Concord Divorce Lawyers | Shaheen & Gordon

Divorce can reshape nearly every aspect of your life, including your finances and your relationship with your children. If you’re considering divorce in Concord or elsewhere in Merrimack County, understanding your rights under New Hampshire law is the first step toward protecting your future.

At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., our Concord divorce lawyers represent individuals through every stage of the divorce process. With decades of experience in family law, our legal team provides guidance and support during what’s often a difficult time. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

To discuss your options, contact our Concord office today at (800) 451-1002.

Why Choose Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. for Your Concord Divorce Case?

Choosing a divorce lawyer is a deeply personal decision. You want someone who understands New Hampshire law and communicates clearly when the stakes are high.

Shaheen & Gordon is one of the largest law firms in New Hampshire, with more than 70 attorneys serving clients throughout northern New England. From our Concord office, we represent clients in Merrimack County and across the state. Our full-service capabilities allow us to address complex financial and legal issues efficiently while providing the personalized attention clients expect.

Our firm is known for:

A strong reputation for integrity and results
Effective, creative, and practical legal solutions
Clear and consistent communication
A compassionate, client-focused approach
Flexible meeting options, including virtual appointments

Our attorneys have earned recognition from respected organizations, including Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell®, Best Lawyers®, and U.S. News – Best Law Firms®.

Case Results

Parenting Time (Child Custody) and Relocation Victory: Successfully represented a father with joint parenting responsibility who was permitted to relocate from New Hampshire to California for employment. The court allocated parental rights and responsibilities in a way that allowed him to relocate on both a temporary and final basis.
New Hampshire Supreme Court Success in Interstate Child Support Appeal: Secured a favorable outcome on appeal involving significant child support arrearages owed by a New Hampshire resident to a former spouse.
Clarified 40 Years of Law Regarding Pension Division in NH Divorce Cases: On appeal, secured a significant victory in clarifying that pension benefits earned before marriage are marital property subject to equitable distribution.
Defeated Attempt to Enforce Child Support Order Issued by a Foreign Country Without Jurisdiction: In the trial court and on appeal, successfully defended a client against enforcement of child support issued by a foreign country without personal jurisdiction over the child support obligor.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is different, and case results referred to in this website are not intended to be, nor should they be understood as, a representation that equivalent results will be achieved in any given case.

Client Testimonials

“The team at S&G that supported me through my divorce was very thorough, professional, and responsive. The team was led by my attorney, Jeff Manganaro, and included Laura Powers and Lori Gabriella. I always felt like I was getting solid advice and nothing was falling through the cracks. Would highly recommend this team without reservation.”

- Stephen A.

“I reached out to Shaheen & Gordon, scared and confused as to where to even begin the divorce process. I was met with professionalism, kindness, and all the information needed to get started.”

- Leslie D.

“I felt incredibly supported by Tracey and the entire practice. My divorce was not contentious, and I made it clear I wanted what was fair and had no interest in drawing it out or trying to get or keep more than appropriate. She represented me well. Highly recommend.”

- Beata R.

How Is Property Divided in a Divorce?

New Hampshire follows the equitable distribution principle. The law begins with a presumption that marital assets and debts will be divided equally, though courts may order a different division when circumstances warrant. Factors that may influence property division include:

The length of the marriage
Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking
The value of inherited or gifted property
Fault, where appropriate

Our attorneys work to protect your financial interests and advocate for a distribution of assets that reflects New Hampshire’s presumption of equal division and the specific circumstances of your case.

How Is Alimony Determined in a Divorce?

Alimony may be awarded in certain cases to address financial disparities following a divorce. Courts consider a few different factors when determining if alimony is appropriate. Those factors include:

The duration of the marriage
Each spouse’s income and financial resources
The standard of living established during the marriage
The recipient’s need for support and the other spouse’s ability to pay
The assets awarded to each party

Depending on their circumstances, a spouse may be eligible to receive alimony while the divorce is in progress and/or after the divorce becomes final.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

The level of agreement between spouses determines whether a divorce is contested or uncontested.

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all major issues, including property division, parenting arrangements, and financial matters without litigation. Agreement may be reached through direct negotiations between parties or their lawyers, mediation, or the collaborative divorce process. These cases are generally resolved more efficiently and with less expense.

A contested divorce is one where litigation becomes necessary. In such cases, negotiations, mediation, or court intervention may be required to reach a resolution. Having an experienced divorce lawyer can make a meaningful difference in protecting your interests.

Options for resolving divorce and parenting disputes

Not every divorce or parenting dispute has to be decided in court. In New Hampshire, many families resolve issues through alternative dispute resolution methods that allow for more flexibility and privacy.

Mediation

Mediation involves working with a neutral third party who helps both sides reach an agreement on issues like property division, alimony, parenting time, and parental rights and responsibilities. The mediator does not make decisions. Instead, they guide productive discussions so both parties can work toward a resolution that fits their situation. Mediation is commonly used in both divorce and parenting matters and may be encouraged by the court. This approach is often more productive when parties attend with counsel or consult with lawyers before attending mediation.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is a structured process where both spouses and their attorneys agree to resolve issues outside of court. Each side commits to open communication and problem-solving, often with the support of financial professionals or family specialists when needed. This approach can be especially helpful in cases involving substantial assets, where there is a desire for privacy and support in identifying and dividing complex assets, and in cases involving minor or adult children, where maintaining a working relationship between parents and extended families is important.

Negotiation Between Attorneys

In many cases, disputes are resolved through direct negotiation between attorneys. This process allows each side to advocate for their interests while working toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Negotiation can address financial issues like property division and alimony, as well as parenting plans that reflect the child’s best interests.

