New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB618

Introduced
1/12/23  

Caption

Relative to wage garnishment with child support payments.

Impact

If passed, HB618 would amend existing statutes to introduce a more structured framework regarding income assignments related to child support. The law would ensure that income assignments are activated under specific conditions, including instances when a payment obligation is in arrears, or when a court finds the obligor in violation of support orders. Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of standardized forms by the Department of Health and Human Services, which aims to provide clarity and transparency during divorce proceedings concerning wage garnishment.

Summary

House Bill 618 (HB618) aims to revise the procedures related to wage garnishment for child support payments in New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill proposes adding restrictions on the circumstances under which an income assignment can be implemented. It stipulates that at the time of a divorce hearing, parties must be notified that an income assignment will automatically occur unless an alternative arrangement is agreed upon. This move is intended to streamline the process for enforcing child support obligations, making it clearer for both obligors and recipients of support payments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB618 appears to be cautiously optimistic, as it is seen as a positive step towards enhancing child support enforcement. Proponents argue that the bill will create a fairer and more organized approach to managing child support payments, addressing common issues faced by custodial parents in receiving timely payments. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about the potential challenges this might present for obligors, who may feel unprepared for the automatic garnishment of their wages following divorce.

Contention

Despite its positive aspects, HB618 does face some contention, particularly regarding how it balances the interests of both parents involved in child support disputes. Critics may argue that automatic wage garnishment could impose undue financial stress on obligors, especially if garnishments are put in place without sufficient opportunity to contest their necessity. The bill's effectiveness will largely depend on how well its provisions are communicated and implemented during divorce hearings, to ensure that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB618

Relative to wage garnishment with child support payments.

NH HB213

Relative to wage garnishment for child support.

NH HB548

Relative to the definition of compliance with a legal support order for child support payments.

NH HB1647

Relative to the calculation of child support.

NH HB1595

Relative to adjustment of the child support guidelines based on parenting time, medical support, and child care expenses.

NH HB1564

Relative to the child support guidelines.

NH A2748

Requires certain accuracy standards for child support wage garnishments.

NH SB459

Establishing a committee to study the child protection act; establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings; relative to wage garnishment with child support payments; and relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases.

NH HB126

Relative to choosing the accrual date for child support payments.

NH SB431

Relative to child support in cases with equal or approximately equal parenting schedules.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.