By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 06, 2023
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The dissolution of marriage, more commonly known as divorce, is regulated at the state level. State divorce laws govern what constitutes a legal divorce, which grounds are acceptable for divorce, and the process required to finalize the divorce. Many states also have residency requirements, waiting periods, and/or mandatory legal separation prior to divorce.
Every state now allows "no-fault" divorce, in which neither party is held to be responsible for the divorce, often with the stated grounds of "irreconcilable differences." But if one party is imprisoned, a habitual drunkard, a domestic abuser, or otherwise at fault, that may also be grounds for divorce.
This article provides a general overview of divorce laws in the state of New Hampshire.
The state of New Hampshire does not impose a waiting period, but the plaintiff in the divorce must have lived in the state for the past year before filing for divorce. Additional provisions of New Hampshire divorce law are listed in the chart below, including the various grounds for divorce.
See FindLaw's Divorce section for a variety of helpful articles and resources.
Code Section |
§ 458 et seq. of the New Hampshire Statutes |
|---|---|
Residency Requirements |
Both parties were domiciled or the plaintiff was domiciled and the defendant was personally served or the plaintiff was domiciled in the state at least 1 year before action |
Waiting Period |
No special provision |
'No-Fault' Grounds for Divorce |
Irreconcilable differences |
Other Grounds for Divorce (Fault) |
|
Defenses to a Divorce Filing |
- |
Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through judicial action, the enactment of new legislation, and other means. You may want to contact a New Hampshire divorce attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
As you're moving down the path toward a divorce from your spouse, you'll want to have as much information about the divorce process in New Hampshire as possible. If you have questions about how divorce can impact the custody of your children, spousal support payments, or how to divide marital assets, now is the time to contact a divorce attorney in New Hampshire. An attorney can not only answer your questions but can also file the necessary paperwork and guide you through the divorce process.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored divorce advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.