New Hampshire calculates child support using the Income Shares model under RSA 458-C, which determines the child support amount based on both parents' combined net income and the number of children requiring support. For one child, parents pay between 19% and 25.6% of combined net income depending on total earnings, with lower-income families paying a higher percentage to ensure children receive adequate support. The minimum child support order in New Hampshire is $50 per month under RSA 458-C:2, V, and guidelines are updated annually, effective April 1 of each year.
Key Facts: New Hampshire Child Support 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares (RSA 458-C) |
| Filing Fee | $252-$282 (with minor children) |
| Minimum Support Order | $50 per month |
| Medical Support | 4% of each parent's gross income |
| Self-Support Reserve | 115% of Federal Poverty Level (~$1,530/month in 2026) |
| Termination Age | 18 (or 19 if still in high school) |
| Modification Threshold | 20% change in calculated amount |
| Substantially Shared Time | Each parent over 35% of overnights |
How New Hampshire Calculates Child Support Amount
New Hampshire courts calculate child support by first determining each parent's adjusted gross income, combining those figures, and applying a percentage from the statutory guideline table based on the number of children in the support order. Under RSA 458-C:3, the child support formula uses a sliding scale where the percentage of combined net income devoted to child support decreases as total family income increases, ensuring proportional support obligations across income levels.
The calculation process involves four primary steps: (1) determining each parent's gross income from all sources, (2) subtracting allowable deductions to reach adjusted gross income, (3) combining both parents' adjusted incomes and referencing the guideline table, and (4) allocating each parent's share proportionally based on their percentage of combined income. The parent with less parenting time typically pays their proportional share directly to the custodial parent.
New Hampshire Child Support Percentage Table
The following table shows the percentage of combined net income allocated to child support at various income levels under the 2026 guidelines:
| Combined Annual Net Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4+ Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or less | 25.6% | 35.5% | 42.5% | 45.0% |
| $25,000 | 25.0% | 35.0% | 42.0% | 44.5% |
| $35,000 | 24.0% | 33.5% | 40.5% | 43.0% |
| $50,000 | 23.0% | 31.5% | 38.0% | 40.5% |
| $60,000 | 22.0% | 30.5% | 36.5% | 39.0% |
| $70,000 | 21.5% | 30.0% | 36.0% | 38.5% |
| $80,000 | 21.0% | 29.0% | 35.0% | 37.5% |
| $90,000 | 21.0% | 28.5% | 34.5% | 37.0% |
| $100,000 | 20.0% | 27.5% | 33.0% | 35.5% |
| $125,000+ | 19.0% | 26.0% | 31.0% | 33.5% |
Average Child Support in New Hampshire: Sample Calculations
Understanding how much is child support in New Hampshire requires examining real-world scenarios based on the state's guidelines. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services provides an official child support calculator that applies these percentages to specific income situations. Below are representative calculations demonstrating typical support amounts:
For a family with combined monthly net income of $6,000 ($72,000 annually) and one child, the guideline percentage is approximately 21.5%, resulting in a monthly child support obligation of $1,290. If the non-custodial parent earns 60% of the combined income, their monthly payment would be $774 ($1,290 x 0.60). For two children at the same income level, the percentage increases to 30%, yielding a total obligation of $1,800 monthly, with the non-custodial parent paying $1,080.
Practical Examples of New Hampshire Child Support Guidelines
Consider a scenario where Parent A earns $5,000 monthly adjusted gross income and Parent B earns $3,000 monthly. Their combined income of $8,000 monthly ($96,000 annually) with two children generates a guideline amount near 28% of net income, approximately $2,240 monthly total. Parent A, contributing 62.5% of combined income, would owe roughly $1,400 monthly in child support if Parent B has primary physical custody.
Income Included in New Hampshire Child Support Calculations
New Hampshire defines gross income broadly under RSA 458-C:2, IV to include virtually all monetary sources available to a parent. The state counts wages and salaries, self-employment income, commissions and bonuses, overtime pay, dividends and interest, rental income, pension and retirement benefits, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and annuity payments. Courts may also impute income to voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents based on their earning capacity.
Allowable deductions from gross income include federal and state income taxes, FICA and Medicare taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, health insurance premiums for the children, and allowable childcare expenses necessary for employment. The difference between gross income and these deductions produces each parent's adjusted gross income, which forms the basis for calculating support obligations under the NH child support guidelines.
Self-Support Reserve Protections in New Hampshire
New Hampshire law protects obligor parents from being pushed into poverty through the self-support reserve provision in RSA 458-C:3. The self-support reserve equals 115% of the federal poverty level for a single person, which amounts to approximately $1,530 per month ($18,354 annually) in 2026 based on the federal poverty guideline of $15,960 for an individual. This mechanism ensures paying parents retain sufficient income to meet basic living expenses.
