New Hampshire Alimony & Spousal Support Lawyer
Alimony—spousal support—is a key consideration in many New Hampshire divorce cases. Understanding how it may apply to your situation can provide clarity during an otherwise challenging and emotional time. If you are going through a divorce in Manchester, you may be wondering whether alimony will be awarded, how much you might be required to pay or receive, and for how long. These are common concerns for both spouses seeking support and those responsible for paying it.
A frequent question arises: “Why should I have to pay alimony if my spouse can work?” Conversely, many ask, “Why wouldn’t I receive alimony after years of supporting my spouse by managing the household and raising children?” Alimony is often one of the most contentious aspects of divorce because New Hampshire courts have broad discretion. Our experienced Manchester divorce attorneys help clients navigate this complexity by clarifying the law, highlighting where judges exercise discretion, and explaining what factors are most important under New Hampshire law.
What is Alimony in New Hampshire?
Alimony is financial support one former spouse may be required to provide to the other following a divorce. In New Hampshire, courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, contributions to the household, and the financial needs and obligations of both parties. Alimony arrangements in Manchester can become particularly complex when significant assets, business interests, or disparities in earning potential exist.
Factors Considered in Determining Alimony
When awarding alimony, New Hampshire courts evaluate a range of factors, including:
Length of the marriage
Age, health, and station of the parties
Income, earning capacity, and financial resources of each spouse
Contributions made to the household and family unit
Future earning potential of each party
Financial needs and obligations of each spouse
Any agreements made between the parties regarding support
Courts may also consider other relevant circumstances, such as parental responsibilities, sacrifices made for the family’s welfare, or unusual financial situations.
Types of Alimony in New Hampshire
New Hampshire alimony is highly flexible, allowing the court to tailor support to each spouse’s unique circumstances. Common types include:
Temporary Alimony: Short-term support provided during the divorce process to maintain financial stability for the lower-earning spouse. It ends once the divorce is finalized unless otherwise ordered.
Rehabilitative or Transitional Alimony: Payments intended to help a spouse achieve self-sufficiency through education, job training, or career development. The duration and amount are typically tied to the time required for the recipient to become financially independent.
Long-Term or Traditional Alimony: Support awarded when a dependent spouse cannot reasonably become self-supporting, often in cases of long marriages, significant earning disparities, or limited employability due to age, health, or other factors. This type may continue indefinitely or until the recipient remarries, cohabitates, or dies.
The court retains discretion to modify alimony if circumstances change, such as significant changes in income, employment status, or financial needs of either party.
Property Division and Alimony
In New Hampshire, alimony is determined independently of the equitable distribution of marital property. Courts typically address alimony first, then consider how property and assets should be divided. Factors influencing property distribution include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s conduct, health, earning capacity, assets, debts, and the overall financial impact of alimony. Proper legal guidance ensures that both alimony and property division align to create a fair and sustainable resolution.
Understanding Your Alimony Rights
Divorce is a complex and often emotionally charged process. A clear understanding of New Hampshire alimony laws can help you approach the process with confidence. Our Manchester family law attorneys provide practical guidance, strategic advocacy, and personalized representation to help you achieve a fair and reasonable outcome.
To schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled Manchester divorce attorney, call (603) 932-5032 or book online today.