SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
New Hampshire Divorce Papers
Filing for divorce in New Hampshire can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure which papers go where or what each one is actually for. The good news is that New Hampshire keeps things relatively straightforward: the state publishes one standardized set of divorce forms through its Judicial Branch, so you are not hunting down different paperwork in every county.
This guide walks you through the New Hampshire divorce forms you may encounter, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process generally moves from filing to final decree. We have written it in plain language so you can understand your options without wading through legal jargon.
One important note before we start: this page is informational only. It describes what the forms do and how the New Hampshire process works in general terms. It is not legal advice, and every situation is different. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which New Hampshire Divorce Forms Will You Need?
New Hampshire offers two procedural paths, and the path you take shapes which forms come into play. In the first path, both spouses file a Joint Petition together when they agree to divorce and have resolved their issues, which means no formal service is required. In the second path, one spouse files an Individual Petition, and the other spouse (the respondent) is served and files an Appearance to enter the case. Below, the forms are grouped by what they accomplish so you can see how they fit together. Every form name and number here comes straight from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.
Starting the Case
Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2057-F)
This form is filed by one spouse to initiate a contested or uncontested divorce. It states the grounds, the relief requested, and any parenting and property claims.
Joint Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2058-F)
This form is filed by both spouses together when they agree to divorce and have resolved all issues. Filing jointly eliminates the need for formal service.
Joint Petition for Legal Separation (NHJB-2060-F)
This form is filed by both spouses seeking legal separation rather than a full divorce. It mirrors the joint divorce petition for the separation track, since New Hampshire offers divorce and legal separation as parallel options.
Personal Data Sheet (NHJB-2077-F)
This form is required at filing and is completed by each party. It captures demographic and vital statistics information for the court's vital records.
Responding to a Petition
Appearance (NHJB-2050-F)
This form is filed by the respondent within 15 days of being served to notify the court of an intent to participate. In New Hampshire Family Division practice, the Appearance serves as the formal response vehicle. There is no separately numbered "Answer to Petition" form in New Hampshire; the Appearance is how the respondent enters the case.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F)
This form is required of both parties in all divorce, legal separation, and support cases. It discloses income, expenses, assets, and debts so the court has a full financial picture.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F)
This form is required in all cases involving minor children. It establishes the physical custody schedule, legal decision-making, holidays, transportation, and how disputes will be resolved.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (NHJB-2101-FP)
This worksheet calculates the child support obligation under New Hampshire's income-shares model (RSA 458-C) and must accompany any proposed child support order. Note that New Hampshire does not use a fixed dollar form for support; the worksheet itself is the instrument used to compute the amount.
Child Impact Program Notice to Parents (NHJB-2068-F)
This form notifies the parties of the mandatory Child Impact Program requirement and tracks compliance under RSA 458-D for cases involving minor children.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
In uncontested cases, spouses commonly file a Marital Settlement Agreement alongside the petition to spell out how they have resolved property, support, and other issues. New Hampshire does not have a single official state-numbered MSA form, so parties typically draft the agreement themselves or work it out through court-facilitated mediation. New Hampshire also treats legal separation as a parallel track to divorce, with an equivalent set of forms.
Finalizing Your Case
Temporary Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2072-F)
This court-issued order establishes temporary support, custody, and property arrangements while the case is pending.
Final Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2071-F)
This is the court's final order granting the divorce. It includes property division, support, and parenting terms. The same form covers both divorce and legal separation.
Where to Get New Hampshire Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Hampshire divorce forms, depending on how much guidance you want along the way.
Official State Courts Website
New Hampshire publishes its statewide divorce and parenting forms through the Judicial Branch. You can find them on the official forms page at courts.nh.gov. Because the forms are standardized statewide, you use the same versions no matter which county you live in.
County Clerk or Family Division Court
New Hampshire forms are not county-specific, so the paperwork is the same statewide. Your local Family Division court can still be a helpful resource for filing logistics, fees, and scheduling questions, and court staff can point you to the right forms, though they cannot give legal advice.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Legal aid organizations and court self-help resources can help you understand the forms and the general process, particularly if cost is a concern. These services provide information and assistance rather than representation.
