New Hampshire Family Law on Domestic Violence
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
In New Hampshire, abuse that occurs between family or household members constitutes the crime of domestic violence. Acts of domestic violence can be punished criminally, and can also have an effect on the offender's family law rights, specifically related to divorce and child custody. The chart below outlines New Hampshire's main domestic violence law.
Code Section |
New Hampshire Revised Statutes section 173-B:1: Domestic Violence |
What's Prohibited? |
Domestic abuse is prohibited in New Hampshire. Abuse means the commission (or attempted commission) of one or more of the following acts by a family or household member or by a current or former sexual or intimate partner where such conduct is deemed to constitute a credible present threat to the victim's safety:
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Definitions |
The term "family or household member" means:
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Causes for Divorce
In New Hampshire, domestic violence is one of several grounds on which a divorce can be granted. New Hampshire Revised Statutes section 458:7 lists the causes of divorce recognized in New Hampshire including:
- Extreme cruelty of either party to the other
- When either party has so treated the other as seriously to injure health or endanger reason
Domestic Violence and Child Custody
It is New Hampshire's state policy that when determining parental rights and responsibilities the court will aim to issue a child custody order that is in the best interest of the child. Previous acts of domestic violence can have a significant impact on child custody orders. When determining which custody arrangement is in the child's best interests the court considers many factors including whether there is any evidence of abuse, the impact of the abuse on the child, and on the relationship between the child and the abusing parent.
Additional Resources
State laws change frequently. For state specific information regarding New Hampshire's family law on domestic violence contact a local family law lawyer or criminal defense attorney.
If you are a domestic violence survivor there is help available to you. During an emergency dial 911, and when you're safe contact the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.