Spousal Support in New Hampshire
State-specific overview · Family Law
New Hampshire courts award spousal support based on need and ability to pay, with no formula but consideration of marital property division.
How New Hampshire treats Spousal Support
New Hampshire law (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 458:19) allows courts to order spousal support when one spouse cannot be self-supporting through property division and employment. The court considers the length of marriage, standard of living, earning capacity, and age or health of each spouse. New Hampshire ties spousal support decisions to the overall property settlement, and courts may award temporary or permanent support depending on circumstances.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.