Divorce is never easy, but what happens when one spouse refuses to discuss divorce? This is the situation Renny found herself in. Married for over 20 years, she wasn’t ready to give up on her marriage—even though her husband had made it clear he wanted to move on. Her story reflects a struggle that many in New Hampshire face: balancing emotional ties with financial realities when a marriage comes to an end.
Renny’s Story: A Marriage and Sacrifices
Renny had built her life around her family and her marriage. She had worked to support her husband through medical school, putting her own career aspirations aside. When their children were young, she transitioned to part-time jobs to stay home with them, prioritizing their needs over her own.
Now, with their kids nearing the end of high school, Renny was excited to think about time she and her husband could finally spend doing things they wanted to do. But to her surprise, her husband wanted a divorce. Renny felt a mix of emotions: anger at the sacrifices she made, fear of being unable to support herself without his income, and sadness at the idea of their marriage ending. She wasn’t ready to give up and she refused to discuss divorce, but her husband refused to discuss the possibility of reconciliation.
New Hampshire Law
In New Hampshire, if one spouse wants a divorce and the other spouse refuses to discuss divorce, the unwilling spouse cannot legally prevent the process from moving forward. The state allows for no-fault divorce, meaning that a spouse can file simply by citing irreconcilable differences without needing to prove wrongdoing.
When Renny’s husband filed for divorce, the process was underway even though she didn’t want it. However, Renny’s contributions to the marriage—her sacrifices, the years she spent supporting his career and caring for their children—are factors the court considers during property division and alimony decisions.
In a situation like this, where your spouse refuses to discuss divorce and one party wants to move on, it’s best to try and set aside emotions, hire an attorney to protect your interests, and begin the process of rebuilding a new life. This isn’t easy—especially if you didn’t want the divorce or are still coming to terms with it—but holding onto anger or fighting the other party will only prolong the pain for both of you.
By focusing on protecting your legal rights, making sound decisions for your future, and surrounding yourself with the right support, you can begin to heal and create a life that feels whole again. While the road ahead may feel uncertain now, taking proactive, constructive steps will help you regain control and move toward a brighter future.
Protecting Renny’s Financial Future
New Hampshire courts follow an equitable distribution approach, dividing marital assets in a way that is fair, though not necessarily equal. Renny may also be entitled to alimony. The court will look at the following as some of the things to consider.
- The length of the marriage.
- Each spouse’s financial contributions and sacrifices.
- The standard of living established during the marriage.
With an experience family lawyer, Renny could remove some of the stress of this decision and have some comfort knowing her choices.
Divorce is a life-changing event, especially after decades of marriage. For people like Renny, who have given so much to their families, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. But New Hampshire’s laws are designed to ensure fairness, providing protections for those who have made sacrifices for the good of their marriage.
You can learn more here about the forms required to file for divorce or you can schedule a consultation with our office where we will walk you through each step. We have forms available for you here on our site.
3 Simple Steps to Get Started
Gather Your Documents – Collect recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and any records of debts or assets so we have a complete financial picture.
Complete the Required Forms – Fill out the financial forms as accurately as possible. If you’re unsure about a question, leave it blank and make a note for us to review together.
Review and Submit – Schedule a meeting with our office to review your forms for accuracy before submitting them to the court. This helps avoid delays and ensures your interests are fully protected.
Let Us Help You Navigate This Difficult Time
If you are facing a divorce in NH and your spouse refuses to discuss divorce or if you are the one resisting, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Christine G. DeBernardis is here to help you through every step of the process, from property division to alimony and beyond.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Visit our contact page or call us to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your situation and help you find the path forward, no matter how uncertain it feels right now.
