- DivorceIn addition to working through differences to reach a settlement on all necessary terms, the details of your agreement must be thorough in order for it to sufficiently serve you after your divorce is final. Your divorce agreement must be workable. A knowledgeable divorce mediator knows what your final settlement documents need to contain. They also know the details necessary to make sure your settlement is comprehensive enough to provide structure when differences arise after the divorce.
- Child SupportWondering how child support is calculated in NH? As of July 1, 2013, the method of how to calculate child support in New Hampshire changed. The child support calculations went from a percentage model to an "income shares" model. You can find the details on the new method of child support calculations below. While this information is here to help you navigate NH guidelines, it’s always best to have a professional involved in some capacity when parents separate. We’re here to help ease you through this complicated process.
- Child Custody and VisitationA divorce attorney with experience in Manchester, NH area courts can ensure that your divorce process is completed as seamlessly as possible. If you are seeking a divorce and you live in the Manchester, NH area, there are a few key factors for you to be aware of. First, knowing which court you will be dealing with is essential. There are four Family Division courts in Hillsborough County. These Family Division courts handle divorce and other matters that may pertain to your divorce, such as child custody and parenting actions. The Manchester Family Division Court is located at 35 Amherst Street and serves residents of Manchester, Amherst, Lyndeborough, and Mont Vernon. If your town is not in this list, but you live in the Manchester area, then your hearing may instead be at one of the other three Hillsborough County Family Division Courts, which are in Goffstown, Merrimack, and Nashua.
- GuardianshipAnyone who is competent can petition the Court to become a guardian, either over a minor, or an adult who can't take care of themselves. Each guardianship case is different. Sometimes there is opposition. Sometimes it is temporary, and sometimes it is permanent. Call for an appointment at 603-225-1776 and let us help you navigate your guardianship matter.
- Spousal SupportNew Hampshire Courts may award alimony to either party in a divorce where, in simplified terms, (1) one party needs alimony, (2) the other has the ability to pay, and (3) the party in need can't support themselves through appropriate employment. The factors the court considers in determining the amount of alimony are many. The court considers the length of the marriage; the age, health, social or economic status, occupation, amount and sources of income, the property awarded in the divorce, vocational skills, employ-ability, estate, liabilities, and needs of each of the parties; the opportunity of each for future acquisition of capital assets and income; the fault of either party; and the federal tax consequences of the divorce decree. Given all of these considerations, it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney help you in an alimony contest.
- Legal SeparationAlthough each person’s legal separation is different from others, the basic process still follows the same parameters. The case must be opened in the Circuit Court, Family Division by filing a petition. Financial information has to be shared. Usually the court issues temporary orders, either after a hearing or by approving a temporary agreement. Before the final hearing, the court will schedule a hearing called a Pre-Trial Hearing to establish limits and deadlines for the Final Hearing. Lastly, the separation is complete when either all settlement documents are filed, or a court issues its final order following a Final Hearing. At every step of the way, you can avoid going to further court hearings by negotiating and reaching a settlement instead.
- Child AbuseBecause children do best when both parents have a stable and meaningful involvement in their lives, it is the policy of this state, unless it is clearly shown that in a particular case it is detrimental to a child, to: (a) Support frequent and continuing contact between each child and both parents. (b) Encourage parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their children after the parents have separated or divorced. (c) Encourage parents to develop their own parenting plan with the assistance of legal and mediation professionals, unless there is evidence of domestic violence, or child abuse/neglect. (d) Grant parents and courts the widest discretion in developing a parenting plan. (e) Consider both the best interests of the child in light of the factors listed in RSA 461-A:6 and the safety of the parties in developing a parenting plan.
- Criminal DefenseOur family law lawyers are proud to offer legal assistance in a small-practice setting. Collectively, they offer a variety of legal assistance, including cases that fall under family law, criminal defense law, civil law, probate matters, and mediation. Both Jennifer Moore Balkus and John Balkus received undergraduate degrees from the University of New Hampshire. While Jennifer stayed in New Hampshire to study law at Franklin Pierce Law Center, John received his law degree from Massachusetts School of Law. They are both licensed to practice before all New Hampshire state courts and the United States District Court, District of New Hampshire. Additionally, John is licensed to practice before Massachusetts state courts. Jennifer is a Certified Marital Mediator.
- MisdemeanorsOur criminal defense lawyers are here to protect your rights—whether you are facing a misdemeanor charge or want to fight a violation. A delay could jeopardize your rights, so it is important that you seek legal assistance immediately. Call today so that we can help minimize the impact of a misdemeanor on your life.
- Business DisputesThis BOOK offers a practical, universally applicable approach for coming to mutually acceptable agreements in disputes ranging from domestic conflict, business disputes, and international tensions.
- Probate