New Hampshire Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using New Hampshire's official guidelines
About New Hampshire's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Self-support reserve based on federal poverty guidelines
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a New Hampshire family law attorney for official calculations.
Official New Hampshire Court Forms
Download official court forms from the New Hampshire judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official New Hampshire court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
New Hampshire Child Support Guidelines
New Hampshire uses the New Hampshire Child Support Guidelines (RSA 458-C) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined net income.
New Hampshire has several distinctive features in its child support system. New Hampshire uses net income and bases its self-support reserve on the federal poverty guidelines. The state includes a specific adjustment for the higher cost of carrying health insurance for children. New Hampshire has a "minimum order" provision — courts generally don't order less than $50/month.
New Hampshire bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in New Hampshire is $1,375/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How New Hampshire Calculates Child Support
New Hampshire follows a 6-step process under the New Hampshire Child Support Guidelines (RSA 458-C):
- 1
Calculate each parent's gross income from all sources
- 2
Determine net income by subtracting FICA, federal/state taxes, and mandatory retirement
- 3
Combine net incomes and find the support amount from the guidelines table
- 4
Prorate based on each parent's share of combined net income
- 5
Apply shared custody adjustment if 110+ overnights
- 6
Add proportional shares of childcare and children's health insurance
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in New Hampshire
Self-Support Reserve
$1,375/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
110 nights/yr
30% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $320 | $465 | $568 |
| $4,000 | $575 | $838 | $1,025 |
| $6,000 | $800 | $1,170 | $1,432 |
| $10,000 | $1,200 | $1,760 | $2,155 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in New Hampshire
New Hampshire recognizes "Shared Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 110 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under New Hampshire's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 110 overnights, New Hampshire generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Child Support
What is the minimum child support in New Hampshire?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in New Hampshire
While child support is determined by New Hampshire's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In New Hampshire, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
New Hampshire allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in New Hampshire
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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