Relative to the calculation of child support.
The revisions set forth in HB 1647 are significant as they alter the financial obligations of parents with varying income levels. The bill increases the self-support reserve amount, aiming to ensure that parents maintain a minimum standard of living while fulfilling their child support responsibilities. Critics of the bill have raised concerns that lowering the percentages could negatively impact children's financial security, as it reduces the potential income available for support, while supporters argue that it will lead to more equitable outcomes for parents who are struggling financially.
House Bill 1647-FN aims to revise existing guidelines pertaining to child support calculations in the state of New Hampshire. The bill introduces changes to the percentage of income that non-custodial parents must contribute towards child support, updates the definitions related to child support obligations, and establishes a clearer formula for cases involving shared parenting plans. This legislation is expected to affect how courts calculate child support, specifically tailoring it to better reflect modern family dynamics, including single-parent and shared parenting scenarios.
Notable points of contention include the opposition from various advocacy groups who believe that the reduced percentages may ultimately undermine the financial stability of children. Furthermore, the financial implications of modifying these guidelines could lead to a higher administrative burden on the judicial system as families may seek to revisit and modify existing support orders. The bill’s critics worry that it might encourage lower support payments, which could result in increased reliance on state welfare systems for support, thus straining public resources.