Online Divorce Services
If you would rather not assemble the paperwork on your own, an online service can prepare the right New Hampshire forms based on your answers to simple questions. Divorce.com walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid blank fields and missing documents that can slow a case down.
Hire an Attorney
For complex situations, contested issues, or simply peace of mind, a New Hampshire family law attorney can prepare your forms, represent you, and advise you on how the law applies to your circumstances. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The New Hampshire Divorce Process
While every case is different, most New Hampshire divorces follow a similar sequence. Here is a general overview of the steps.
1. Confirm Residency
New Hampshire has no fixed durational residency minimum if both parties are domiciled in the state at filing, or if the petitioner is domiciled in New Hampshire and the respondent is personally served in the state. If the petitioner is the only New Hampshire resident and the respondent cannot be personally served in-state, the petitioner must have been domiciled in New Hampshire for one year before filing (RSA 458:5).
2. File the Petition
The case begins when either one spouse files a Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2057-F) or both spouses file a Joint Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2058-F). A Personal Data Sheet (NHJB-2077-F) is filed at the same time.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
If one spouse files individually, the other spouse is served and then files an Appearance (NHJB-2050-F) within 15 days. When spouses file a Joint Petition together, formal service is not required because both have already signed on.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both parties complete a Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F) disclosing income, expenses, assets, and debts. In cases with minor children, the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (NHJB-2101-FP) and a Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F) come into play.
5. Complete Any Required Programs and Observe the Timeline
New Hampshire does not impose a statutory waiting period. In cases involving minor children under 18, all parties must complete the mandatory Child Impact Program, a four-hour seminar required under RSA 458-D, within 45 days of service on the respondent. Uncontested cases typically resolve in about two to three months, limited mainly by court scheduling and the Child Impact Program requirement when children are involved.
6. Receive the Decree and Certified Copies
The court may issue a Temporary Decree (NHJB-2072-F) to set interim arrangements while the case is pending. When everything is resolved, the court enters the Final Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2071-F), which grants the divorce and sets out property division, support, and parenting terms. You can typically request certified copies for your records.
New Hampshire-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. As covered above, New Hampshire has no fixed durational minimum when both spouses are domiciled in the state or when the petitioner is domiciled here and the respondent is personally served in-state. The one-year domicile requirement applies only when the petitioner is the sole New Hampshire resident and the respondent cannot be served in the state (RSA 458:5).
Property regime. New Hampshire is an equitable distribution state. Property is presumed to be divided equally, but that presumption is rebuttable based on equitable factors the court may weigh (RSA 458:16-a). Equitable means fair, which does not always mean a precise 50/50 split.
Grounds. New Hampshire allows a no-fault ground: irreconcilable differences causing an irremediable breakdown of the marriage (RSA 458:7-a). The state also recognizes fault grounds under RSA 458:7, including impotency; adultery; extreme cruelty; conviction of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment with actual imprisonment; treatment that seriously injures health or endangers reason; absence for two years; habitual drunkenness or drug abuse persisting at least two years; a religious sect's refusal to cohabit for six months; and two years of abandonment without consent.
Waiting period. There is no waiting period mandated by statute. The practical timeline is driven by court scheduling and, in cases with children, the Child Impact Program.
Distinctive features. New Hampshire offers two procedural paths (Joint Petition versus Individual Petition), runs divorce and legal separation as parallel tracks with equivalent forms, and has no covenant marriage law. The Child Impact Program (CIP) is mandatory for all parties with minor children under 18; it is a four-hour seminar that must be completed within 45 days of service on the respondent, at a cost of $85 paid to the provider.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Looking for a county-specific form set
New Hampshire forms are standardized statewide, not county-specific. Searching for separate county paperwork can waste time; the same Judicial Branch forms apply everywhere in the state.
