New Hampshire Divorce Cost Estimator

A New Hampshire divorce typically costs between $3,000 for an uncontested case and $12,300 or more for a contested proceeding. The court filing fee starts at $280 under NH RSA Chapter 458, and attorney fees average $350 per hour with retainers of $2,000 to $10,000. Additional costs include $450 for court-ordered mediation, $85 for the required parenting class, and $50–$100 for process service.

The New Hampshire divorce filing fee is $280 without minor children or $282 with minor children, as listed on the court's official fee schedule effective July 1, 2025. Credit card payments incur an additional 3% convenience fee. If you cannot afford the filing fee, New Hampshire courts allow you to file a Request to Pay Lower Fee or File for Free to reduce or waive the cost.

New Hampshire divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of $350, with most rates falling between $200 and $400 per hour depending on experience and case complexity. Retainer fees typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with $5,000 being a common initial retainer. For straightforward uncontested divorces, some New Hampshire attorneys offer flat-fee packages starting around $2,000.

Yes, New Hampshire courts offer fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford divorce costs. You must file a Request to Pay Lower Fee or File for Free with the court, which reviews your income and financial circumstances. If approved, the court may reduce or eliminate the $280 filing fee entirely. The court-ordered mediation program also offers financial assistance through the Mediation Payment Worksheet for qualifying parties.

New Hampshire judges typically order divorcing couples to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. Court-connected mediation costs $450 per case for up to four hours under Supreme Court Rule 48-B, split between the parties at $225 each. Additional mediation hours are billed on a sliding scale based on income. Private mediators charge $100 to $300 per hour, with total private mediation costs averaging $2,000 to $5,000.

An uncontested divorce in New Hampshire typically costs approximately $3,000 total, including the $280 filing fee, process service ($50–$100), and limited attorney fees. Couples who file pro se using court self-help forms can reduce costs to under $500. If minor children are involved, add $85 per parent for the mandatory Child Impact Program and $225 each for court-ordered mediation.

Beyond filing and attorney fees, New Hampshire divorces often incur costs that catch people off guard. Real estate appraisals run $300 to $500, business valuations cost $3,000 to $10,000, and guardian ad litem fees for child custody disputes range from $1,500 to $5,000. Certified copies of the final decree cost approximately $50, and the mandatory Child Impact Program is $85 per parent. Court reporter fees for depositions add $200 to $500 per session.

Yes, New Hampshire allows pro se divorce filings, and the courts provide self-help forms through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website. Filing without an attorney can reduce total costs to under $500 — covering only the $280 filing fee, $50–$100 for process service, and $85 for the parenting class if children are involved. Pro se filing works best for uncontested cases where both spouses agree on property division, support, and custody.