Best Child Support Lawyers in New Hampshire

About Child Support Law in New Hampshire, United States

Child support in New Hampshire is regulated by state statutes and enforced through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The purpose of child support is to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if the family is separated or divorced. This support typically covers basic living expenses, including food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care. Child support obligations are determined based on the best interests of the child and the financial capability of both parents.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While some people can handle child support matters independently, there are situations where legal counsel is essential. A lawyer with experience in family law and child support can help in cases such as:

• Disputes over the amount or duration of support payments
• Requests to modify existing child support orders due to changes in income or living arrangements
• Difficulty collecting child support or enforcing court orders
• Concerns about paternity or parental rights
• Cases involving complex financial assets, self-employment, or business ownership
• Cross-state child support issues involving parents in different states
• Responding to legal actions initiated by the other parent or the state

Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process effectively, and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Local Laws Overview

New Hampshire has established specific guidelines for calculating and enforcing child support. Key aspects of the law include:

• The state uses an income shares model to determine child support. Both parents' incomes are considered to ensure the child's standard of living closely matches what it would have been if the parents lived together.
• Child support orders are determined either through the court system or with the assistance of the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS).
• Support is generally paid until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond age 21 unless special circumstances apply.
• Parents can request a review or modification of their order if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as loss of employment or changes in custody arrangements.
• Failure to pay court-ordered support may result in enforcement actions including wage garnishment, license suspensions, interception of tax refunds, or contempt proceedings.
• Medical support, including health insurance coverage, can also be ordered as part of a child support obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in New Hampshire?

Child support is determined using the state's income shares model, which accounts for both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, and other relevant financial factors. The state provides a child support calculator for estimation purposes.

Can I request a change to my child support order?

Yes, either parent can request a modification if they can show a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income change, or altered parenting time.

When does child support end in New Hampshire?

Child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later, but will not extend past age 21 unless a court orders otherwise due to unique circumstances.

What if the other parent is not paying court-ordered child support?

The state offers enforcement services that may include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, revocation of licenses, or court actions to compel payment.

Do I have to pay child support if I do not have visitation rights?

Yes, child support is a separate legal obligation from visitation or custody rights. Denial of visitation does not affect the requirement to pay support.

What expenses does child support cover?

Child support is intended to help cover the child's basic needs, including food, housing, clothing, education, and sometimes health insurance and childcare costs.

How do I establish paternity for child support purposes?

Paternity can be established voluntarily by both parents signing an acknowledgment, or through a court order if there is a dispute or uncertainty.

Will my income be imputed if I am unemployed?

The court may impute income to a parent if it determines that unemployment or underemployment is voluntary and not in the best interest of the child.

Can grandparents or other guardians request child support?

In some cases, grandparents or legal guardians who have custody of a child may seek child support from one or both biological parents.

How do I apply for child support services in New Hampshire?

You can apply through the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), which assists with locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.

Additional Resources

Here are some key resources to help you manage child support matters in New Hampshire:

• New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) - Provides application forms, case management, and payment processing
• New Hampshire Judicial Branch Family Division - Handles legal filings, orders, and modifications
• Legal Advice and Referral Center (LARC) - Free or low-cost legal advice for qualifying individuals
• 211 New Hampshire - Connects residents to legal assistance and community services
• New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service - Matches residents with qualified local family law attorneys

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a child support issue in New Hampshire, consider the following actions:

• Gather all relevant financial documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and existing court orders
• Contact the New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services for initial support or to open a case
• Consult with a qualified family law attorney, especially if you anticipate disputes or require legal representation in court
• Document all communications with the other parent and any changes in circumstances that may impact your case
• Monitor your case status and respond promptly to any court or agency correspondence

Seeking the help of a knowledgeable attorney can provide peace of mind and ensure that your rights and your child’s best interests are effectively protected throughout the child support process.