Expecting a numbered "Answer" form
There is no separately numbered Answer to Petition form in New Hampshire. The respondent enters the case by filing an Appearance (NHJB-2050-F), generally within 15 days of being served.
Overlooking the Child Impact Program deadline
When minor children are involved, the Child Impact Program is mandatory and must be completed within 45 days of service on the respondent. Missing this can delay your case.
Leaving financial disclosures incomplete
The Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F) is required of both parties. Incomplete or inaccurate financial information can stall the process and create problems later.
Assuming "equal" is automatic
New Hampshire presumes an equal property division, but that presumption is rebuttable based on equitable factors. Treating a 50/50 outcome as guaranteed can lead to surprises.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Assembling the right New Hampshire forms, filling them out correctly, and keeping track of deadlines like the Child Impact Program can be a lot to juggle. Divorce.com is built to make that simpler. By answering plain-language questions, you get the correct New Hampshire forms prepared and organized, so you can move forward with confidence.
Here is what working with Divorce.com offers:
Step-by-step guidance through the New Hampshire forms that apply to your situation
Plain-language questions instead of confusing legal jargon
Properly completed, court-ready documents that help you avoid missing fields
Support designed for both the Joint Petition and Individual Petition paths
A faster, lower-stress alternative to assembling everything on your own
Which New Hampshire Divorce Forms Will You Need?
New Hampshire offers two procedural paths, and the path you take shapes which forms come into play. In the first path, both spouses file a Joint Petition together when they agree to divorce and have resolved their issues, which means no formal service is required. In the second path, one spouse files an Individual Petition, and the other spouse (the respondent) is served and files an Appearance to enter the case. Below, the forms are grouped by what they accomplish so you can see how they fit together. Every form name and number here comes straight from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.
Starting the Case
Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2057-F)
This form is filed by one spouse to initiate a contested or uncontested divorce. It states the grounds, the relief requested, and any parenting and property claims.
Joint Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2058-F)
This form is filed by both spouses together when they agree to divorce and have resolved all issues. Filing jointly eliminates the need for formal service.
Joint Petition for Legal Separation (NHJB-2060-F)
This form is filed by both spouses seeking legal separation rather than a full divorce. It mirrors the joint divorce petition for the separation track, since New Hampshire offers divorce and legal separation as parallel options.
Personal Data Sheet (NHJB-2077-F)
This form is required at filing and is completed by each party. It captures demographic and vital statistics information for the court's vital records.
Responding to a Petition
Appearance (NHJB-2050-F)
This form is filed by the respondent within 15 days of being served to notify the court of an intent to participate. In New Hampshire Family Division practice, the Appearance serves as the formal response vehicle. There is no separately numbered "Answer to Petition" form in New Hampshire; the Appearance is how the respondent enters the case.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F)
This form is required of both parties in all divorce, legal separation, and support cases. It discloses income, expenses, assets, and debts so the court has a full financial picture.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F)
This form is required in all cases involving minor children. It establishes the physical custody schedule, legal decision-making, holidays, transportation, and how disputes will be resolved.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (NHJB-2101-FP)
This worksheet calculates the child support obligation under New Hampshire's income-shares model (RSA 458-C) and must accompany any proposed child support order. Note that New Hampshire does not use a fixed dollar form for support; the worksheet itself is the instrument used to compute the amount.
Child Impact Program Notice to Parents (NHJB-2068-F)
This form notifies the parties of the mandatory Child Impact Program requirement and tracks compliance under RSA 458-D for cases involving minor children.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
In uncontested cases, spouses commonly file a Marital Settlement Agreement alongside the petition to spell out how they have resolved property, support, and other issues. New Hampshire does not have a single official state-numbered MSA form, so parties typically draft the agreement themselves or work it out through court-facilitated mediation. New Hampshire also treats legal separation as a parallel track to divorce, with an equivalent set of forms.
Finalizing Your Case
Temporary Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2072-F)
This court-issued order establishes temporary support, custody, and property arrangements while the case is pending.
