Alimony Lawyer NH

Alimony Attorney in New Hampshire

Lucas Law PLLC represents clients throughout the state of NH including the cities of Concord, Laconia, the Lakes Region, Tilton and Rochester

Financial SettlementIf you are going through a divorce in New Hampshire and are wondering if you will be receiving or have to pay alimony (spousal support), Lucas Law, PLLC, in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, can help answer your questions, as well as represent you in actions related to alimony. Years ago during a divorce, alimony was commonly granted to women who were going through a divorce. But, today, this is no longer the case. Before someone may be granted alimony in New Hampshire, they must meet certain criteria.

Provisions Regarding Alimony

In order for someone to be awarded alimony in New Hampshire, the court must find three things to be true. These are:

  • That the spouse who desires alimony won’t have sufficient income, property, or a combination of income and property, to meet his or her reasonable needs. In determining “reasonable needs.” the court will consider the lifestyle the couple lived prior to their divorce.
  • That the person from whom alimony is being sought will be able to meet both party’s financial needs in consideration of the lifestyle the couple enjoyed during their marriage.
  • That the spouse who is requesting alimony cannot support himself or herself, or that they must care for a minor or dependent child whose condition or circumstances make it inappropriate for the parent to work outside the home.

The basic rule of thumb is that if the court finds that the person seeking alimony needs it, and the person asked to provide the alimony can support it, then alimony will be granted.

Considerations in Awarding Alimony Amounts

The New Hampshire alimony statute offers various factors that the court must weight in deciding the amount of alimony to award. These factors include:

  • Length of time the couple was married.
  • Each spouse’s age, health, and social or economic status.
  • The occupation of each spouse.
  • How much income each spouse is able to earn and the sources of such.
  • The value of the property awarded to each spouse in the divorce
  • What the vocational skills of each spouse may be and the employ ability of each.
  • The needs of each spouse as well as their estate and liabilities.
  • How likely it is that in the future that each spouse will acquire assets and earn income.
  • If either spouse may be found to be at fault in the divorce.
  • If alimony is awarded, the federal tax consequences to each spouse.

When it comes to awarding alimony, the court has broad discretion. The court will determine if alimony is appropriate, how long the awarding of such will last, and the amount of the award. The alimony received is taxable, and it is a deductible expense for the person who pays it.

Utilizing a Divorce Attorney in the Laconia NH area

If you are involved in a divorce and alimony may be in question, contact Lucas Law, PLLC, in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, by calling (603) 581-7102. Our experienced team of family law and divorce attorneys near Laconia NH will work with you to ensure that you receive every benefit of the law. Remember that as your divorce progresses, it is essential that you come to terms regarding important issues such as alimony. We will guide and counsel you every step of the way. Lucas Law, PLLC, will be aggressive in assuring that you have a stable future after your divorce is finalized.