Child Support in New Hampshire

3 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's Circuit Court Family Division handles all family matters statewide. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DHHS. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover are the largest cities. 603 Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong self-help website for pro se fathers.

3 Resources

1. NH DHHS – Child Support Services — Free

The New Hampshire Division of Child Support Services establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders statewide, handles paternity establishment, and processes interstate cases. Fathers can open a case, request a modification after a significant income change, or check payment status by calling 800-852-3345 or visiting the Concord office Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Bring photo ID, the existing order, pay stubs, and birth certificates.

800-852-3345 · 129 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. 603 Legal Aid – Child Support — Free

603 Legal Aid provides free legal guidance to income-eligible New Hampshire fathers on child support establishment, modification, enforcement, and arrears issues. Staff attorneys can advise on filing modifications after job loss or income changes and help prepare paperwork. Call 800-639-5290 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm for intake screening. Bring photo ID, proof of income, a copy of the current order, and any enforcement notices.

800-639-5290 · Concord, NH 03301 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Federal Office of Child Support – NH — Free

The federal Office of Child Support Services provides oversight, funding, and coordination for interstate child support enforcement cases involving New Hampshire parents. Fathers with multi-state cases can get information on locating the other parent, income withholding across state lines, and Federal Parent Locator Service help by calling 800-852-3345 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Local state child support office remains the primary contact.

800-852-3345 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.