New Hampshire divorce at a glance
Official source: New Hampshire court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in New Hampshire: step by step
New Hampshire is no-fault with no waiting period and a single statewide Family Division. Here is the path to a Decree of Divorce.
- Confirm you can file in New Hampshire
Both spouses live in NH, or you live here and your spouse is served here. New Hampshire is no-fault (irreconcilable differences), with no waiting period.Source: RSA 458 - Generate your forms
Prepare the Petition for Divorce (NHJB forms) — New Hampshire self-represented filings go through TurboCourt.Source: NHJB forms; TurboCourt - File with the Family Division
File with the Circuit Court, Family Division, and pay about $250, or file a Motion to Waive the Filing Fee.Source: Motion to Waive Filing Fee - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse with the petition.Source: NH Fam. Div. Rules - File financial affidavits and support worksheet (if children)
Both spouses file financial affidavits; if you have children, complete the child-support worksheet and any required parenting seminar.Source: RSA 458-C - Get your decree
The court enters the Decree of Divorce.Source: Decree of Divorce
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in New Hampshire?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for New Hampshire
New Hampshire child support calculator → An itemized estimate from New Hampshire’s official guideline, figures effective 2026-04-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a New Hampshire divorce take?
No statutory waiting period; timing depends on the court’s calendar. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons New Hampshire divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Very low. A single statewide Circuit Court Family Division with uniform forms.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your New Hampshire case
Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. LawCat does not currently offer public document generation for this jurisdiction. This does not mean self-representation is unavailable. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official New Hampshire forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
New Hampshire divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in New Hampshire?
No lawyer is required: New Hampshire courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official New Hampshire forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in New Hampshire to file for divorce?
Both spouses domiciled in NH, or the petitioner domiciled here with the other spouse served in NH (roughly a 1-year connection). Confirm the current rule with the official New Hampshire court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in New Hampshire?
The court filing fee is about $250 (a bit more with children), plus a small TurboCourt payment surcharge. File a Motion to Waive Filing Fee (in forma pauperis). LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.