Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no standard parenting time schedule: the parenting plan sets it. For child support, more than 40% each is approximately equal and more than 35% each is substantially shared.
Does New Hampshire have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes we read. The parents develop and file a parenting plan that may cover decision-making and residential responsibility, information sharing, the legal residence for school, a parenting schedule with holiday, birthday and vacation planning and weekends, transportation and exchanges, relocation, review and adjustment and dispute resolution (RSA 461-A:4). If they cannot, the court may develop it.
What are the 35% and 40% lines in New Hampshire?
An “approximately equal parenting schedule” is one where each parent has parenting time for greater than 40 percent of the annual parenting schedule, and a “substantially shared parenting schedule” is one where each parent has greater than 35 percent (RSA 458-C:2, VIII-c). Over a 365-day year that is 147 days or more for the first and 128 days or more for the second.
| Pattern (other parent) | Days a year | Fewer-days parent | Schedule tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 nights | 52 | 14.2% | Neither |
| 3 of 14 nights | 78 | 21.4% | Neither |
| 4 of 14 nights | 104 | 28.5% | Neither |
| 5 of 14 nights | 130 | 35.6% | Substantially shared (more than 35%) |
| 6 of 14 nights | 156 | 42.7% | Approximately equal (more than 40%) |
| 7 of 14 nights | 183 | 49.9% | Approximately equal (more than 40%) |
These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday days.
What do those schedules do to child support in New Hampshire?
When the parties each pay 50 percent of eligible child care, uninsured medical expenses and agreed activities: with substantially similar incomes and an approximately equal schedule, there is a rebuttable presumption that a $0 obligation is appropriate; with a substantially shared schedule, that a deviation from the guidelines is appropriate; and where incomes differ the guideline amount may or may not be appropriate, with the lower earner’s ability to meet child-rearing costs as the paramount concern (458-C:5, I(h)). The New Hampshire child support calculator applies these rules.
Which calculator should I use after counting days in New Hampshire?
Take the days to the New Hampshire child support calculator and keep the New Hampshire parenting time calculator count consistent with your plan.
Can counseling be ordered in the plan in New Hampshire?
The plan may direct the parties to counseling, and the court gives due consideration to a counselor in the parties’ insurance network; it may not order family reunification treatments or programs (461-A:4, III).
Does a plan have to be reviewed in New Hampshire?
The plan may set a procedure for review and adjustment, including the grounds for modification in RSA 461-A:11 (461-A:4, II), so a schedule can be built to change as the child grows.
What should a written schedule cover in New Hampshire?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, birthdays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
- The day count, so child support uses the right percentage.
- Transportation, communication and decision-making.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing.
What if the parents cannot agree in New Hampshire?
The court decides on the best-interest factors and the safety of the parties and may appoint a guardian ad litem (461-A:6, VI). See the uncontested versus contested divorce in New Hampshire post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in New Hampshire?
No statewide schedule appears in the statutes we read; the parenting plan sets it.
How many days is 40% of the year in New Hampshire?
More than 146 days, so 147 or more is approximately equal.
Does a 7-in-14 schedule count as approximately equal in New Hampshire?
Yes. It is about 183 days, 50%.
Does a 5-in-14 schedule count as substantially shared in New Hampshire?
Yes. It is about 130 days, 35.6%, which is more than 35% but not more than 40%.
Who sets the schedule if New Hampshire parents cannot agree?
The court, on the child’s best interests and the safety of the parties.
Official sources
- RSA 461-A:2: statement of purpose
- RSA 461-A:4: parenting plans
- RSA 461-A:5: decision-making responsibility
- RSA 461-A:6: best interest
- RSA 461-A:12: relocation of a residence of a child
- RSA 458-C:2: child support definitions
- RSA 458-C:5: adjustments; parenting schedule
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited New Hampshire statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed New Hampshire attorney.