Rousseau Law and Mediation

05/29/2025

We were nominated---please vote
Happy Thursday, and congrats again on being nominated for Best of the 603 – being nominated means you’re officially in for the voting stage!!



The top 3 businesses in each category will be determined simply by the number of votes cast during the voting stage and people are allowed to vote once per day. Most number of votes wins GOLD, followed by SILVER & BRONZE.



All three winning businesses will be featured in the magazine that goes out to 15,000 high income households in NH on September 11th and published online at https://bestofthe603.com/



Getting voted bronze silver or gold is quite an honor since this is a statewide contest… top three in the state of NH is a BIG DEAL 😊



Voting starts on June 11th at noon and runs through 5pm on June 25th, so if you have any questions about the contest, voting tools etc. please let me know ideally by the end of next week.



Below is the link to our online store if you want to browse around or buy anything:

https://bestofthe603.com/shop/



The #1 voting tool is our custom voting page – it’s a custom link we create for your business that’s easy to share on social media, email, text etc. It makes it easy for people to vote for you through a direct link, rather than having to search for you on the contest site amongst your competitors. It also includes a print ready flier with a QR code so that you can have people scan and vote that way too.



More and more businesses are buying these every year as the contest becomes more well known and competitive – so I just want to make sure I at least present you with the option 😊



Here’s a preview link to one of this year’s custom voting pages so you can see how they look:

https://votebot603.com/individual-fitness//?testshow

05/08/2023

Under New Hampshire law, a court may modify an existing parenting plan if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the welfare of the child. This is set forth in RSA 461-A:11, which is the statute that governs parenting plans in New Hampshire.

The statute does not define what constitutes a substantial change in circumstances, but courts have interpreted it to mean a change that is significant and ongoing, not merely temporary or minor. Examples of circumstances that might warrant a modification of a parenting plan include:

Relocation: One parent has moved to a different city or state, making the existing parenting plan unworkable.

Parental availability: One parent's work schedule has changed, making it difficult for them to comply with the existing parenting plan.

Child's needs: The child's medical or educational needs have changed, requiring a modification of the parenting plan.

Child's age: As the child grows older, their needs and preferences may change, necessitating a modification of the parenting plan.

Safety concerns: One parent has become unfit to care for the child due to substance abuse, domestic violence, or other factors that pose a risk to the child's safety.

It's important to note that the change in circumstances must affect the child's welfare, not just the parents' convenience. Additionally, the parent seeking the modification has the burden of proving that a modification is necessary and in the best interests of the child.

05/03/2023

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse after a divorce or separation. Each state has its own laws governing the awarding of alimony, and in this blog, we will focus on the alimony law in New Hampshire.

In New Hampshire, alimony is awarded based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the income and earning potential of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage. Alimony can be awarded to either spouse, depending on their financial needs and ability to support themselves.

There are four types of alimony in New Hampshire:

Temporary alimony: This is awarded during the divorce proceedings and is meant to provide support to the dependent spouse until the divorce is finalized.

Rehabilitative alimony: This is awarded to a dependent spouse for a specific period of time to allow them to acquire the necessary education or training to become self-sufficient.

Permanent alimony: This is awarded to a dependent spouse for an indefinite period of time, typically in cases where the marriage was long-term and one spouse is unable to support themselves.

Reimbursement alimony: This is awarded to a spouse who supported the other spouse during their education or training, and is meant to reimburse them for their contribution to the other spouse's increased earning potential.

It's important to note that in New Hampshire, the awarding of alimony is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis. The court will consider the specific circumstances of each case and make a decision based on the factors outlined above.

In addition, alimony can be modified or terminated if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or a remarriage. The court will consider these changes and make a decision based on the best interests of both parties.

Overall, the alimony law in New Hampshire is designed to provide financial support to a dependent spouse while also promoting self-sufficiency and independence. If you are facing divorce or separation in New Hampshire and have questions about alimony, it's important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and obligations.

07/15/2020

EXCITED TO BE THE FEATURED ATTORNEY IN THIS MONTH'S NH BAR NEWS

The Bar News: July 15, 2020: Pilot Jury Trial Planned for August, Disability Rights Center - NH Fighting for the Right to Vote, and much more.

07/15/2020

So excited to be the Featured Lawyer in this month's NH BAR NEWS

The Bar News: July 15, 2020: Pilot Jury Trial Planned for August, Disability Rights Center - NH Fighting for the Right to Vote, and much more.

02/19/2020

WE ARE MOVING!!!!

