Child support in New Hampshire is calculated according to a formula set forth in RSA 458-C:3. The percentage of the parties’ income that will be the root of the calculation is based on how many children are receiving support.

Number of Children Percentage of Net Income 
1 = 25 percent 
2 = 33 percent 
3 = 40 percent 
4+ = 45 percent 

·           The total support obligation is calculated by multiplying the parents’ total net income by the percentage allocated for each child. You can find the definition of “net income” under RSA 458-C:2 VI.

·           Once the total support obligation is determined that amount will be divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes.

·           Parents’ income is adjusted in the formula for certain expenses that are allowed under the statute, such as child support obligations for other children, health insurance paid for the child(ren), state income taxes, and daycare expenses.  

·           There is a “self-support reserve” when calculating child support. The “self-support reserve” means the poverty level standard of need as established by the department of health and human services for a single individual living alone. If the paying parent’s gross income is less than the self-support reserve and the court has determined that the parent is not voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court will order the minimum support order, which is $50.00. Additionally, if the paying parent’s gross income is greater than the self-support reserve, but the calculated support payment reduces the paying parent’s income below the reserve, the paying parent’s share is presumed to be the difference between the self-support reserve and the adjusted gross income but no less than the minimum $50.00 support order.