When an obligor's gross income exceeds the self-support reserve but paying the calculated support amount would reduce their income below this threshold, the presumptive support obligation becomes the difference between their income and the reserve amount. However, no order may fall below the statutory minimum of $50 per month under RSA 458-C:2, V. For obligors earning less than the self-support reserve who are not voluntarily unemployed, courts typically order the $50 minimum.
Medical Support Obligations Under RSA 458-C
Every New Hampshire child support order includes a medical support component separate from the base child support amount. Under RSA 458-C:3, V, courts establish a reasonable medical support obligation for each parent, with the presumptive amount set at 4% of each parent's individual gross income. This obligation covers health insurance premiums, uncovered medical expenses, dental care, vision care, and mental health treatment costs for the children.
The court determines whether private health insurance is accessible and affordable to either parent at a cost within the combined reasonable medical support amount. When available coverage costs less than the 4% threshold, the court orders the appropriate parent to provide insurance. Health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, fee-for-service plans, and public health care programs all qualify as acceptable coverage under New Hampshire law. Parents also share responsibility for uninsured medical expenses proportionally based on their income percentages.
Childcare Expenses and Additional Costs
Work-related childcare costs factor into New Hampshire child support calculations as an add-on expense allocated between parents. Under RSA 458-C:2, I, allowable childcare expenses include actual work-related childcare for children covered by the support order, plus necessary education and training costs that enable a parent to maintain employment. These expenses are added to the basic support obligation and divided proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income.
Parents may also request adjustments for extraordinary expenses including special education needs, travel costs for parenting time exchanges when parents live far apart, and extracurricular activity expenses that predate the divorce or were jointly agreed upon. Courts evaluate these requests under RSA 458-C:5, which permits deviations from guideline calculations when special circumstances make strict application unjust or inappropriate.
Parenting Time Impact on Child Support (2025-2026 Updates)
The January 2025 amendments to RSA 458-C:5 significantly changed how parenting time affects child support calculations in New Hampshire. The revised law creates rebuttable presumptions for shared custody arrangements that may reduce or eliminate support obligations when both parents have substantial time with their children. Understanding these thresholds is essential for parents negotiating custody and support terms.
Substantially shared parenting time exists when each parent has more than 35% of the annual parenting schedule. Approximately equal parenting time requires each parent to have greater than 40% of residential responsibility. When parents have both substantially shared time and substantially similar incomes, RSA 458-C:5(h) creates a rebuttable presumption that $0 child support is appropriate. Even without equal incomes, courts must consider whether a support order would leave the lower-earning parent unable to meet child-rearing costs at a similar standard to the other parent.
The Three-Part Test for Custody-Based Deviations
New Hampshire courts apply a three-part test when determining whether shared parenting time justifies deviation from guideline support amounts. First, courts examine whether parents have agreed to allocate variable expenses like clothing, school supplies, and activities between households. Second, courts assess whether the obligor has demonstrated that the parenting schedule genuinely reduces fixed child-rearing costs for the obligee. Third, courts verify whether the lower-income parent can adequately meet child-rearing expenses at a standard similar to the higher-earning parent.
How to Modify Child Support in New Hampshire
New Hampshire permits child support modification through two pathways under RSA 458-C:7. Parents may request modification every three years from the date of the last support order without demonstrating any change in circumstances. Alternatively, either parent may petition for modification at any time by proving a substantial change of circumstances has occurred since the existing order was entered.
Courts define substantial change of circumstances as events that would result in at least a 20% difference from the current support order when recalculated under current guidelines. Common qualifying changes include job loss or significant income fluctuation, incarceration of either parent, custody arrangement modifications, termination of support for one child reaching majority, and unforeseen medical expenses. Filing immediately when circumstances change is critical because modifications cannot be made retroactive to before the date the other party received notice of the petition.
When Child Support Ends in New Hampshire
Child support obligations in New Hampshire terminate automatically under RSA 461-A:14, IV when a child reaches age 18, marries, becomes a member of the armed services, or is legally emancipated. However, if the child remains a full-time student in high school, a charter school, or a home education program at age 18, support continues until the child graduates or reaches age 19, whichever occurs first. No further legal action is required for termination when statutory conditions are met.
For children with disabilities, courts may extend support obligations beyond age 18 under RSA 461-A:14, but no order entered after July 9, 2013 may continue past age 21. New Hampshire law explicitly prohibits courts from ordering parents to contribute to college expenses or post-secondary education costs through child support orders, except under narrow circumstances described in RSA 461-A:21. Parents wishing to share college costs must negotiate those terms separately from child support.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
The New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) enforces child support orders through administrative and judicial mechanisms. Wage withholding is the primary collection method under RSA 458-B, requiring employers to deduct support amounts directly from obligor paychecks and remit payments to the State Disbursement Unit. Employers face penalties for failing to comply with income withholding orders or retaliating against employees subject to wage garnishment.
