Family Law

• Divorce
  Jim assists clients with issues ranging from such matters as an uncontested divorce proceeding or a straightforward fiduciary accounting request, to the more complex matters such as a contentious business dispute, a highly contested divorce, or a high stakes personal injury case. In all matters, Jim brings experience and insight into handling issues efficiently and effectively for his clients.
• Child Support
  Child Support In New Hampshire, child support is determined through a formula known as the "child support guidelines." The income of each parent is used it to arrive at a child support figure, and this figure is called the presumptive child support amount. While this presumptive amount is often the actual amount of child support that is paid, the parties have the right to argue for a higher or lower amount of child support, depending on the circumstances of a particular case. The goal of this process is to ensure that a child support order does not place an undue financial burden on either party. Attorney James Ball has represented parents on both sides of the child support equation and he understands how to assist you to reach a fair result.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Parenting / Child Custody In New Hampshire, parenting issues are addressed by applying the "best interests of the child" standard. Once parenting issues are resolved, they are set forth in a document called a parenting plan. A parenting plan contains the schedule for each parent's time with the child along with a description of how parenting time will be allocated during holidays or vacations. A parenting plan also identifies the school system that the child with belong to, and it addresses other issues necessary to ensure that the child's best interests are taken into account. The determination of parental rights and responsibilities is the most important aspect of a divorce case for many parents. Attorney James Ball has the experience and skill to guide you through these issues so that you can come up with a parenting plan that works for you and your children.
• Adoption
• Premarital Agreement
  In New Hampshire, marital property is divided pursuant to RSA 458:16-a. The statute states in a general way what property is subject to division in a divorce case and how the property should be divided. In general, all real estate, personal property, and intangible assets belonging to one or both of the parties is subject to division in a divorce case. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has held that business assets, military retirement pensions, and interests in IRAs and 401(k)s are also marital assets subject to division. The court is required to divide property equitably, and will presume that an equal division is an equitable distribution of property unless the court determines that certain factors, as set forth in the statute, justify an unequal division of property. These factors include each party’s age, health, occupation, income, the length of the marriage, the fault of either party as specified in RSA 458:16-a, II(l), each party’s economic contributions to the property as well as noneconomic contributions to the care of the children or to the education or career of the other party, among other factors. The court will also consider a custodial parent’s need to occupy or own the marital residence, the effect of a valid prenuptial agreement, and the value of property acquired by a party prior to the marriage or by gift, among other factors.
• Guardianship
  Probate The probate process is when an estate is administered through the court system. This can be a lengthy and complicated process, with a number of steps that must be followed and court filings that must be submitted. We have extensive experience in this area and we can represent you in the probate process from beginning to end. We handle routine probate matters as well as complex cases. In addition to handling the probate of a will, we also handle guardianships and probate litigation.
• Spousal Support
  Alimony In New Hampshire, alimony is awarded when one party cannot meet his or her own financial needs, and the other party can meet his or her needs and also has the ability to assist the other party financially. The court must not only determine whether or not alimony is appropriate, but must also determine the appropriate amount of an alimony award and how long alimony should be paid. A number of factors go into these decisions, and it is important to understand how the factors are evaluated and applied. Attorney James Ball understands this process well, and he can advocate effectively on your behalf.
• Legal Separation
  Divorce and Legal Separation In New Hampshire, a married person may file a petition for either divorce or legal separation. In such cases, the parties will address issues such as property division and alimony. If there are minor children from the marriage, the parties will also address parenting rights and child support. If the parties have a minor child but are not married, they may file a parenting petition in which only parenting rights and child support are addressed. Parties in a divorce, legal separation, or parenting case face issues that greatly impact their personal lives and those of their children, as well as their financial future. Attorney James Ball is an experienced lawyer who understands these issues and knows how to work with you to achieve a fair and just result for you and your loved ones.

Criminal Law

• Wrongful Death

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Business Formation
  Our firm can provide you with expert advice in the following areas: Estate Planning, Probate Representation, Family Law, Inventions, Copyrights and Trademarks, Real Estate and Commercial Transactions, Business Formation, and Matters involving Litigation, whether you are a Plaintiff or a Defendant. Our goal is to have highly satisfied long-term clients so, if you are looking to build a relationship with an attorney who speaks your language, give us a call to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll listen to you and tailor a plan of action for services that meets your needs. No legalese and no surprises. We promise.
• Business Disputes
  Business Law Attorney Michael J. Persson (Mike) practices extensively in the field of business law and represents small and medium sized businesses with the following types of matters...
• Business Transactions
  Real Estate & Commercial Transactions Attorney Michael J. Persson (Mike) is a licensed title insurance agent and has represented local banks, companies and individuals in connection with the following types of transactions...
• Trade Secrets
• Intellectual Property
  Intellectual Property Attorney Michael J. Persson (Mike) is a Registered Patent Attorneys and has over 25 years of practice in the field of intellectual property law, serving entrepreneurs, artists, photographers web developers, programmers and information technology companies, and other creative professionals, in connection with the following types of matters.

