New Hampshire’s child support laws were revised starting in 2025 to take into account contemporary parenting styles and financial realities.
Significant changes to the way child support is determined are brought about by the new law, especially when parents share custody or make comparable incomes.
Parents can more effectively navigate the child support process and make appropriate plans if they are aware of these updates.
Overview of the 2025 Law Changes
The changes are outlined in House Bill 1564, which goes into effect on January 1, 2025. This legislation modifies the state’s child support guidelines to account for increased instances of shared parenting time and the evolving nature of household finances.
It updates how parenting time is defined, adjusts income thresholds, and revises the assumptions used in calculating child support when parents have similar incomes or shared custody arrangements.
New Definitions of Parenting Time and Custody Schedules
Under the 2025 updates, New Hampshire now distinguishes between different types of custody arrangements more clearly.
An “approximately equal parenting schedule” is defined as one where each parent has the child for 40% or more of the time. A “substantially shared parenting schedule” involves each parent having the child more than 35% of the time.
These definitions are critical because they directly affect how support is calculated, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and toward more flexible assessments that account for time spent with each parent.
Changes to Income Considerations and Support Presumptions
One of the most significant changes is the treatment of parents with substantially similar incomes. If the difference between the parents’ gross monthly incomes is 10% or less, they are considered to have “substantially similar incomes.”
In situations where these parents also have an approximately equal parenting schedule, there is now a rebuttable presumption that neither parent should owe child support.
This presumption can be challenged, but it establishes a new baseline that reflects shared financial and parenting responsibilities.
Increased Self-Support Reserve Threshold
The law also increases the self-support reserve and the minimum amount of income a parent must retain to cover their own basic needs. Previously set at 115% of the federal poverty guideline, it has now been raised to 130%.
This change ensures that low-income parents are not pushed below the poverty line due to child support obligations, promoting a fairer balance between meeting personal needs and contributing to their child’s support.
How the Updated Law Affects Parents with Shared Custody
For parents who share custody relatively equally and earn similar incomes, the new law may significantly reduce or even eliminate traditional child support payments.
For example, if two parents each earn $4,000 per month and share custody equally, the default assumption may be that neither should pay support unless specific circumstances suggest otherwise. That’s how new laws are affecting child support in NH.
On the other hand, if there’s a notable income gap between the two parents, support calculations will still factor in financial disparity—though now with more room for discretion based on actual parenting time.
Accessing the Revised Child Support Guidelines and Calculator
New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services offers an online calculator aligned with the revised guidelines.
Parents can enter their income information, parenting schedule, and other factors to get a preliminary estimate of potential child support obligations.
This tool is especially useful when negotiating agreements or preparing for mediation, as it reflects the updated standards under the 2025 law.
When and How to Modify Existing Child Support Orders
- Eligibility for Modification
If the current child support order no longer aligns with the new 2025 guidelines, such as due to a substantially shared parenting schedule or similar incomes, parents may be eligible to request a modification.
What Justifies a Modification
Valid reasons include:
- A change in parenting time ( moving to an approximately equal schedule)
- A shift in either parent’s income
- Application of the new definitions or support presumptions under the law
Steps to Request a Modification
There are some steps to request a modification:
- Gather Documentation
Prepare evidence of your current custody arrangement, income statements, and any recent changes in circumstances.
- File a Motion to Modify
Submit a formal request to the family court where the original order was issued, citing the relevant changes under the 2025 law.
- Attend a Court Hearing
A judge may schedule a hearing to review the request and updated information before making a decision.
- Finalizing the New Support Order
If the court agrees that a modification is warranted, a new support order will be issued reflecting the revised calculations under the updated guidelines.
Have questions about child support in New Hampshire? Contact Naro Law at (603) 945-8135 to schedule a free consultation. Whether you’re seeking support or responding to a request, we’ll help you understand your rights and guide you through each step of the child support process.