Final Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2071-F)
This is the court's final order granting the divorce. It includes property division, support, and parenting terms. The same form covers both divorce and legal separation.
Where to Get New Hampshire Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Hampshire divorce forms, depending on how much guidance you want along the way.
Official State Courts Website
New Hampshire publishes its statewide divorce and parenting forms through the Judicial Branch. You can find them on the official forms page at courts.nh.gov. Because the forms are standardized statewide, you use the same versions no matter which county you live in.
County Clerk or Family Division Court
New Hampshire forms are not county-specific, so the paperwork is the same statewide. Your local Family Division court can still be a helpful resource for filing logistics, fees, and scheduling questions, and court staff can point you to the right forms, though they cannot give legal advice.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Legal aid organizations and court self-help resources can help you understand the forms and the general process, particularly if cost is a concern. These services provide information and assistance rather than representation.
Online Divorce Services
If you would rather not assemble the paperwork on your own, an online service can prepare the right New Hampshire forms based on your answers to simple questions. Divorce.com walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid blank fields and missing documents that can slow a case down.
Hire an Attorney
For complex situations, contested issues, or simply peace of mind, a New Hampshire family law attorney can prepare your forms, represent you, and advise you on how the law applies to your circumstances. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The New Hampshire Divorce Process
While every case is different, most New Hampshire divorces follow a similar sequence. Here is a general overview of the steps.
1. Confirm Residency
New Hampshire has no fixed durational residency minimum if both parties are domiciled in the state at filing, or if the petitioner is domiciled in New Hampshire and the respondent is personally served in the state. If the petitioner is the only New Hampshire resident and the respondent cannot be personally served in-state, the petitioner must have been domiciled in New Hampshire for one year before filing (RSA 458:5).
2. File the Petition
The case begins when either one spouse files a Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2057-F) or both spouses file a Joint Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2058-F). A Personal Data Sheet (NHJB-2077-F) is filed at the same time.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
If one spouse files individually, the other spouse is served and then files an Appearance (NHJB-2050-F) within 15 days. When spouses file a Joint Petition together, formal service is not required because both have already signed on.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both parties complete a Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F) disclosing income, expenses, assets, and debts. In cases with minor children, the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (NHJB-2101-FP) and a Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F) come into play.
5. Complete Any Required Programs and Observe the Timeline
New Hampshire does not impose a statutory waiting period. In cases involving minor children under 18, all parties must complete the mandatory Child Impact Program, a four-hour seminar required under RSA 458-D, within 45 days of service on the respondent. Uncontested cases typically resolve in about two to three months, limited mainly by court scheduling and the Child Impact Program requirement when children are involved.
6. Receive the Decree and Certified Copies
The court may issue a Temporary Decree (NHJB-2072-F) to set interim arrangements while the case is pending. When everything is resolved, the court enters the Final Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2071-F), which grants the divorce and sets out property division, support, and parenting terms. You can typically request certified copies for your records.
New Hampshire-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. As covered above, New Hampshire has no fixed durational minimum when both spouses are domiciled in the state or when the petitioner is domiciled here and the respondent is personally served in-state. The one-year domicile requirement applies only when the petitioner is the sole New Hampshire resident and the respondent cannot be served in the state (RSA 458:5).
Property regime. New Hampshire is an equitable distribution state. Property is presumed to be divided equally, but that presumption is rebuttable based on equitable factors the court may weigh (RSA 458:16-a). Equitable means fair, which does not always mean a precise 50/50 split.
Grounds. New Hampshire allows a no-fault ground: irreconcilable differences causing an irremediable breakdown of the marriage (RSA 458:7-a). The state also recognizes fault grounds under RSA 458:7, including impotency; adultery; extreme cruelty; conviction of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment with actual imprisonment; treatment that seriously injures health or endangers reason; absence for two years; habitual drunkenness or drug abuse persisting at least two years; a religious sect's refusal to cohabit for six months; and two years of abandonment without consent.