Employment Law

• Employment Litigation

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  We are pleased to announce that, for the fifth straight year, Chisholm Persson & Ball, PC, was voted Best of the Lakes Region in multiple practice area. This year, we won Gold in the categories of Best Law Firm, Best Elder Law and Best Estate Law and Silver in the categories of Best Real Estate Law, Best Family Law, and Best Personal Injury Law. Thank you to our clients, friends and colleagues for taking the time to recognize us with your votes. We appreciate your support and value your continued trust!
• Premises Liability
• Real Estate Transactions
  In 2008, Mike was mentored by a local attorney who practiced in the area of real estate and commercial transactions and, over the past 15 years, Mike’s practice has expanded to include the areas of business law, real estate and commercial transactions. Mike currently represents local banks, companies and individuals in connection with commercial lending transactions. Mike is a licensed title insurance agent and regularly represents buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Mike has successfully closed many complex multi-million-dollar business sale and purchase transactions for clients. Mike also works with startups and other small businesses and serves as outside counsel to a number of companies in NH; advising them in connection with all legal issues that arise in the course of their businesses.
• Land Use and Zoning
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  This depends on a number of factors, including the type of case filed, the amount of the dispute, and whether the case will be tried before a jury. The New Hampshire trial court system is divided into the Circuit Court and the Superior Court. The Circuit Court is further divided into the District Division, the Family Division, and the Probate Division. The District Division handles cases involving small claims matters, landlord-tenant matters, and other civil cases not brought in Superior Court. The Family Division handles cases involving divorce/parenting, child support, domestic violence petitions, guardianship of minors, termination of parental rights, abuse/neglect cases, children in need of services, juvenile delinquency, and some adoptions. The Probate Division handles matters related to wills, trusts and estates, guardianships and involuntary commitment proceedings, adoptions, name changes and partition of real estate. The Superior Court hears civil cases in which the damage claims exceed $25,000 as well as cases with a minimum claim of $1,500 in damages in which a party requests a jury trial. The Superior Court also hears cases involving requests for injunctive relief, disputes over title to real estate, petitions to enforce contracts, and appeals from zoning and planning board decisions. All cases are assigned to court locations based on the location of the parties or the location of property in dispute.

Immigration Law

• Work Visas
  Background and Education Kate grew up in Goffstown, New Hampshire, spending her weekends in the Lakes Region. She received her bachelor’s degree in business management from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Prior to attending law school, Kate worked in human resources for over four years in Colorado. These positions provided her experience in a variety of employment issues, including employee benefits, work visas, policy review, recruiting, and workplace investigations. She earned her Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law and was admitted to practice in New Hampshire in 2021. While attending law school, Kate was the recipient of the Best Brief Award and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in her Legal Research and Writing Class and was an Associate Editor on The Duquesne Law Review. In addition, she worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Legal Research and Writing Department and a Research Assistant in the areas of Artificial Intelligence Law and Property Law. Kate worked as an intern at the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and New Hampshire Legal Assistance during her summer breaks from law school. After law school, she started her career as an Associate Attorney at another Laconia law firm. She focuses her practice in the areas of business law, real estate, and estate planning.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Personal Injury cases arise from a variety of circumstances, from slip and falls to automobile, motorcycle or boating accidents, to intentional torts and wrongful death actions. Regardless of the situation, it is important to have an effective advocate who can maximize the value of your recovery. Attorney James Ball has the experience and skill to obtain a favorable settlement in a negation or mediation or, if necessary, to take your case to trial. Attorney Ball represents clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including...
• Medical Malpractice
• Dog Bites

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Estate Planning We will work with you to identify your goals and create an estate plan that is right for you. Our attorneys have experience in preparing and administering all aspects of estate planning. Our practice includes the following specialties...
• Wills
  Estates. A petition must be filed with the Probate Court when someone dies and has assets in their name alone in order to ensure those assets go to the beneficiaries named in the decedent=s Last Will and Testament. We will guide you through the process making sure all the deadlines are met and the estate is handled both efficiently and cost effectively.
• Trusts
  Background & Education Susanne was born in Barre, Vermont, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Vermont in 1987. She received her Juris doctorate in 1992 from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award and The Little, Brown & Company Award in Trusts and Estates. Susanne was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1992 and the New Hampshire Bar in 1994. She began her law career working for a Big Six accounting firm before transitioning to private practice. She was a partner in another Laconia law firm before forming Lawson Persson & Chisholm, PC in 2012, now Chisholm Persson & Ball, PC.
• Power of Attorney
  Powers of Attorney. A power of attorney is used in situations where you need someone else to handle financial matters for you. Not all powers of attorney are the same. For example, some are used to handle all financial matters while others are drafted for a specific need (for example, to handle a real estate closing). We have extensive experience in this area of the law and we can help you develop a power of attorney that meets your needs.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy