How Child Support Is Calculated In NH Has Changed As Of July 1, 2013
Child support calculations are now based on an “incomes shares” model, rather than a percentage model
Wondering how child support is calculated in NH? As of July 1, 2013, the method of how to calculate child support in New Hampshire changed. The child support calculations went from a percentage model to an "income shares" model. You can find the details on the new method of child support calculations below. While this information is here to help you navigate NH guidelines, it’s always best to have a professional involved in some capacity when parents separate. We’re here to help ease you through this complicated process.
The title of the new law is: "AN ACT revising the child support guidelines based on an income shares model of calculating child support." The idea is to calculate child support by combining incomes to best approximate how the children would have been supported if the parents still lived together. The bill explains it like this:
Statement of Intent. The general court finds that child support policy in New Hampshire is based on the principle that both parents should share responsibility for the economic support of their children. The general court further finds that the income shares model, which presumes that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that the child would have received if the parents lived together, is a more appropriate model on which to base the state’s child support formula and guidelines. This legislation is intended to implement the recommendations of the 2009 New Hampshire Child Support Guidelines Review and Recommendations that the state child support guidelines and child support formula be revised to reflect recent estimates of expenditures on child-rearing and to produce results consistent with the income shares philosophy for calculating child support.
The new law includes a positive change. What the revised statute does is create a sliding scale of percentages based on income. So now, the child support calculation is based on a percentage that varies according to the number of children as well as income. In the chart below is the language from the new law setting forth the percentages.
Child Support Calculation Chart
| Net income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4+ Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or less | 25.6% | 35.5% | 42.5% | 45% |
| $25,000 | 25% | 35% | 42% | 44.5% |
| $35,000 | 24% | 33.5% | 40.5% | 43% |
| $50,000 | 23% | 31.5% | 38% | 40.5% |
| $60,000 | 22% | 30.5% | 36.5% | 39% |
| $70,000 | 21% | 30% | 36% | 38.5% |
| $80,000 | 21% | 29% | 35% | 37.5% |
| $90,000 | 21% | 28.5% | 34.5% | 37% |
| $100,000 | 20% | 27.5% | 33% | 35.5% |
| $125,000 or more | 19% | 26% | 31% | 33.5% |
Figuring out how child support is calculated in NH can be challenging. Family friction is difficult to deal with, even when legal disputes are not involved. When they are, let us help ease your family through them. If you’re facing difficulties navigating NH law, we’re the child support lawyers that can help. Contact us today: 603-255-1776 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.