Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Manchester, New Hampshire

It depends almost entirely on how much is disputed. An uncontested divorce where both spouses already agree on parenting, support, and property can sometimes conclude within a few months of filing. A contested case involving a disputed parenting plan, a business, or complex assets more commonly runs a year or longer. The single biggest factor in the timeline is how many issues genuinely require a judge to decide.

Not automatically, though that is the starting point. Under RSA 458:16-a, New Hampshire treats essentially all property owned by either spouse as marital property and presumes an equal division is equitable. A court can order an unequal division when the statutory factors justify it — the length of the marriage, the parties' ages and health, fault in limited circumstances, one spouse's contribution to the other's earning capacity, and property brought into the marriage or received by gift or inheritance, among others.

No. New Hampshire allows a no-fault divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences that have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage (RSA 458:7-a), which is how most divorces here proceed. Fault grounds still exist under RSA 458:7, and fault can occasionally matter to property division or alimony, but proving fault is not required to end a marriage.

New Hampshire uses statutory guidelines under RSA 458-C that apply a percentage to the parents' combined net income based on the number of children, then allocate the obligation between the parents in proportion to their incomes. Health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, and certain other costs are factored in. A court can deviate from the guideline amount, but only with specific written findings explaining why.

Yes. Parenting plans and support orders are not permanent. Support can generally be reviewed after a set period or sooner on a substantial change in circumstances, and parenting plans can be modified under the standards in RSA 461-A:11. Job loss, relocation, a child's changing needs, and safety concerns are among the reasons parents return to court.

New Hampshire requires parents in divorce and parenting cases involving minor children to complete an approved parenting education seminar known as the Child Impact Program. It covers how separation affects children and how to reduce that impact. It is a requirement, not a punishment, and most parents complete it early in the case.

One lawyer cannot represent both spouses. Where a couple genuinely agrees, unbundled or limited-scope representation is often a good fit — the firm helps with specific tasks such as drafting or reviewing the settlement agreement and parenting plan while you handle the rest yourself. That keeps costs down while making sure the documents you sign say what you actually intend.

Yes. Attorney Gilman regularly represents fathers seeking meaningful parenting time and a fair share of decision-making. New Hampshire law does not favor mothers over fathers — RSA 461-A directs courts to consider the best interests of the child — but fathers often benefit from an advocate who will document their involvement and press for a parenting plan that reflects it.