Calculating child support is rarely as simple as one would think, especially when parents share physical custody. Under New Hampshire law, the exact breakdown of parenting time and each parent’s earnings are vital factors to consider. Depending on how these two variables align, a shared parenting schedule might significantly affect the child support obligation.
Shared custody thresholds
Recent updates to New Hampshire law recognize different shared parenting arrangements when calculating child support. The courts now balance schedules and income so the child doesn’t experience a drastic drop in living standards between both households. If you are going through a divorce or modification, the amount of time each parent spends with the child shifts the final outcome. New Hampshire measures parenting time as follows:
- Substantially shared schedule: The child spends more than 35% of the time with each parent (roughly 128 to145 overnights)
- Approximately equal schedule: The child spends more than 40% of the time with each parent (roughly 146 or more overnights)
If you have a substantially shared parenting schedule, the court might deviate from standard guidelines. If the parents have equal time and considerably similar incomes, the court might assume no child support should be ordered.
What to do next?
Shared custody now offers a direct legal path to adjusting child support. If your current court order is drafted under old rules or if you want to know more about the legal complexities of the matter, consulting with an experienced attorney could help you evaluate your options and determine whether your existing parenting plan or support order should be updated under the new rules.