Effective March 6, 2020, we will be relocating to our new office at 559 Pembroke Street, Pembroke, NH 03275

07/20/2019

https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/61/5/2501023/

Jessup v. American Kennel Club, Inc., 61 F. Supp. 2d 5 (S.D.N.Y. 1999) case opinion from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

07/16/2019

Great Kids Books to Explain Divorce

by Michael Aurit, JD, MDR and Karen Aurit, LAMFT | Oct 15, 2015 | Divorce Mediation, Mediation | 0 comments

Books have always been a great way for parents to introduce new ideas to their children. For divorcing parents, reading books about divorce with your children is a simple way to open the lines of communication. By giving them a chance to identify their feelings about the divorce and giving them the opportunity to ask questions, parents can help ensure their children continue to feel safe and loved during this difficult time.

5 Great Kids Books to Help Children Understand Divorce
Recommended for Ages 3 to 7

Two Homes By Claire Masurel (2003) — Alex is lucky enough to have two homes to call his own. Sometimes he lives at Daddy’s house in the suburbs and other times he lives with Mommy in the city. He knows that he is lucky because he has two rooms, two comfy beds, two favorite chairs and two sets of friends! Best of all, Alex has two parents who love him very much. This book is great for teaching young children that they are loved by both of their parents, no matter where they live.
It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear By Vicki Lansky (1997) — Koko Bear’s parents have gotten a divorce and now the cub is feeling all different types of emotions. Follow her on a journey through understanding her feelings of anger, confusion, guilt and sadness. With advice for both parents and children on each page, this book is perfect for helping children to identify and express their own feelings about the divorce.

Recommended for Ages 5 and Up

I Don’t Want to Talk About It By Jean Franz Ransom (2000) — This is the story of a young girl who imagines herself as different animals to help understand her feelings about her parents’ divorce. When she is told it’s okay to be scared, she decides to roar like a lion so that everyone thinks she is very brave. Throughout the story her parents are there to help remind her that they will always love her and their most special family traditions will never change.

Recommended for Ages 8 and Up

Divorce Is Not the End of the World By Zoe and Evan Stern (2008) — Following their parents divorce, Zoe and Evan, at the ages of 15 and 12 years old, decided to write this practical and uplifting guide to help other kids understand divorce. Here you and your children can explore ways to manage feelings of guilt, anger and fear, all while learning to adjust to the new changes in life after divorce.

Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids By Isolina Ricci (2006) — Written by an experienced family therapist, this book is designed to help tweens and teens deal with the pressures that come from living in two separate households with different rules and how to stay neutral when their parents disagree. As a bonus, the book includes handy and easy-to-use check lists and worksheets.

Make the Right Choice for Your Children
With the help of divorce mediation and valuable resources, former spouses can readily learn how to co-parent during and after the divorce process. Children benefit most when parents create an environment of open communication, encouraged expression of emotion, and lower conflict.

07/16/2019

A Mindful Approach to Divorce
by Michael Aurit, JD, MDR and Karen Aurit, LAMFT | Jul 1, 2019 | Divorce Mediation | 0 comments

Divorce doesn’t have to be a war. A mindful and healthy divorce is possible.
Parents who practice mindfulness during their divorce experience less fighting, lower stress, and more beneficial divorce agreements. Most importantly, a mindful approach better protects children from psychological harm and creates healthier co-parenting relationships.
Our experience helping spouses through divorce mediation—a process where a neutral mediator helps spouses reach agreements out of court—provides unique insight into how parents attain the most favorable outcomes. Mindfulness, rather than a combative mindset, allows parents to be thoughtful, strategic, and remain in control of their future. Even when conflict is high and mistrust runs deep, spouses are capable of being mindful.
True — divorcing mindfully is easier said than done. Being “in the moment” can be very painful. Self-awareness is often overcome by feelings of anger, sadness and fear. Parents can become so overwhelmed that they lose sight of who they are, what they need, and even what is best for their children.
Our “Mindful Approach to Divorce” may help guide you toward a better outcome.
1 | Take a seat at the mediation table. Your divorce environment can be calm, respectful, and supported. Choosing divorce mediation allows you to avoid the emotional turmoil that litigation in court causes, and allows you to focus on what is important to you.
2 | Set time boundaries. Setting boundaries around when you think about or discuss your divorce will help you stay in the moment reduces stress. Designate specific times for exploring your thoughts and feelings, developing proposals to resolve issues, and time for venting.
3 | Recognize feelings. Mindfulness is noticing your feelings as they come. Acknowledging that, “I am angry right now,” is the first step toward moving through that anger. Mindfulness is also accepting that you cannot change another person’s feelings—this is beyond your control. However, you can respectfully listen and acknowledge that they have been heard.
4 | Notice your wants, needs, and deeper “why” of each issue. Fear of the unknown causes anxiety. What will happen with your assets, debts, spousal support and your children? What you want is a position. “I want $500.” Why you want it, is an interest. “Because I need to make my $500 car payment.” When spouses only communicate their positions, conflict ensues. Expressing your underlying interests re-focuses you both on problem-solving. Payment from one to the other may not be agreeable, but direct payment to the auto lender could be a compromise.
5 | Be kind to yourself, and to your spouse. Embrace self-compassion during your divorce. People often gravitate towards self-blame and judgment. Mindfully recognize your pain, and soften around those feelings. Kindness with yourself can lead to kindness toward your spouse, which can benefit the quality of your agreements, and improve your co-parenting relationship.

