Agreement On Fair Financial Support Is My Goal

If you are paying child support, you don’t want to pay more than required. If you are receiving child support, you don’t want to be shortchanged. The same is true on both sides of spousal support.

Although child support and spousal support (“alimony”) are based on formulas, you may need an attorney to make sure that the level of support is calculated correctly. You may also need legal help to modify or enforce court-ordered support.

I am Paul Petrillo, a family law attorney in New Hampshire, including serving clients in Nashua and Manchester. I handle all facets of divorce and custody, including negotiation or litigation of financial support. I can represent you in the family courts of Rockingham and Hillsborough counties.

I Can Facilitate Discussions For Spousal Support And Child Support Modification

The state child support formula is based chiefly on the incomes of the parents and the number of children. It is important to have correct data about income, but this can be elusive if the parent is self-employed, paid in cash or works seasonally. If you suspect that the paying parent is hiding income, I can bring in experts or subpoena financial records.

Child support can also deviate based on the amount of parenting time, special needs of the child and other factors. I handle initial determination, modifications that may arise due to changes in circumstances and enforcement actions.

Spousal Support Is More Variable And More Negotiable

In New Hampshire, alimony is considered rehabilitative rather than permanent. The courts will award spousal support for a fixed period to allow that spouse to become self-supporting. Spousal support requires a showing of need as opposed to a desired lifestyle.

The court will consider many factors, including income disparity, age, health, employable skills, length of the marriage, and sacrifices such as raising children or supporting the spouse through school.

Recently, however, the New Hampshire Legislature enacted a revision to the alimony laws in this state. Those changes are designed to make alimony calculation much more formulaic, not unlike child support. But the law is new, and the true extent of how it will ultimately impact your case must be analyzed in the context of the length of your marriage and your respective incomes, among other factors. When you meet with me, I will help you navigate this ever-changing minefield.

I Am Here To Advocate For You

I can argue in court for or against spousal support, and I can negotiate spousal support in the bigger context of your marital property settlement. Call me at 603-635-4149 or contact me online to set up your free case consultation today.