How to Use Child Support Calculator New Hampshire
Need to estimate child support in New Hampshire? Our guide shows you how to use the official child support calculator with ease. You will learn to enter income, parenting time, and deductions accurately, and we explain each step in simple language so you avoid errors, save time, and meet court requirements.
Locating the NH Child Support Calculator
Finding the New Hampshire child support calculator is the first step to estimating your payments. The tool is free and provided by the state to help parents plan their budgets. You do not need to create an account to open it on the official site.
To get started, open your browser and go to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website. Look for the Child Support link in the menu, then choose the option that says “Calculator” or “Child Support Guidelines.” If you cannot find it, use the search box on the page and type “child support calculator.”
Easy Ways to Reach the Calculator
Below is a simple table that shows the path you can take. This helps you avoid wrong sites that may charge a fee.
| Step | What to Do | Where to Click |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open the state DHHS home page | dhhs.nh.gov |
| 2 | Find the Child Support section | Top menu or footer link |
| 3 | Select the calculator link | Under “Tools for Parents” |
Some parents also use the NH Judicial Branch self-help page. That page links to the same calculator. Always check the web address ends with .nh.gov so you know it is official.
The state calculator follows the NH child support guidelines to give you a good estimate.
If you still have trouble, call the NH Child Support Information Line. A worker can tell you the exact link. Keeping the link saved in your browser bookmarks makes future visits fast.
Entering Income in NH Tool
When you use the New Hampshire child support calculator, you need to tell it how much money you make. The tool calls this your gross income, which means the total before taxes or deductions.
Most parents type their weekly pay from a job. If you get paid monthly, divide by 4.33 to get the weekly number. For example, $2,000 a month becomes about $462 a week.
Always use your current income, not last year’s number, to keep the result fair.
Types of Income to Include
The NH tool wants you to count almost all money you get. This helps the state make a good plan for the child. Below are common sources you should add:
- Wages from a job (full or part time)
- Money from self-employment or a small business
- Bonuses and commissions
- Disability or retirement payments if they are regular
If you are not sure about a source, check the official NH guidelines. The calculator also has a help bubble next to the income box that explains what to do.
Let’s look at a simple table that shows how different pay periods convert to weekly income for the tool:
| Pay Period | Example Amount | Weekly for Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $500 | $500 |
| Monthly | $2,165 | $500 |
| Yearly | $26,000 | $500 |
After you fill the income field, click “Next” to move to the other parent’s info. Double-check your entry so the child support number is correct.
Adding Parenting Time Data to the New Hampshire Child Support Calculator
When you use the New Hampshire child support calculator, you need to enter how many days each parent cares for the child. This is called parenting time. The calculator uses this data to figure out fair support payments.
To add parenting time, count the overnights your child spends with each parent in a year. The state looks at these numbers to adjust the base amount. More overnights with the paying parent can lower the payment.
The calculator works best when you enter exact overnight counts for both homes.
How to Count Overnights and Enter Data
Start by marking a calendar for the whole year. Write down where the child sleeps each night. Then add up the nights at each parent’s house. The total should be 365, or 366 in a leap year.
Here is a simple example for a typical schedule:
| Parent | Overnights per Year | Percent of Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mother | 280 | 77% |
| Father | 85 | 23% |
Enter these numbers in the calculator’s parenting time fields. If you share time equally, put 182 or 183 nights each. The tool will show a different support number than if one parent has the child most nights.
You can also use a list to check your steps:
- Get a yearly calendar.
- Mark overnights for each parent.
- Count the totals.
- Type the numbers into the NH calculator.
- Review the result and save a copy.
Remember, wrong numbers lead to wrong results. If your schedule changes, update the data and run the calculator again. This keeps your child support fair for both homes.
Listing Insurance and Expenses
When you fill out the New Hampshire child support calculator, you must list insurance and other expenses for your child. These numbers show the court what each parent already pays. Health insurance and childcare are the biggest items most families include.
Start by looking at your monthly bills. Write down the cost of your child’s doctor visits, medicine, and school needs. If you pay for dental or vision cover, add those too. Clear numbers help the calculator give a fair result.
What Counts as a Regular Expense
The state wants costs that happen every month or on a set schedule. One time buys like a bicycle do not belong in the calculator. Below are common entries parents add.
- Health insurance paid through an employer
- Dental and vision plans
- Childcare or daycare fees
- After-school care
- Uncovered medical copays
Some parents share costs. The calculator lets you show who pays which bill. For example, Mom pays $80 for insurance and Dad pays $50 for daycare. This split keeps the math honest.
Listing every fixed cost helps the calculator show a support amount that fits your family.
You can also use the table below to track your numbers before you open the online tool. A simple sheet stops mistakes.
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $120 | Parent A |
| Daycare | $300 | Parent B |
| Dental | $25 | Parent A |
Check your entries twice. Wrong numbers can lead to a child support order that is too high or too low. The New Hampshire calculator is free, so you can run it again after you update your list.
Reading Your NH Estimate
When you finish with the New Hampshire child support calculator, you see a page called your estimate. This page shows the money a parent might pay each month. It is based on the incomes you entered and the child’s needs.
Start by finding the big total at the bottom. That number is the suggested support amount. It helps you plan your budget. If the number looks too high or low, check your entries for mistakes.
The NH estimate is a guide, not a court order, but it shows what a judge may decide.
What the Lines Mean
Each line on the estimate tells a part of the story. The calculator adds up both parents’ gross income and then splits costs like health insurance and childcare. You do not need to be a math expert to read it.
- Parent A income: money from jobs before taxes.
- Parent B income: same type of money for the other parent.
- Childcare cost: paid to a daycare or sitter.
- Health insurance: cost to cover the child.
For example, if Parent A makes $3,000 a month and Parent B makes $2,000, the calculator may say Parent A pays 60% of costs. That share shows up in your estimate. A small table below gives a sample view:
| Item | Amount |
| Total support | $450 |
| Parent A share | $270 |
| Parent B share | $180 |
Read the estimate slowly. If a number seems wrong, use the calculator again. This helps you feel ready for any talk with a lawyer or the court.
Submitting NH Support Forms
After using the New Hampshire child support calculator to estimate the obligation, you must complete the official worksheets and financial affidavits. These forms should be reviewed and signed before filing with the appropriate circuit court or the state child support division.
Completed documents can be submitted in person at the clerk’s office, by mail, or through the approved electronic filing system. Retain copies of all paperwork and confirm receipt to avoid processing delays in establishing or modifying the support order.
Reference Sources
- New Hampshire Judicial Branch – courts.nh.gov
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – dhhs.nh.gov
- NH Child Support Official Site – nhchildsupport.com
