How to File for a Divorce in New Hampshire
- 1). Fill out the divorce petition form. The form asks for information about the marriage and reasons for the divorce. This form must be notarized.
- 2). Complete a personal data sheet. This form includes information about you, your spouse and your children.
- 3). Fill out a financial affidavit. This form asks questions about your finances and financial history. Both spouses should fill this form out, even if one isn't working.
- 4). Complete a uniform support order if you have children. This form includes information about child support, custody and spousal support. Due to the sensitive nature of this paperwork, you might need a lawyer or mediator. Both spouses must sign this form in order for it to be processed.
- 5). Obtain and fill out a vital statistics form from the clerk's office. This asks for basic information about the husband, wife, marriage and the couple's lawyers.
- 6). Bring all the completed forms to the courthouse. You must pay the filing fee at this point, which is $175 if you don't have children and $177 if you do. If you're filing as an individual, you must also pay a fee to have a sheriff serve your spouse with papers. The sheriff will tell you the cost, as this varies from case to case.
- 7). Wait for the sheriff to serve your spouse with papers if filing for an individual divorce. After your spouse has been served and gets a copy of the divorce petition, wait to hear back from the court.
- 8). File a Final Decree on Divorce or Legal Separation form if you are filing for a joint divorce. This includes final information about the divorce, such as plans for the children, separation of property and division of debt.
- 9). Take a seminar about the effects of divorce on children. This seminar is required for anyone filing for divorce or separation with children. At the end of the four-hour seminar, you'll receive a certificate which you must present to the court.
- 10
Proceed with an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse agree to the terms. Do this by filing a letter with the court asking for a divorce court date. If you don't, hire a lawyer or mediator to help finish the process. - 11
Wait for your court date. On that day, at least one spouse must be present in court.
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