New Hampshire House Bill HB228

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/21
• Refer: 1/4/21
• Report Pass: 9/21/21
• Engrossed: 1/18/22
• Refer: 1/18/22
• Refer: 3/9/22

Caption

Relative to the calculation of child support in cases with equal or approximately equal parenting time.

Impact

If passed, HB228 would amend New Hampshire's existing child support guidelines under RSA 458-C:5. It would establish a structured approach to handling child support calculations that take into account the amount of time each parent spends with their children, alongside their income levels. This change is significant because it aims to enhance fairness in child support determinations, potentially leading to better financial outcomes for both parents and children involved in such cases.

Summary

House Bill 228 pertains to the calculation of child support in cases where parents share equal or nearly equal parenting time. The bill seeks to provide a clear formula for determining child support obligations by introducing a rebuttable presumption. This means that in instances where parents have equitable parenting time yet differing incomes, the child support should be equitably allocated based on their respective earnings. The formula ensures both parents contribute fairly to the child's expenses, addressing income disparities effectively.

Contention

Notably, the bill may raise concerns regarding the equalization of child support payments. While proponents argue that this equitable formula will promote fairness and reduce conflict between parents, skeptics may argue that it could unintentionally disadvantage lower-income parents if the calculations do not adequately reflect their unique circumstances. There may also be debates about the practicality of implementing these changes in various court systems and whether all judges will interpret the guidelines consistently.