When Court Involvement Is Necessary

If an agreement cannot be reached through these methods, the court may need to decide unresolved issues. This is more common in contested cases involving complex financial matters or disagreements about parenting arrangements. Even in these situations, efforts to resolve some issues outside of court can help streamline the process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Divorce in Concord

Filing for divorce in New Hampshire traditionally follows a structured legal process.

Filing the Divorce Petition

One spouse files a divorce petition with the appropriate family division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court.

Serving the Other Spouse

The filing spouse must formally serve divorce papers on the other party.

Financial Disclosures

Both spouses exchange detailed information regarding income, assets, debts, and expenses.

Temporary Orders

The court may issue temporary orders addressing parenting time, child support, and financial responsibilities during the proceedings.

Resolving Issues Before Trial

Before a final hearing, many cases are resolved through negotiation or other agreed-upon methods. If the parties reach an agreement, the court can review and approve it without the need for a trial.

Final Hearing and Divorce Decree

Once all issues are resolved, the court approves the agreement or issues a final order, legally ending the marriage.

While this is one route through the divorce process, it is becoming more common that no one files a petition until the case is resolved by agreement. In cases such as these, a joint petition for divorce is filed with the court alongside the agreements. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce, which is why it’s so essential to have an attorney who understands your situation and can adapt accordingly.

Child Support and Parental Rights and Responsibilities During and After Divorce

Child support in New Hampshire is determined using statutory guidelines designed to protect the best interests of the child. These calculations consider several factors, including each parent’s income, the allocation of parenting time, and other statutory considerations tied to the child’s best interests.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

New Hampshire no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, courts refer to “parental rights and responsibilities” and “parenting time,” which reflect a more shared approach to raising children after divorce.

New Hampshire law encourages approximately equal parenting time between both parents when it is in the child’s best interest. If the court orders a different arrangement, it must make specific findings explaining why. New Hampshire law also encourages both parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their children after a divorce.

Our divorce attorneys in Concord, NH, help parents develop practical parenting plans and address child support issues that reflect their family’s needs.

Complex Divorce Issues We Handle in Concord

Our Concord divorce lawyers assist clients with a wide range of complex family law matters, from financial disputes to parenting-related issues.

High-asset Divorce

We represent clients in divorces involving significant assets, including real estate, private investments, closely-held business interests, trust interests, and retirement assets.

Property Division

Dividing marital property can become complex when assets are difficult to value or when one spouse has greater access to financial information. We work to make sure property is identified, valued, and divided in a way that reflects New Hampshire law and the specific circumstances of your case.

Alimony

Alimony may be an important part of resolving financial differences after a divorce. We help clients evaluate whether alimony may apply and advocate for outcomes that reflect each party’s financial situation and the length of the marriage.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Disputes involving parental rights and responsibilities often require careful planning and negotiation. We help clients develop parenting plans that reflect their child’s needs and comply with New Hampshire law.

Child Support

Child support issues can become more complicated when income is inconsistent or parenting time is disputed. We help clients address support obligations in a way that aligns with statutory guidelines and their family’s circumstances.

Domestic Violence Matters

We assist clients seeking protective orders and help address how allegations of domestic violence may impact parenting arrangements and other aspects of a divorce.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

We draft, review, and enforce prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that define financial expectations and protect assets before or during a marriage.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Concord?

Most divorces in New Hampshire take between six months and one year to resolve. Uncontested cases often conclude more quickly, while contested divorces involving complex financial or parenting disputes may take longer.

The timeline can vary depending on court scheduling, how complex the issues are, how quickly financial information is exchanged, and whether both spouses are able to reach an agreement.

Steps to Take if You’re Ready to File for Divorce

Preparing for divorce starts with gathering accurate information and understanding your priorities. Taking these steps early can help protect your interests and make the legal process more manageable.

Gather your financial records. Collect tax returns from the past three years, recent pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account statements, mortgage documents, and credit card records.
Identify your assets and debts. List properties like homes, vehicles, and investment accounts, along with shared obligations like mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans.
Document your income and monthly expenses. This information helps determine property division, child support, and potential alimony.
Consider your goals for parenting time and financial arrangements. New Hampshire courts focus on parental rights and responsibilities and the best interests of the child.
Avoid major financial decisions. Do not transfer assets, incur new debt, or make significant purchases without legal guidance.
Preserve important communications and legal documents. Keep records such as emails, text messages, and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
Consult with an experienced Concord divorce lawyer. Working with a divorce lawyer in Concord, NH, can streamline the process, ensure compliance with New Hampshire law, and protect your interests from the start.

Grounds for Divorce in Concord

New Hampshire allows both fault-based and no-fault divorce. Most couples file under no-fault grounds, though fault can influence certain financial determinations in some cases.

Irreconcilable Differences

This is the most common basis for divorce. It means the marriage has broken down beyond repair and cannot be reconciled.

Adultery

Infidelity may serve as a fault-based ground for divorce and can influence certain financial determinations.

Conduct So as Seriously to Injure Health or Endanger Reason

Prolonged mistreatment resulting in mental or emotional injury can be grounds for fault-based divorce.

Extreme Cruelty

Physical or emotional abuse may justify a fault-based divorce.

Habitual Intoxication

Chronic substance abuse that negatively affects the marriage may qualify as fault-based grounds.

Conviction of a Crime

A spouse’s conviction and imprisonment may serve as a basis for divorce.

Desertion

Abandonment for a specified period may be cited as grounds for divorce.

Talk to a Concord Divorce Lawyer at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.

Divorce brings about uncertainty, but the right legal guidance can help you move forward with confidence. At Shaheen & Gordon, our divorce lawyers in Concord, NH, provide compassionate counsel and practical solutions tailored to your unique circumstances.

Call (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to learn how we can assist you.