Bill Text - HB327 (2006)

Relative to enforcement of support orders.


Revision: Jan. 21, 2010, midnight

HB 327 – AS INTRODUCED

2005 SESSION

05-0109

05/09

HOUSE BILL 327

AN ACT relative to enforcement of support orders.

SPONSORS: Rep. Bickford, Straf 3

COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law

ANALYSIS

This bill provides that any child support order that exceeds the duration limits of RSA 458:35-c, by requiring payment of college expenses or otherwise, is unenforceable. The bill also provides that nothing precludes parents from enforcing a contractual agreement that is not part of the support order.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

05-0109

05/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Five

AN ACT relative to enforcement of support orders.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Support and Custody of Children; Enforcement of Support Orders or Contractual Agreements. Amend RSA 458:17, I to read as follows:

I. In all cases where there shall be a decree of divorce or nullity, the court shall make such further decree in relation to the support, education, and custody of the children as shall be most conducive to their benefit and may order a reasonable provision for their support and education for the period of time specified in RSA 458:35-c. All such support orders shall provide for the assignment of the wages of the responsible parent pursuant to RSA 458-B, including the exceptions listed in RSA 458-B:2. Any orders which exceed the duration set forth in RSA 458:35-c are not enforceable. This shall not preclude parents from entering into new agreements or from enforcing prior agreements as contracts, but such agreements may not be incorporated or merged into a decree of divorce or order of support.

2 Adjustments to the Application of Guidelines Under Special Circumstances; Reference to Court-Ordered Postsecondary Educational Expenses Deleted. Amend RSA 458-C:5, I(i) to read as follows:

(i) The economic consequences to either party of providing for the voluntary [or court-ordered] postsecondary educational expenses of a natural or adopted child;

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2006.