When you get divorced in New Hampshire, the court uses current information about your children’s needs and you and your spouse’s income to create child support orders. If your economic circumstances change at some point after the initial child support agreement, it may be necessary to request a modification. New Hampshire state law has specific guidelines for requesting a change to child support orders.
According to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, you may request a change in a child support order as either the paying or receiving party. For example, if you are paying child support and lose your job, you may request to have your payments reduced. If you are the one receiving child support, you may need to request an increase in payments if your child requires long-term medical care. There are numerous other circumstances that may require child support orders to change. The Judicial Branch indicates that child support modification is possible when there is a “substantial change of circumstances.”
A change in financial circumstances is not the only thing that may lead to child support modification. Every three years, you and/or your ex-spouse may request a change to the order. When it has been three years or longer since the court issued your last child support order, you may request a review at any point. When submitting a modification request during this time frame, you may not need to show any evidence of changes in your financial circumstances.
This information on child support modification is intended for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
