New Hampshire Petition for Custody and Support
Definition and meaning
The New Hampshire Petition for Custody and Support is a legal document filed in family court to request court orders regarding the custody of children and financial support from one parent to another. This petition is essential for parents seeking to establish or modify custody arrangements and support obligations following a separation or divorce.
Who should use this form
This form is intended for parents or guardians in New Hampshire who are looking to establish or modify custody and support arrangements for their children. It is suitable for individuals who are married or separated, and those who need legal recognition of their parental rights and responsibilities.
How to complete a form
Completing the New Hampshire Petition for Custody and Support involves several key steps:
- Fill out your information, including your name and address.
- Provide details about the children involved, including their names and birth dates.
- Indicate the current custody arrangements and any existing public assistance.
- Clearly state your requests regarding custody and support.
Ensure that you review the form for accuracy before submitting it to the court.
Key components of the form
The main components of the New Hampshire Petition for Custody and Support include:
- Name and contact information of the petitioning parent.
- Details of the children involved, including their ages.
- Parental marital status and existing custody arrangements.
- Specific requests for custody and financial support.
- Notary signature section to validate the petition.
Each section must be filled out completely to avoid delays in processing.
Common mistakes to avoid when using this form
When completing the New Hampshire Petition for Custody and Support, consider these common pitfalls:
- Failing to provide accurate personal information.
- Not including all children that are part of the support and custody request.
- Leaving sections blank or incomplete.
- Not signing the form in the presence of a notary public.
Reviewing the form carefully can help ensure that these errors are avoided.
What documents you may need alongside this one
In addition to the New Hampshire Petition for Custody and Support, you may need to gather the following documents:
- Birth certificates of the children involved.
- Any existing court orders regarding custody or support.
- Proof of income to support your claims for financial assistance or support adjustments.
- Documents demonstrating current living arrangements for the child(ren).
Having these documents ready will facilitate your petition process.
Form popularity
FAQ
Along with Utah, the National Parents Organization lists seven states as having laws most supportive of shared parenting Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota and South Dakota.
It shall be presumed that the parent intends to abandon the child who has been left by his parent without provision for his identification or who has been left by his parent in the care and custody of another without any provision for his support, or without communication from such parent for a period of 6 months.
The law doesn't specify an age at which the court must take into consideration a child's preference. That's because age doesn't determine maturity level. So it's conceivable that a judge might take into account the wishes of a young, mature child, but not those of an older, less responsible one.
New Hampshire's child support guidelines provide a formula for determining how much child support an absent parent is required to pay. Generally the amount is 25% of adjusted gross income for one child; 33% for two children; 40% for three children; and 45% for four or more children.
Fathers in the state of New Hampshire have an equal right to child support as mothers, and they also have equal access to the services provided by the Division of Child Support Services.
How do I get an application for child support services? ; request an application by email at BCSS-CIU@dhhs.nh.gov (please indicate "Application Request" in the subject line and include your full name and mailing address in body of email); or contact your local DHHS District Office.
If there is some type of court action involving the children (divorce, custody, visitation, child support, etc.) that is in process, then it may be illegal for you to take the children out of state, even temporarily, without permission from the judge and/or consent of the other parent.
The law doesn't specify an age at which the court must take into consideration a child's preference. That's because age doesn't determine maturity level. So it's conceivable that a judge might take into account the wishes of a young, mature child, but not those of an older, less responsible one.
If you do NOT want to get a divorce, legal separation, or annulment, you can start a case called a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children. This lets the court make custody and visitation orders and other orders.