Waiting period. There is no waiting period mandated by statute. The practical timeline is driven by court scheduling and, in cases with children, the Child Impact Program.
Distinctive features. New Hampshire offers two procedural paths (Joint Petition versus Individual Petition), runs divorce and legal separation as parallel tracks with equivalent forms, and has no covenant marriage law. The Child Impact Program (CIP) is mandatory for all parties with minor children under 18; it is a four-hour seminar that must be completed within 45 days of service on the respondent, at a cost of $85 paid to the provider.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Looking for a county-specific form set
New Hampshire forms are standardized statewide, not county-specific. Searching for separate county paperwork can waste time; the same Judicial Branch forms apply everywhere in the state.
Expecting a numbered "Answer" form
There is no separately numbered Answer to Petition form in New Hampshire. The respondent enters the case by filing an Appearance (NHJB-2050-F), generally within 15 days of being served.
Overlooking the Child Impact Program deadline
When minor children are involved, the Child Impact Program is mandatory and must be completed within 45 days of service on the respondent. Missing this can delay your case.
Leaving financial disclosures incomplete
The Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F) is required of both parties. Incomplete or inaccurate financial information can stall the process and create problems later.
Assuming "equal" is automatic
New Hampshire presumes an equal property division, but that presumption is rebuttable based on equitable factors. Treating a 50/50 outcome as guaranteed can lead to surprises.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Assembling the right New Hampshire forms, filling them out correctly, and keeping track of deadlines like the Child Impact Program can be a lot to juggle. Divorce.com is built to make that simpler. By answering plain-language questions, you get the correct New Hampshire forms prepared and organized, so you can move forward with confidence.
Here is what working with Divorce.com offers:
Step-by-step guidance through the New Hampshire forms that apply to your situation
Plain-language questions instead of confusing legal jargon
Properly completed, court-ready documents that help you avoid missing fields
Support designed for both the Joint Petition and Individual Petition paths
A faster, lower-stress alternative to assembling everything on your own
Which New Hampshire Divorce Forms Will You Need?
New Hampshire offers two procedural paths, and the path you take shapes which forms come into play. In the first path, both spouses file a Joint Petition together when they agree to divorce and have resolved their issues, which means no formal service is required. In the second path, one spouse files an Individual Petition, and the other spouse (the respondent) is served and files an Appearance to enter the case. Below, the forms are grouped by what they accomplish so you can see how they fit together. Every form name and number here comes straight from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.
Starting the Case
Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2057-F)
This form is filed by one spouse to initiate a contested or uncontested divorce. It states the grounds, the relief requested, and any parenting and property claims.
Joint Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2058-F)
This form is filed by both spouses together when they agree to divorce and have resolved all issues. Filing jointly eliminates the need for formal service.
Joint Petition for Legal Separation (NHJB-2060-F)
This form is filed by both spouses seeking legal separation rather than a full divorce. It mirrors the joint divorce petition for the separation track, since New Hampshire offers divorce and legal separation as parallel options.
Personal Data Sheet (NHJB-2077-F)
This form is required at filing and is completed by each party. It captures demographic and vital statistics information for the court's vital records.
Responding to a Petition
Appearance (NHJB-2050-F)
This form is filed by the respondent within 15 days of being served to notify the court of an intent to participate. In New Hampshire Family Division practice, the Appearance serves as the formal response vehicle. There is no separately numbered "Answer to Petition" form in New Hampshire; the Appearance is how the respondent enters the case.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F)
This form is required of both parties in all divorce, legal separation, and support cases. It discloses income, expenses, assets, and debts so the court has a full financial picture.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F)
This form is required in all cases involving minor children. It establishes the physical custody schedule, legal decision-making, holidays, transportation, and how disputes will be resolved.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (NHJB-2101-FP)
This worksheet calculates the child support obligation under New Hampshire's income-shares model (RSA 458-C) and must accompany any proposed child support order. Note that New Hampshire does not use a fixed dollar form for support; the worksheet itself is the instrument used to compute the amount.
