Penalty-free Access to Retirement Funds in Divorce

The division of retirement accounts is often one of the many issues that needs to be addressed in a divorce matter. Although trying to retain retirement accounts you may be awarded in divorce is often advisable, you may also need some of these funds in order to secure housing, pay off debts, or just to […]

A client from Windham, NH asks: What Are My Health Insurance Options Post-Divorce?

This blog is intended for informational use only. The information contained herein should not be construed as offering legal advice or a legal opinion. If you have been covered under your spouse’s health and/or dental insurance plan during the marriage, you will need to do some research to find out what options are available to […]

Why Hire a Family Law Attorney?

This blog is intended for informational use only. The information contained herein should not be construed as offering legal advice or a legal opinion. You may have an attorney that you have worked with over the years, whether it was to buy/sell a home, draft estate planning documents or to deal with a business transaction. […]

Limited Representation Attorneys

This blog is intended for informational use only. The information contained herein should not be construed as offering legal advice or a legal opinion. Anyone who has had a need to talk with or employ a lawyer knows that lawyers are not cheap; and the State of New Hampshire continues to make its courts more […]

Alimony Payments – Need to Keep Detailed Records

A court may make orders for the payment of alimony, also known as spousal support, whether temporary or permanent, and for a definite or indefinite period of time, upon the motion of either party for alimony payments if made within 5 years of the Decree of Divorce, taking into consideration the factors enumerated at N.H. […]

Alimony Factors in NH

Unlike child support which has a specific formula, in New Hampshire there is no formula for determining alimony in a divorce case. So how does a Judge decide whether alimony should be awarded and in what amount? It is essentially a “needs versus ability to pay” analysis. New Hampshire law, specifically N.H. RSA 458:19, I, […]

Setting up a Special Needs Trust for your Disabled Child.

Advance planning by parents can make a big difference in the life of the child with special needs, as well as for siblings who may be left with care taking responsibilities. A critical aspect of the planning is to arrange for the smooth transition of the guardianship to a successor. A Special Needs Trust is a […]

Important Changes to the NH Child Support Guideline

Changes to the New Hampshire child support guidelines that take effect on July 1, 2013 will allow higher wage earners to pay less child support than under current guidelines. Under the current guidelines, child support is payable at a consistent percentage of the parties’ net income solely based upon how many children were to be […]

What Are The Rights Of A “Common Law Spouse” Under NH Trusts and Estates Law?

Recently, a 78 year old client who had been living with his 74 year old girlfriend for several years posed a similar question: Does my live-in girlfriend “have rights” to a claim against my estate when I die? The Answer is: It Depends. Fortunately New Hampshire has some guidance from the courts on this increasingly common […]

Contempt of Court in a Divorce Case

Following a divorce, many people find themselves in a position of hopelessness when their former spouse refuses to comply with a clear court order. However, New Hampshire law provides that a judge may find a person in contempt “upon a finding of the violation of any Court order”. Upon a finding of contempt, the judge […]

Firm Overview

Latest Client Testimonials

I was referred to Jack White by a friend who hired him to represent her during her own divorce. I was going through some very rough times trying to prepare the documents I needed to file my own divorce case. I had asked Jack if he could take some time to look over the paperwork and “spot check” my work. I am SO glad I did. Jack was very knowledgeable in his field and very professional. I can’t thank him enough for taking the time to set me on the right path and to answer my legal questions. I would highly recommend him and the entire Welts, White and Fontaine staff to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
Michelle T.

I am thankful for the professional guidance and legal advice Michael Fontaine provided me throughout my difficult process. I appreciate his looking out for me during the emotional stress and exhaustive process of the divorce experience. His kind manner and guidance enabled me to continuously move forward. He and his staff provided exceptional legal assistance in helping me navigate in a confident manner. I will always be grateful that he was the “Bulldog” that I needed as we moved through Mediation to Settlement!”
Pam T.

This firm is outstanding… my company has done business with them for nearly 20 years and I am always impressed with the accessibility of the staff and the down to earth personalized service. Aside from pesky legal issues that crop up which is part of running a company, my son recently suffered a back injury due to a rear end collision. Welts, White & Fontaine made us feel truly represented and negotiated for us a settlement that I believe would have otherwise been impossible to achieve with any other firm.”
Anthony W. - New England Painting

View More Client Testimonials

Family Law