How to File for Divorce in New Hampshire Without a Lawyer (2026)
New Hampshire offers some of the most accessible divorce conditions in the country — no residency minimum, no waiting period, and a Joint Petition option for cooperating spouses.
No Residency Minimum: If you live in New Hampshire now, you can file for divorce immediately. New Hampshire does not require any minimum length of residency — just current residence in the state.
No Waiting Period: New Hampshire has no mandatory waiting period between filing and finalization. The divorce can be finalized as soon as the paperwork is processed and the court hears the case.
Joint Petition — No Service Required: Both spouses can file a Joint Petition for Divorce together. With a Joint Petition, there is no service step, eliminating a significant source of delay and cost.
Financial Affidavit — Required: Both parties must complete and file a Financial Affidavit (Form NHJB-2065-F or the simplified NHJB-2065-FS). This is mandatory in all New Hampshire divorces.
Parenting Class — Required With Children: When children under 18 are involved, both parents must complete a parenting education program and file completion certificates before finalization.
"Irreconcilable Differences" — the No-Fault Ground: New Hampshire's clean no-fault ground. No fault or wrongdoing needs to be proven.
Disclaimer: General legal information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney for your specific situation.
New Hampshire Divorce at a Glance
| Factor | New Hampshire Rule |
|---|---|
| Official term | "Divorce" |
| No-fault ground | "Irreconcilable differences" |
| Residency | None — just current NH residence |
| Waiting period | None |
| Court | Circuit Court, Family Division |
| Filing fee | $260 |
| Property system | Equitable distribution |
| Joint Petition | Available — both spouses file together; no service |
| Financial Affidavit | Required — NHJB-2065-F or NHJB-2065-FS |
| Parenting class | Required when children under 18 |
| Alimony | Need-based; no formula; called "alimony" |
| Child support | NH Child Support Guidelines |
| Deed recording | NH Registry of Deeds (county-level) |
| Forms | courts.state.nh.us/forms/nhjb-forms.htm |
Most Accessible State for Immediate Filing
Combining no residency minimum with no waiting period makes New Hampshire potentially the most immediately accessible state for divorce in the United States. If you live in New Hampshire, you can file today — and the divorce can be finalized as soon as the paperwork is complete and the court schedules a hearing.
Joint Petition — The Fastest Path
When both spouses agree, file a Joint Petition for Divorce at the Circuit Court, Family Division. Both spouses are both Petitioners — no "Respondent" and no service requirement. This eliminates one of the most common delays in the divorce process.
Joint Petition requirements:
- Both parties sign the Joint Petition
- Both complete and file Financial Affidavits (NHJB-2065-F or NHJB-2065-FS)
- A Marital Settlement Agreement is attached
- If children under 18: Parenting Plan attached; both parents' parenting certificates filed
Financial Affidavit — Mandatory
Both parties must complete and file a Financial Affidavit in every New Hampshire divorce (RSA 458:15-b). Two versions:
- NHJB-2065-F — Full Financial Affidavit (most cases)
- NHJB-2065-FS — Simplified version (lower-income cases; court approval needed)
The Financial Affidavit discloses all income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. It is used by the court to evaluate any request for alimony, child support, and property division.
Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1 — Confirm Residence in NH
You currently live in New Hampshire. No minimum required.
Step 2 — Decide: Joint Petition or Individual Petition
Both agree? Joint Petition — no service, both sign. Not cooperating? Individual Complaint for Divorce — serve the Respondent.
Step 3 — Inventory Marital Property
New Hampshire uses equitable distribution. Gather all financial documentation.
Step 4 — Complete Financial Affidavit
Both parties complete NHJB-2065-F (or NHJB-2065-FS) — required in all cases.
Step 5 — Draft the Marital Settlement Agreement
Address all property, debts, alimony, and child-related matters.
Step 6 — File at Circuit Court, Family Division
File in the county where either spouse lives. Pay $260.
Step 7 — Parenting Class (If Children Under 18)
Both parents complete the parenting class. File certificates.
Step 8 — No Waiting Period
No mandatory waiting period. Schedule the final hearing.
Step 9 — Final Hearing
Judge reviews Financial Affidavits, MSA, Parenting Plan (if applicable). Divorce Decree entered.
Step 10 — Post-Divorce Steps
Record deeds at NH Registry of Deeds. QDRO for retirement plans. Update titles, accounts, beneficiaries.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | No residency minimum | No waiting period | Joint Petition available — no service | Financial Affidavit required — NHJB-2065-F or NHJB-2065-FS | Parenting class required with children under 18 | "Irreconcilable differences" | Circuit Court Family Division | Equitable distribution | Need-based alimony | NH Registry of Deeds for deed recording | courts.state.nh.us/forms/nhjb-forms.htm
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.