Child Impact Program Notice to Parents (NHJB-2068-F)
This form notifies the parties of the mandatory Child Impact Program requirement and tracks compliance under RSA 458-D for cases involving minor children.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
In uncontested cases, spouses commonly file a Marital Settlement Agreement alongside the petition to spell out how they have resolved property, support, and other issues. New Hampshire does not have a single official state-numbered MSA form, so parties typically draft the agreement themselves or work it out through court-facilitated mediation. New Hampshire also treats legal separation as a parallel track to divorce, with an equivalent set of forms.
Finalizing Your Case
Temporary Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2072-F)
This court-issued order establishes temporary support, custody, and property arrangements while the case is pending.
Final Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2071-F)
This is the court's final order granting the divorce. It includes property division, support, and parenting terms. The same form covers both divorce and legal separation.
Where to Get New Hampshire Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining New Hampshire divorce forms, depending on how much guidance you want along the way.
Official State Courts Website
New Hampshire publishes its statewide divorce and parenting forms through the Judicial Branch. You can find them on the official forms page at courts.nh.gov. Because the forms are standardized statewide, you use the same versions no matter which county you live in.
County Clerk or Family Division Court
New Hampshire forms are not county-specific, so the paperwork is the same statewide. Your local Family Division court can still be a helpful resource for filing logistics, fees, and scheduling questions, and court staff can point you to the right forms, though they cannot give legal advice.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Legal aid organizations and court self-help resources can help you understand the forms and the general process, particularly if cost is a concern. These services provide information and assistance rather than representation.
Online Divorce Services
If you would rather not assemble the paperwork on your own, an online service can prepare the right New Hampshire forms based on your answers to simple questions. Divorce.com walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid blank fields and missing documents that can slow a case down.
Hire an Attorney
For complex situations, contested issues, or simply peace of mind, a New Hampshire family law attorney can prepare your forms, represent you, and advise you on how the law applies to your circumstances. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The New Hampshire Divorce Process
While every case is different, most New Hampshire divorces follow a similar sequence. Here is a general overview of the steps.
1. Confirm Residency
New Hampshire has no fixed durational residency minimum if both parties are domiciled in the state at filing, or if the petitioner is domiciled in New Hampshire and the respondent is personally served in the state. If the petitioner is the only New Hampshire resident and the respondent cannot be personally served in-state, the petitioner must have been domiciled in New Hampshire for one year before filing (RSA 458:5).
2. File the Petition
The case begins when either one spouse files a Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2057-F) or both spouses file a Joint Petition for Divorce (NHJB-2058-F). A Personal Data Sheet (NHJB-2077-F) is filed at the same time.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
If one spouse files individually, the other spouse is served and then files an Appearance (NHJB-2050-F) within 15 days. When spouses file a Joint Petition together, formal service is not required because both have already signed on.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both parties complete a Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F) disclosing income, expenses, assets, and debts. In cases with minor children, the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (NHJB-2101-FP) and a Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F) come into play.
5. Complete Any Required Programs and Observe the Timeline
New Hampshire does not impose a statutory waiting period. In cases involving minor children under 18, all parties must complete the mandatory Child Impact Program, a four-hour seminar required under RSA 458-D, within 45 days of service on the respondent. Uncontested cases typically resolve in about two to three months, limited mainly by court scheduling and the Child Impact Program requirement when children are involved.
6. Receive the Decree and Certified Copies
The court may issue a Temporary Decree (NHJB-2072-F) to set interim arrangements while the case is pending. When everything is resolved, the court enters the Final Decree on Petition for Divorce or Legal Separation (NHJB-2071-F), which grants the divorce and sets out property division, support, and parenting terms. You can typically request certified copies for your records.
New Hampshire-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. As covered above, New Hampshire has no fixed durational minimum when both spouses are domiciled in the state or when the petitioner is domiciled here and the respondent is personally served in-state. The one-year domicile requirement applies only when the petitioner is the sole New Hampshire resident and the respondent cannot be served in the state (RSA 458:5).
