Family Law Attorney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

When your family is going through changes, the last thing you want is uncertainty about what happens to the people and things you care about most. Divorce, custody disputes, and support matters can affect your relationship with your children, your finances, and your plans for the future. Understanding what New Hampshire law allows can give you a clearer basis for the decisions ahead. 

At Wiberg Law Office, PLLC, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Attorney Brian Stone represents clients in divorce, child custody, parenting arrangements, support matters, and other family law disputes. He can explain how the law applies to your circumstances, help you understand your legal choices, and advocate for your interests when an agreement cannot be reached. 

You deserve to understand where you stand before making decisions that can affect your family for years to come. Reach out now to schedule a free consultation. 

What to Know About Divorce in New Hampshire 

Before filing for divorce, you must meet New Hampshire's residency and jurisdiction requirements. Generally, either both spouses must live in New Hampshire, the filing spouse must live there and serve the other spouse in New Hampshire, or the filing spouse must have lived there for at least one year immediately before filing, depending on the circumstances. 

The law presumes that marital property should be divided equally, but a court may order a different division when an equal split would not be equitable. Factors may include the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, health, financial needs, liabilities, and separate property. 

Child Custody in New Hampshire 

Custody is often the most contested and most personal part of a family law case. New Hampshire courts don't award custody based on which parent asks first or which parent earns more. Instead, judges consider the best interests of the child, looking at factors such as: 

• Each parent's relationship with the child and history of caregiving

• The child's adjustment to home, school, and community 

• Each parent's ability to communicate and cooperate on parenting decisions 

• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse 

• The child's own preferences, depending on their age and maturity 

New Hampshire law generally refers to parental rights and responsibilities rather than “legal custody” and “physical custody.” Decision-making responsibility covers major decisions affecting the child, while residential responsibility concerns where the child lives. Parents may share these responsibilities or have them allocated differently based on the circumstances. Most cases involving parenting time also require a parenting plan that spells out schedules, holidays, and decision-making responsibilities in detail. 

Because custody decisions can affect your family's day-to-day life for years, Attorney Stone can review your proposed parenting plan, help you understand your options, or advocate for an arrangement that protects your interests in a contested case. As a Portsmouth family law attorney, he can help you address important issues such as parenting schedules, decision-making responsibilities, holidays, and other terms that shape how you and your children spend time together.

The Firm’s Family Law Services 

Family law concerns can affect your finances, your relationship with your children, and your plans for the future. Wiberg Law Office provides personalized legal representation for clients in the following matters: 

• Divorce: Uncontested and contested divorces, including cases involving significant assets or disputed custody 

• Child Custody & Parenting Plans: Legal and physical custody arrangements based on the best interests of the child 

• Child Support: Establishing new support orders and calculating amounts under New Hampshire's child support guidelines 

• Alimony & Spousal Support: Pursuing or defending against spousal support claims 

• Property & Asset Division: Equitable division of marital property, including homes, retirement accounts, and businesses 

• Modifications & Enforcement: Updating existing orders when circumstances change or enforcing orders that aren't being followed 

• Restraining Orders & Domestic Violence Protection: Petitioning for or responding to protective orders 

• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting enforceable agreements that protect both parties 

How Wiberg Law Office Can Help 

The right legal guidance can help you understand your options, avoid unnecessary conflict, and make informed decisions about your family's future. At Wiberg Law Office, clients can expect: 

• Free consultations: An opportunity to discuss your situation, understand your options, and determine whether legal representation is right for you. 

• Clear legal guidance: Straightforward explanations without unnecessary legal jargon, so you understand your rights, options, and what to expect. 

• Local court experience: Familiarity with the Rockingham County Family Division and family court procedures that can affect clients in Portsmouth, Dover, Manchester, and surrounding areas of Rockingham County, Strafford County, and Hillsborough County. 

• Personalized legal strategies: A case strategy based on your circumstances and goals, whether negotiation, mediation, or litigation is appropriate. 

• Responsive communication: Timely communication and practical guidance throughout what can be a challenging and highly personal legal process. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does a divorce take in New Hampshire?  

Uncontested divorces may be resolved in a matter of months, while contested cases involving custody or significant assets typically take longer. 

Is mediation required before a family law case goes to court in New Hampshire?  

A court may order mediation in cases involving disputed parental rights and responsibilities. Mediation may not be appropriate in certain circumstances, including some cases involving domestic violence or other safety concerns. 

How is child support calculated in New Hampshire?  

New Hampshire uses child support guidelines based on the parents' combined net income, the number of children, and other factors and allowable expenses. The resulting guideline amount may be adjusted in certain circumstances. 

Speak With a New Hampshire Family Law Attorney Today 

Family law matters affect the people and futures you care about most, and having the right advocate makes a real difference. Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Wiberg Law Office represents clients in Portsmouth, Dover, Manchester, and surrounding communities throughout Rockingham County, Strafford County, and Hillsborough County. Contact the law office now to schedule a free consultation.