📍 New Hampshire · 2026

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in New Hampshire?

Real numbers for New Hampshire — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.

✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026

Filing Fee
$250
Court filing cost
Attorney Rate
$240/hr
Avg in New Hampshire
Uncontested
$5,000
Avg total cost
Contested
$20,000
Avg total cost
Waiting Period
None
Mandatory minimum
Property Law
Equitable Split
equitable state

📜 How Divorce Filing Works in New Hampshire

The paperwork and terminology differ from state to state, but a New Hampshire divorce generally moves through the same five stages:

  1. A petition is filed. One spouse opens the case at the county courthouse and pays the filing fee to get things moving.
  2. The other spouse is served. Formal notice goes out, starting the clock on their window to respond.
  3. Both sides disclose finances. Income, property, and debts get put on the table — this is usually where attorney hours start adding up.
  4. Terms get worked out. Most couples settle here through negotiation or mediation rather than a trial, and this is the stage that determines your final cost.
  5. The decree is entered. Once everything is agreed (or a judge rules), the court signs off and the divorce is final.

This is a general roadmap, not legal advice specific to your case — your county's self-help center or a licensed New Hampshire family law attorney can walk you through the exact forms you'll need.

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Divorce Costs in New Hampshire: The Full Breakdown

The cost of divorce in New Hampshire ranges from roughly $3,000 for a simple uncontested case to $32,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.

New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period. It is one of only a few states where the process can theoretically complete in under 60 days.

Divorce TypeLow EstimateTypicalHigh Estimate
Uncontested, no children$250$1,000$5,000
Uncontested with children$3,000$5,000$7,500
Contested, no trial$11,000$20,000$32,000
Contested, goes to trial$32,000$38,000$50,000+
Savings going uncontestedUp to $15,000 per spouse
The most important number The difference between uncontested and contested in New Hampshire is approximately $15,000 per spouse. That is money that stays in your family rather than going to attorneys.

⚖️ New Hampshire Filing Fees by County

The court filing fee in New Hampshire is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

Filing fee note: $250 statewide

Hillsborough County (Manchester/Nashua)$250
Rockingham$250
Merrimack (Concord)$250

💼 Attorney Fees in New Hampshire

Divorce attorney hourly rates in New Hampshire average $240 per hour.

How to Reduce Your Divorce Costs in New Hampshire

📊 Typical Cost Example in New Hampshire

A Manchester couple with no children going through an uncontested divorce would spend $250 in filing fees and $2,000–$4,000 in attorney costs — total around $2,300–$4,500.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: New Hampshire Divorce Costs

How much does a divorce cost in New Hampshire?

An uncontested divorce in New Hampshire typically costs $5,000–$7,500 including the $250 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $20,000–$32,000 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.

Does New Hampshire have a waiting period for divorce?

No. New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period.

Is New Hampshire a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. New Hampshire allows no-fault divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences.

How is property divided in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on contributions, length of marriage, and each spouse's future financial needs.

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Filing fees based on New Hampshire court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.