New Hampshire's residency requirements are governed by RSA 458:5. In most cases, at least one spouse must have been domiciled in New Hampshire for one year before filing for divorce. An exception may apply if both spouses reside in New Hampshire and the cause of divorce arose within the state. Residency is a jurisdictional requirement, meaning the Family Division must have legal authority to hear your case before it can issue a divorce decree. If you recently moved to New Hampshire or your spouse lives in another state, an attorney can help determine whether the residency requirements have been satisfied and whether New Hampshire is the appropriate forum.