New Hampshire Parenting Schedule Laws
In New Hampshire, child custody issues are settled in a parenting schedule. When a couple chooses to get divorced in New Hampshire and a minor child is involved, they will need to complete a parenting plan. This plan will include all provisions related to the decision-making and care of the child including a parenting schedule. Under RSA 461-A:4, the plan must include the following:
- Where the child will live
- Who is responsible for making decisions for the child Information sharing and access
- Where the child's legal residents will be and what school they will attend
- Parenting schedule including vacations, holidays, birthdays and other visitation
- Transportation and how the child exchange will be handled
- Parent relocation procedures
- Steps for reviewing and adjusting the plan
- Methods for parents to settle disputes
Generally, one parent will be granted residential responsibility and the other parenting time. The amount of this time depends on the terms of the parenting plan. When a divorce is contested, often both parents will complete a parenting plan and then work to agree on terms they can both live with. If a compromise cannot be made, the court will decide on a final parenting plan. If you are considering a divorce and would like to know more about child custody and visitation laws, contact Russman Law today.
Parenting Plan Issues in New Hampshire
Whenever a parenting plan is contested and the parents choose litigation, a judge will make a ruling to determine child custody and visitation based on the best interest of the child. Though both parents have equal right to care for their child, the U.S. Census found that in 2011 only 18.3% of custodial parents were male. To determine custody, the court will look at factors such as:
- The child's relationship with each parent
- The home environment offered by each parent
- The child's own preference, if they are mature enough to present one
- Any history of abuse or domestic violence
- With whom the child is currently residing
The court can even grant grandparent and/or step-parent visitation if it believes that it would be in the best interest of the child. If divorcing parents do not want to leave it up to the Court to determine the fate of their parenting plan, they can choose an alternative method like Collaborative Divorce that allows them to work as a team to resolve their issues.
New Hampshire Child Custody and Visitation Lawyer
The majority of divorces in New Hampshire are processed through litigation. A new trend emerging called collaborative divorce allows parties to work together to find solutions that work best for everyone involved. Family law attorneys help parties decide on all aspects of their divorce including parenting rights and responsibilities and parenting plans.
If you are facing a parental plan issue in New Hampshire, call Russman Law now to find out more about your rights.