For severely delinquent obligors, DCSS pursues aggressive collection measures including federal and state tax refund intercepts, professional license suspension, recreational license revocation, passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500, credit bureau reporting, property liens, and financial institution account levies. In extreme cases, courts may hold willful non-payers in contempt, imposing fines or incarceration under RSA 458:17 until substantial payment is made toward arrears. Bail posted by child support obligors may be forfeited and paid directly to the obligee or DCSS if the obligor fails to appear or owes arrearages.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Filing for child support in New Hampshire through the Circuit Court Family Division costs between $252 and $282 when minor children are involved, as of March 2026. Additional fees apply throughout the process: motions cost $85 each, and modification petitions range from $135 to $225 depending on complexity. Electronic filings through TurboCourt or File and Serve platforms incur a 3% processing surcharge on credit or debit card transactions as of September 2025.
Parents unable to afford filing fees may request a fee waiver or reduction by demonstrating financial hardship to the court. Applications require documentation of household income, assets, and expenses. The court information center at 1-855-212-1234 assists parents with waiver applications between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Fee amounts are current as of March 2026; parents should verify current fees with the local court clerk before filing.
Using the Official New Hampshire Child Support Calculator
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services maintains an official child support calculator that applies current RSA 458-C guidelines to specific family situations. The calculator requires both parents' adjusted gross income figures, the number of children subject to the order, each parent's percentage of parenting time, health insurance costs for the children, and work-related childcare expenses. Technology limitations prevent calculations when combined monthly income exceeds $226,009.
The calculator generates the presumptive guideline amount that courts use as a starting point for support determinations. However, judges retain discretion to deviate from calculated amounts based on special circumstances enumerated in RSA 458-C:5. Parents should use calculator results as estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes, particularly when parenting time exceeds 35% for each parent or when extraordinary expenses exist. For calculations involving income above the calculator threshold, contact the Central Information Unit at 1-800-852-3345 extension 14427.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is child support in New Hampshire for one child?
New Hampshire child support for one child ranges from 19% to 25.6% of both parents' combined net income, with lower percentages applying to higher-income families. For example, parents with combined net income of $60,000 annually pay 22% ($1,100/month total), while those earning $125,000 or more pay 19% ($1,979/month total). The non-custodial parent pays their proportional share based on income contribution.
What is the minimum child support payment in New Hampshire?
The minimum child support order in New Hampshire is $50 per month under RSA 458-C:2, V. This minimum applies when an obligor's income falls below the self-support reserve (approximately $1,530/month in 2026) and the court determines they are not voluntarily unemployed. Courts may order less than $50 only in exceptional circumstances with documented justification.
Can child support be waived in New Hampshire with 50/50 custody?
New Hampshire law creates a rebuttable presumption that $0 child support is appropriate when parents have both substantially shared parenting time (each over 35%) and substantially similar incomes under RSA 458-C:5(h). However, with unequal incomes, courts evaluate whether deviating from guidelines would leave the lower-earning parent unable to maintain the children's standard of living comparably to the other household.
How long does child support last in New Hampshire?
Child support in New Hampshire ends when a child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later, but no later than two months after the child turns 19. Support terminates earlier if the child marries, joins the military, or becomes legally emancipated. For children with disabilities, courts may extend support until age 21 under orders entered after July 9, 2013.
How often can you modify child support in New Hampshire?
Either parent may request child support modification every three years without showing changed circumstances under RSA 458-C:7. Modifications may be requested anytime when a substantial change of circumstances would result in at least a 20% difference from the current order. Changes are effective from the date the other party receives notice of the modification petition.
Does New Hampshire child support include health insurance?
Yes, New Hampshire requires a separate medical support obligation in addition to base child support. Under RSA 458-C:3, V, the presumptive medical support amount is 4% of each parent's individual gross income. Courts order the parent with affordable, accessible health insurance coverage to provide it, with both parents sharing uncovered medical expenses proportionally.
What income counts for child support in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire counts virtually all income sources including wages, salaries, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, dividends, interest, rental income, pensions, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits. Courts may impute income to voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents. Allowable deductions include taxes, FICA, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums for the children.
How is New Hampshire child support enforced?
The Division of Child Support Services enforces orders through wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspensions (professional, driver's, recreational), passport denial for arrearages over $2,500, credit reporting, bank account levies, and property liens. Courts may hold willful non-payers in contempt under RSA 458:17, imposing fines or incarceration until payment is made.
Can New Hampshire courts order parents to pay for college?
No, New Hampshire law under RSA 461-A:14 explicitly prohibits courts from ordering parents to contribute to college expenses through child support orders, except in narrow circumstances under RSA 461-A:21. Parents who wish to share higher education costs must negotiate those terms in a separate agreement outside the child support framework.
What is the self-support reserve in New Hampshire?
The self-support reserve equals 115% of the federal poverty level for a single person, approximately $1,530 per month ($18,354 annually) in 2026. This protection under RSA 458-C:3 prevents support orders from reducing an obligor's income below basic subsistence levels. When paying calculated support would breach this threshold, the order is reduced, but never below the $50 monthly minimum.