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Like the rest of New Hampshire, Manchester divorce and separation law follow "no-fault" divorce proceedings. This means that either partner can ask for a divorce without needing to provide evidence that the other partner did something wrong. The couple can simply attest that there are irreconcilable differences. Manchester also has residency requirements, which means one of the spouses must have lived in New Hampshire for at least one year before filing for divorce.
In certain situations, seeking the professional counsel of a family lawyer is highly recommended. If your divorce or separation involves complex financial matters, child custody issues, domestic violence, or disagreement about the division of property, a lawyer can provide valuable guidance. A lawyer can also be helpful if your spouse has already hired a lawyer or if he or she is attempting to prevent you from seeing your children.
In Manchester, one should take note of key aspects of local laws that are relevant to divorce and separation. Alimony (financial support) is often awarded to a spouse who cannot support themselves without assistance from the other spouse. There are specific guidelines, based on the length of the marriage and each party's income and expenses. The court also makes provisions for child custody, visitation rights for noncustodial parents, and child support. Property division rules follow "equitable distribution," which means assets and debts are divided in a fair, but not necessarily equal, manner.
A no-fault divorce is when neither spouse is required to prove the other at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. It's enough to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Manchester courts use "equitable distribution" rules for property division. This means property is divided in a manner that is fair but not necessarily equal, considering factors such as each partner's contribution to marital property and each partner's future financial needs.
The length of the divorce process varies depending on whether it's contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce may take three to six months, whereas a contested divorce can take a year or more.
Yes. Alimony could be awarded based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, each party's income and expenses, the lifestyle during the marriage, and more.
The court emphasizes on the "best interests" of the child. Factors such as health, safety, happiness, physical and emotional well-being of the child, the home environment, relationships with parents and siblings are considered.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance and Legal Advice in New Hampshire are non-profit organizations that can help people going through a divorce. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services can provide information about child support and custody.
If you're looking for legal help with divorce or separation in Manchester, start by researching local family law attorneys. Look for someone experienced in handling divorces in New Hampshire, ideally with a focus on Manchester. Schedule consultations with multiple lawyers, prepare a list of questions and concerns, and choose the counsel who you feel most comfortable with and confident in.