01/23/2019

Does Your Pet Need a Divorce Lawyer?


by Lidia Staron
January 2019
From wevorce.com

Divorce can be hard for everyone — you, your former spouse, your kids, and even your pets. They may not be able to express themselves but if they could, your furry babies would not want to see any of their parents go.

Just like with child custody, determining who will take care of the pets after a divorce can be a difficult topic. While courts consider pets as mere property, for most households, they are part of the family.

Who takes full custody of the pet?

As much as possible, this matter should be settled by just you and your ex. Family law is clear about resolving conflicts about child custody, but not about pets. This means courts will decide on who owns the pet just like who owns the TV set. If you have multiple pets, they will divide them between the two of you, without considering if one pet is more attached to the other. If the pet was first owned by either of you prior the marriage, chances are, it will be given to the first owner.
For many of us, that is unfair because pets are more than just animals. They are family and we’re definitely spending money on them — from their food to their veterinary care, grooming, care, boarding, etc. Just like our children, we take care of them, nourish them, love them, and plan our future with them. Definitely, there are a lot of emotions involved. And, after bonds are formed, it is often hard to be apart from our beloved pets.

If both you and your spouse could not bear to live without your pets, the first and most amicable solution would be to have shared custody. It may sound odd, but putting your terms on paper — such as the visiting schedule, decision-making, and sharing of expenses — will definitely make it easier for both of you.

While you may not always be on the same page with your ex about some aspects of your pet custody agreement, you can get often get things settled with proper communication. Remember that this type of agreement does not hold ground before the court. This is just an informal agreement between you and your former spouse.

When drafting your custom custody agreement, here are some questions you should consider:

Who will have primary custody?
Will the other spouse have visitation rights? If yes, what will be the visitation terms and schedule?
Who will be making the primary decisions over the health care of the pet?
Who will take care of the pet when the primary owner is on travel or when he or she is seriously ill?
Will a spouse be able to take the pet on trips outside the state or country?
How will you split the pet expenses?
Who will have custody over the remains of the pet when it passes on?

There are many ways to tackle pet custody. Some divorced couples decide to shuttle the pet between two houses regularly, similar with their child custody arrangements. Others opt to have the pet live with one parent for six months and the other for the rest of the year.

Does your pet need a divorce lawyer?

If you and your former spouse couldn’t achieve an amicable agreement over the custody of your pet(s), you can always seek help from an experienced and empathetic divorce lawyer. Recently, due to the increasing concern about pet custody after divorce, courts have begun to apply a more flexible analysis over who should take full responsibility of pets once a married couple gets a divorce.

In some states, Illinois for example, a new law which took effect last January allowed pets to be considered for sole or joint ownerships during divorce proceedings. The law, similar in that of Alaska, applies only to pets that are considered marital assets, not service animals.

Just as they decide on child custody, some judges are now taking into account the best interest of the pets when making a decision. For example, the court may look at which spouse is more capable of providing food, medical care, shelter, grooming, and exercise for the pet, or who would be better to financially provide for it.

A qualified attorney can help you throughout the process, from drafting a custom pet custody agreement to bringing the matter before the court. He can gather evidence of ownership, help prove that you are most suited to care for your pets, and in some cases, require your former spouse to provide financial support for them.

Conclusion

Going through a divorce could be one of the biggest challenges you will go through in life. Amidst the emotional stress, you also have to act immediately on the many technical aspects of ending a marriage, from dividing properties to making arrangements over the custody of your children. And if you have pets, it can be another thorn in your heart. Just like children, too often pets become helpless bystanders — unable to do anything and wishing things were just like before.

Deciding who takes primary care of your pets should be one of your concerns after divorce. Your first step would be to make a custom agreement so you don’t have to bring the case before the court. But if there will be conflicts between what you and your former spouse want, the next course of action is to let the court decide. You may need to hire an experienced divorce attorney who will help you prove that you are better suited to take care of the pets. Your attorney will also advise you what to do best, especially since some states honor the issue of pet custody and some do not.

Whatever route you take, always give importance to the welfare and well-being of your pets when making decisions. It’s not always about who wins or who has the rights. Remember, they are much like your children in that they deserve to have a happy, healthy, and safe home.

Rousseau Law and Mediation in Concord NH can assist you if you need to address pet custody in your divorce. Check out our page