Jocelyn Stachowske

Associate

Biography

Jocelyn focuses her practice on Divorce and Family Law, Probate, and General Civil Litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Jocelyn practiced law with a Seacoast law firm where she practiced Family Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation.

Representative Cases:

  • The Petitioner filed a petition with the Portsmouth Family Divion to prevent the Respondent from traveling to India with the parties’ minor child.  She argued that she was fearful the Respondent would not return.  The Marital Master found that the Respondent presented no risk of flight, and denied the Petitioner’s Motion.  The Petitioner appealed the issue to the Supreme Court arguing that because India was not a signatory to the Hague Convention, her fears of child abduction were credible.

    The New Hampshire Supreme Court held that while a foreign country’s Hague  Convention signatory status should be a significant factor for the trial court to consider, it cannot, standing alone, be determinative of whether it is in the best interests of a child to travel with the parent outside of the country.  As a result of this decision, the Petitioner has been able to enjoy international travel with the minor child, to India where his extended family continues to reside.

  • Client was accused of sexually molesting his children.  Two petitions for abuse were filed by the Division of Children, Youth and Families.  After the Court held an adjudicatory hearing on the matter, both petitions were dismissed and the client was reunited with his children.

  • Client had minor son removed from her care based on allegations of alcohol abuse. Evidence showed opposing party had fabricated evidence, made false accusations against client, and testified falsely. Following a lengthy final hearing, Court vacated its original order and awarded primary residential responsibility to client.

  • Client had a domestic violence restraining order entered against him for threats of physical harm against opposing party. Client also charged criminally with multiple violations of the restraining order. Evidence demonstrated that opposing party initiated contact and was not afraid of client. Following a hearing, restraining order was dismissed and criminal charges were dropped.

Admissions:

  • Member of the Bar – New Hampshire
  • Member of the Bar -  Maine
  • Member of the Bar – United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire
  • Member of the Bar – New Hampshire Supreme Court

Professional Associations:

  • New Hampshire Bar Association
  • Member of the New Hampshire Bar Association Family Law Section

Career:

  • H.S., Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, Virginia – 1993
  • B.A. Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire – 1997
  • J.D. Quinnipiac University School of Law, Hamden, Connecticut – 2001
  • New Hampshire Public Defender 2001-2002
  • Independent Contractor 2002-2005
  • Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Stephen C. Brown, PLLC 2005-2007