial room. We will be beside you every step of the way and provide you our cell phone numbers to ensure you can stay in touch about any questions or updates of your case.

Contact our Nashua divorce attorneys for a free legal consultation. Call us today  at (603) 823-3314 or fill out our online form to discuss your situation and explore your options.

New Hampshire Divorce Filing Essentials

To begin the divorce process, a filing spouse must meet certain residency requirements:

• Residency Requirement: Either spouse must have resided in New Hampshire for at least 1 year and live in the county in which they seek to file the divorce petition.
• Grounds for Divorce: New Hampshire is both a no-fault and fault divorce state, so spouses can cite either irreconcilable differences or specific reasons for the separation including adultery, extreme cruelty, abandonment, or substance abuse.
• Filing the Petition: The petitioning spouse needs to choose one of two forms to file for divorce – a joint petition or an individual petition. Spouses should pursue a joint petition if they both agree to start the divorce process, and they should pursue the individual petition if only one spouse seeks to file. 
• Negotiation or Mediation: Once the divorce process kicks off, spouses should expect to negotiate numerous important marital matters, including property division, child custody and parenting time, and alimony payments. Spouses can either negotiate these matters without going to trial (between themselves or in mediation) or, if they cannot reach an agreement, defer to the court to make the final decision.

Types of Divorce in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, there are two primary types of divorce: contested and uncontested. Understanding the difference between the two can help you determine the best path for your situation.

1. Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, and support. This option can simplify and expedite the divorce process. 

Typically, both spouses will work together to draft a settlement agreement that outlines their arrangements. The court reviews the agreement to ensure it is fair and in the best interest of any children involved.

2. Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, the parties cannot agree on one or more significant issues. This type of divorce can be more complex and time-consuming, often requiring mediation, hearings, and possibly a trial. 

The Nashua divorce attorneys at Fricano & Weber P.L.L.C. are skilled negotiators and litigators, ready to advocate for your interests throughout this process.

Key Considerations During A Divorce in New Hampshire

Equitable Asset Division

When it comes to property division, New Hampshire is an “equitable distribution” state, which means it divides property based on a judge’s determination of what is fair under the circumstances, which may not mean a 25/25 even split. The court will consider numerous factors to determine the right division of assets, such as the duration of the marriage and the value of the property.

Note that both community property and separate property are subject to division under New Hampshire divorce law. In other words, as opposed to many other states, any property the couple has at the time of divorce can be divided, regardless of which spouse acquired it. As a result, if a spouse seeks to exclude a separate asset from distribution, they have the burden of convincing the court to do so.

Creating Effective Parenting Plans in NH

Another important topic of negotiation in a divorce is the parenting plan, if a couple shares children. Parenting plans establish the parental rights and responsibilities proposed by each parent. Both parents may work together to create a plan that they agree on. If they cannot agree, though, or if there has been any domestic violence or child abuse, each will draft their own proposed plan, and the court may either approve one or create its own.

The parenting plan is intended to foster positive family relationships after divorce, encourage parents to work cooperatively for their children, and keep both parents actively involved in their child's life. 

Generally, an appropriate parenting plan must address:

• who may make major decisions for educational, medical, and religious needs;
• who may make the day-to-day decisions for raising the child;
• a regular, routine schedule detailing when the child will spend time with each parent;
• a schedule for holidays and birthdays;
• provisions for 3-day weekends;
• a vacation schedule for school breaks and the parents' personal vacation times;
• a schedule for supervised visitation time (if applicable);
• who the child will reside with for school attendance;
• provisions for the transportation and exchange of the child;
• provisions for parent-child telephone contact and written communications;
• stipulations for relocation of the child’s residence;
• other relevant factors in the best interests of the child.

Our Nashua divorce attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach accordingly. Every divorce is different, and we prioritize your specific needs and goals.

Schedule a free legal consultation. Call us at (603) 823-3314 or reach out online, and let’s work together to protect your rights and future.

Calculating Alimony

In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to alimony, or spousal support, to help maintain their standard of living after divorce. We can guide you through the considerations surrounding spousal support and advocate for a fair outcome.

There are 3 different types of alimony in particular – short-term, reimbursement, or permanent. Temporary alimony is available to spouses who need financial assistance during the divorce process to cover living expenses. Reimbursement alimony may be ordered in cases where one spouse financially supported the other’s education or career during the marriage and can compensate for their contributions to the marriage. Permanent alimony is much less common and only given in long-term marriages where one spouse is unable to become self-supporting due to advanced age or disability.

To determine the duration and amount of alimony, the court will examine:

• both spouses' ages and health;
• the spouses' social and economic statuses;
• each spouse's occupation and their amount and sources of income (including marital property);
• vocational skills and employability;
• liabilities and needs;
• economic and noneconomic contributions to the marriage;
• opportunities for future acquisition of assets and income; and
• tax consequences of alimony.

Note that the court may factor fault grounds for divorce, such as adultery, to decide on alimony. Our Nashua divorce attorneys are ready to guide you in this process.

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