Child Support in New Hampshire: How It's Calculated
New Hampshire uses the Income Shares Model (RSA 458-C) to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors New Hampshire courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official New Hampshire resources.
Income Shares Model (RSA 458-C) in New Hampshire
New Hampshire uses the Income Shares Model under RSA 458-C. Both parents' gross income is combined to determine a basic support obligation from the schedule, then divided proportionally based on each parent's income share.
New Hampshire provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent exercises at least 35% of the overnights (approximately 128 per year). New Hampshire also has a self-support reserve provision to ensure low-income parents retain sufficient income. The guidelines include an income cap above which support is calculated on a discretionary basis.
Key Factors New Hampshire Courts Consider
- Both parents' gross monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time — 35% threshold triggers a parenting time adjustment
- Child's health insurance premium
- Work-related childcare costs
- Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
- Self-support reserve for low-income obligors
Official New Hampshire Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use New Hampshire's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How New Hampshire's Formula Works
Here is how New Hampshire applies the Income Shares Model (RSA 458-C) to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
New Hampshire starts by calculating each parent's income — gross income (before taxes). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model (RSA 458-C).
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to New Hampshire's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Parenting time — 35% threshold triggers a parenting time adjustment parenting time adjustment when the non-primary parent exercises at least 35% of the overnights (approximately 128 per year).
Document Everything for Your New Hampshire Case
New Hampshire courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
No charge today · Cancel anytime