Property regime. New Hampshire is an equitable distribution state. Property is presumed to be divided equally, but that presumption is rebuttable based on equitable factors the court may weigh (RSA 458:16-a). Equitable means fair, which does not always mean a precise 50/50 split.
Grounds. New Hampshire allows a no-fault ground: irreconcilable differences causing an irremediable breakdown of the marriage (RSA 458:7-a). The state also recognizes fault grounds under RSA 458:7, including impotency; adultery; extreme cruelty; conviction of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment with actual imprisonment; treatment that seriously injures health or endangers reason; absence for two years; habitual drunkenness or drug abuse persisting at least two years; a religious sect's refusal to cohabit for six months; and two years of abandonment without consent.
Waiting period. There is no waiting period mandated by statute. The practical timeline is driven by court scheduling and, in cases with children, the Child Impact Program.
Distinctive features. New Hampshire offers two procedural paths (Joint Petition versus Individual Petition), runs divorce and legal separation as parallel tracks with equivalent forms, and has no covenant marriage law. The Child Impact Program (CIP) is mandatory for all parties with minor children under 18; it is a four-hour seminar that must be completed within 45 days of service on the respondent, at a cost of $85 paid to the provider.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Looking for a county-specific form set
New Hampshire forms are standardized statewide, not county-specific. Searching for separate county paperwork can waste time; the same Judicial Branch forms apply everywhere in the state.
Expecting a numbered "Answer" form
There is no separately numbered Answer to Petition form in New Hampshire. The respondent enters the case by filing an Appearance (NHJB-2050-F), generally within 15 days of being served.
Overlooking the Child Impact Program deadline
When minor children are involved, the Child Impact Program is mandatory and must be completed within 45 days of service on the respondent. Missing this can delay your case.
Leaving financial disclosures incomplete
The Financial Affidavit (NHJB-2065-F) is required of both parties. Incomplete or inaccurate financial information can stall the process and create problems later.
Assuming "equal" is automatic
New Hampshire presumes an equal property division, but that presumption is rebuttable based on equitable factors. Treating a 50/50 outcome as guaranteed can lead to surprises.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Assembling the right New Hampshire forms, filling them out correctly, and keeping track of deadlines like the Child Impact Program can be a lot to juggle. Divorce.com is built to make that simpler. By answering plain-language questions, you get the correct New Hampshire forms prepared and organized, so you can move forward with confidence.
Here is what working with Divorce.com offers:
Step-by-step guidance through the New Hampshire forms that apply to your situation
Plain-language questions instead of confusing legal jargon
Properly completed, court-ready documents that help you avoid missing fields
Support designed for both the Joint Petition and Individual Petition paths
A faster, lower-stress alternative to assembling everything on your own
Filing for divorce in New Hampshire can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure which papers go where or what each one is actually for. The good news is that New Hampshire keeps things relatively straightforward: the state publishes one standardized set of divorce forms through its Judicial Branch, so you are not hunting down different paperwork in every county.
This guide walks you through the New Hampshire divorce forms you may encounter, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process generally moves from filing to final decree. We have written it in plain language so you can understand your options without wading through legal jargon.
One important note before we start: this page is informational only. It describes what the forms do and how the New Hampshire process works in general terms. It is not legal advice, and every situation is different. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
New Hampshire keeps divorce paperwork refreshingly consistent: the Judicial Branch publishes one statewide set of standardized forms, so whether you live in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Derry, or Dover, you are using the same documents. The path you take, a Joint Petition filed together or an Individual Petition with service and an Appearance, determines which forms apply, and cases with children add the Parenting Plan, Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, and the mandatory Child Impact Program.
You can download every official form directly from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch forms page. If you would rather have the right forms prepared for you through simple questions, Divorce.com can guide you from start to finish.
This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Let’s get your divorce started today.
Let’s get your divorce started today.
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