New Hampshire Child Support
How to apply for child support in New Hampshire
Child support services and enforcement in New Hampshire is handled by the Division of Child Support Services. Any parent or caretaker can apply for child support by completing an application online, requesting an application online or obtaining an application at a local support office. Applications may be requested by email. Download Forms.
How to Calculate Child Support in New Hampshire?
Child support is calculated by taking into account the monthly gross income of the non-custodial parent, required medical support, general qualifying expenses and a parent's ability to pay.
How to claim and pay child support?
Support payments in New Hampshire can be made via income withholding, MoneyGram, ExpertPay, credit card or debit card and received via direct deposit or the New Hampshire Debit MasterCard®.
Child Support Performance Stats for New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services keeps track of the performance of the state's child support department.
Statistics for Regular On-Time Payments Collection
Other Incentive Performance Measures
| Performance Measures | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide Paternity Establishment (%) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| IV-D Paternity Establishment (%) | 107.28 | 107.19 | 106.65 | 107.94 | 106.87 |
| Support Order Establishment (%) | 86.39 | 86.03 | 85.46 | 80.7 | 81.32 |
| Cost-Effectiveness ($) | 4.63 | 4.79 | 3.97 | 3.46 | 3.86 |
Total Number of Children in the Child Support Program
Total Distributed Collections and Total Administrative Expenditures ($ Millions)
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Distributed Collections ($) | 83.18 | 82.46 | 81.88 | 78.12 | 76.55 |
| Total Distributed to Families ($) | 76.7 | 77.03 | 76.96 | 73.94 | 72.6 |
| Total Administrative Expenditures ($) | 19.2 | 18.33 | 22.04 | 24.21 | 21.23 |
Average Collections per Case with Collections
Can the support be paid off early?
Yes, you have the option to make support payments in advance in New Hampshire.
What Will happen if You fall Behind Child Support Payment?
The support agency will determine the level of enforcement action that should be taken against you.
Can you get alimony and support at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to receive both in New Hampshire without any conflict.
Can you stop the support payments?
No, you may not stop payments without petitioning the New Hampshire court for a change and gaining approval.
Child Support and Taxes
Child support should not have an impact on the taxes of the payer or the payee.
Can child support payments be claimed on taxes in New Hampshire?
No, it's not possible to claim support payments on taxes.
How does my child support affect my taxes in New Hampshire?
Support does not qualify as income or deductions in New Hampshire.
Can child support be taken pre tax?
No, it is not currently possible to make support payments on a pre-tax basis in New Hampshire.
Can child support Take my federal tax return?
Yes, you may be penalized by having your tax returns taken if you fall behind.
Paternity Establishment
Paternity will need to be established in New Hampshire before a support order can be put in place.
How do you establish paternity?
Paternity can either be established through a court order or an Affidavit of Paternity.
What rights does a father have if not on birth certificate?
A father will not have any rights until he is legally established as the father of a child.
Can a mother refuse me paternity test?
A court can order genetic testing if either parent refuses to comply.
How to establish paternity if the father is deceased?
The court would allow the use of a family member's DNA in most cases.
Can a father get a paternity test without the mother?
DNA testing will need to be conducted with the permission of the primary legal guardian.
How long does a father have to establish paternity in New Hampshire?
Paternity in New Hampshire can be established until a child turns 18.
Support order establishment
Once the non-custodial parent has been located and paternity established, the New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services will file a court order for child and medical support. A meeting with the non-custodial parent or even a court hearing may be required.
State Child Support orders
Support orders in New Hampshire are established with the help of a state child support officer using state guidelines and the information that is gathered from both parties.
Can the support be modified?
Yes, either parent can request a modification of a support order.
How do I file for a modification of child support?
You must petition the court for a change and submit all required information.
Can a child support order appealed?
Yes, it is possible to appeal a request in court according to the recommendation of a hearings officer.
Do you need a lawyer to modify child support?
No, however having a lawyer is recommended.
When can you modify the support?
Three years following the establishment of the most recent order or whenever a major life change occurs.
Child support Enforcement
How long does the child support enforcement take?
Actual enforcement times will depend on whether or not a non-custodial parent can be located and if agents need to serve the non-custodial parent with a legal notice for a court proceeding on the matter.
What to do when the support is not paid?
The district office that is handling your case should be contacted.
What Happens if I’m not paying Child support?
Enforcement could impact your ability to possess a license, renew a passport, access your income, keep personal property and avoid jail time.
How much overdue child support payment can be considered a felony?
Any support that is late by two years or that totals $10,000 or more could make you guilty of a felony.
Can the support debt be forgiven?
The statute of limitations to enforce child support is 20 years.
Support Order Termination
How do I stop a child support order?
You will need to request a court hearing if you believe a circumstance is in place that will allow you to legally stop payments.
When Can I Apply for Child Support Termination?
When your child has become emancipated or if a custody or living situation changes.
Can the custodial parent close a support case?
While a custodial parent can petition to close a case, only a court can make the final decision on enforcement.
When Can I Stop Paying the Support?
When a child reaches the legal age of emancipation in New Hampshire, becomes married or enters the armed services.
When a child turns 18 or graduates from high school.
New Hampshire hearing rights
Both parents have hearing rights regarding the establishment, enforcement and modification of orders.
New Hampshire Child Support Guidelines
New Hampshire has legal guidelines in place regarding how much support should be provided.
New Hampshire Child Support Coverage
What is the support meant to cover?
Food, shelter, clothing and all of the basic needs that a child may have covered by New Hampshire Child Support laws.
Does Child Support Cover Medical Care Expenses?
Yes, it is expected that a non-custodial parent will provide insurance coverage if available or cover a portion of a child's medical expenses.
What if Both Parents are working, will the Support Cover child care services?
Yes, childcare expenses must be shared by both parents in New Hampshire.
Are Car Maintenance Costs Covered by the Support?
Yes, costs associated with transporting a child are usually covered.
What is Considered Basic Entertainment for Child Support?
Access to the Internet, television shows, movies, museums, live shows and more.
Are School and College expenses Covered by Child Support?
Yes, basic school-related costs are covered by NH child support
No, courts in New Hampshire cannot order parents to cover college costs.
Are Extracurricular Activities covered by Support?
Yes, a non-custodial parent in New Hampshire often needs to contribute to covering fees for extracurricular activities.
New Hampshire Child Support Offices
| Institution name | Physical address | Email address | Phone number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services | 129 Pleasant Street Concord, NH | N/A | (603) 271-4427 | https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcss/index.htm |
County Child Support Offices in NH
| County name | Institution name | Physical address | Email address | Phone number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coos County | Coos County, NH Berlin District Office & NH Employment Program | 650 Main Street, Suite 200, Berlin, NH 03570 | N/A | 1(603) 752-7800 | https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/directions/berlin.htm |
| Sullivan County | Sullivan County, NH Claremont District Office & NH Employment Program | 17 Water Street, Suite 301, Claremont, NH 03743 | N/A | 1(603) 542-9544 | https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/directions/claremont.htm |
| Merrimack County | Merrimack County, NH Concord District Office & NH Employment Program | 40 Terrill Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301 | N/A | 1(603) 271-6200 | https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/directions/concord.htm |
Download Child support Forms for New Hampshire
| Title | Number |
|---|---|
| Child Support Guidelines Worksheet | DCSS 650 |
| CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET | NHJB-2101-FP |
| FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT | NHJB-2065-F |