CHAPTER 273

HB 640-FN – FINAL VERSION

30Mar2005… 0896h

05/26/05 1494s

05/26/05 1612s

29Jun2005… 2127eba

2005 SESSION

05-0524

05/04

HOUSE BILL 640-FN

AN ACT relative to parental rights and responsibilities.

SPONSORS: Rep. Bickford, Straf 3; Rep. Gargasz, Hills 5; Rep. Franklin, Sull 2; Rep. Gile, Merr 10; Rep. Hinkle, Hills 19; Sen. Roberge, Dist 9; Sen. Larsen, Dist 15

COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law

ANALYSIS

This bill transfers all provisions regarding children in RSA 458, relative to divorce, to a separate chapter governing parental rights and responsibilities. The bill replaces the term of custody with the phrase parental rights and responsibility, requires parents to file parenting plans to divide parental rights and responsibilities, and provides criteria for determining the best interest of a child. The bill also removes the requirement that the parties consent to mediation as a first attempt to resolve differences.

This bill is a request of the task force on family law established in 2002, 250.

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

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

30Mar2005… 0896h

05/26/05 1494s

05/26/05 1612s

29Jun2005… 2127eba

05-0524

05/04

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Five

AN ACT relative to parental rights and responsibilities.

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

273:1 New Chapter; Parental Rights and Responsibilities. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 461 the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 461-A

PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

461-A:1 Definitions. In this chapter:

I. “Decision-making responsibility” means the responsibility to make decisions for the child. It may refer to decisions on all issues or on specified issues.

II. “Mediation” means a process in which a neutral third party facilitates settlement discussions between parties.

III. “Mediator” means a marital mediator, certified pursuant to RSA 328-C, who has contracted with the court to participate in court-referred mediation under this chapter.

IV. “Parental rights and responsibilities” means all rights and responsibilities parents have concerning their child.

V. “Parenting plan” means a written plan describing each parent’s rights and responsibilities.

VI. “Parenting schedule” means the schedule of when the child is in the care of each parent.

VII. “Residential responsibility” means a parent’s responsibility to provide a home for the child.

461-A:2 Statement of Purpose.

I. Because children do best when both parents have a stable and meaningful involvement in their lives, it is the policy of this state, unless it is clearly shown that in a particular case it is detrimental to a child, to:

(a) Support frequent and continuing contact between each child and both parents.

(b) Encourage parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their children after the parents have separated or divorced.

(c) Encourage parents to develop their own parenting plan with the assistance of legal and mediation professionals, unless there is evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect.

(d) Grant parents and courts the widest discretion in developing a parenting plan.

(e) Consider both the best interests of the child in light of the factors listed in RSA 461-A:6 and the safety of the parties in developing a parenting plan.

II. This chapter shall be construed so as to promote the policy stated in this section.

461-A:3 Procedure and Jurisdiction.

I. The procedure in cases concerning parental rights and responsibilities, including child support, shall be the same as the procedure for petitions for divorce and legal separation under RSA 458. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the court, upon proper application and notice to the adverse party, may revise and modify any order made by it, make such new orders as may be necessary, and may award costs as justice may require.

II. In cases where husband and wife or unwed parents are living apart, the court, upon petition of either party, may make such order as to parental rights and responsibilities and support of the children as justice may require. All applicable provisions of this chapter and of RSA 458-A, 458-B, 458-C, and 458-D shall apply to such proceedings.

III. The jurisdiction granted by this section shall be limited by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, if another state has jurisdiction as provided in that act. For the purposes of interpreting that act and any other provision of law which refers to a custodial parent, including but not limited to RSA 458-A, any parent with 50 percent or more of the residential responsibility shall be considered a custodial parent.

461-A:4 Parenting Plans; Contents.

I. In any proceeding to establish or modify a judgment providing for parenting time with a child, except for matters filed under RSA 173-B, the parents shall develop and file with the court a parenting plan to be included in the court’s decree. If the parents are unable to develop a parenting plan, the court may develop it. In developing a parenting plan under this section, the court shall consider only the best interests of the child as provided under RSA 461-A:6 and the safety of the parties.

II. A parenting plan may include provisions relative to:

(a) Decision-making responsibility and residential responsibility.

(b) Information sharing and access, including telephone and electronic access.

(c) Legal residence of a child for school attendance.

(d) Parenting schedule, including:

(1) Holiday, birthday, and vacation planning.

(2) Weekends, including holidays, and school in-service days preceding or following weekends.

(e) Transportation and exchange of the child.

(f) Relocation of parents.

(g) Procedure for review and adjustment of the plan.

(h) Methods for resolving disputes.

461-A:5 Decision-making Responsibility. Except as provided in paragraph III, in the making of any order relative to decision-making responsibility, there shall be a presumption, affecting the burden of proof, that joint decision-making responsibility is in the best interest of minor children:

I. Where the parents have agreed to an award of joint decision-making responsibility or so agree in open court at a hearing for the purpose of determining parental rights and responsibilities for the minor children of the marriage. If the court declines to enter an order awarding joint decision-making responsibility, the court shall state in its decision the reasons for the denial.

II. Upon the application of either parent for joint decision-making responsibility, in which case it may be awarded at the discretion of the court. For the purpose of assisting the court in making a determination whether an award of joint decision-making responsibility is appropriate under this section, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the children according to the provisions of RSA 461-A:16. If the court declines to enter an order awarding joint decision-making responsibility, the court shall state in its decision the reasons for the denial.

III. Where the court finds that abuse as defined in RSA 173-B:1, I has occurred, the court shall consider such abuse as harmful to children and as evidence in determining whether joint decision-making responsibility is appropriate. In such cases, the court shall make orders for the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities that best protect the children or the abused spouse or both. If joint decision-making responsibility is granted despite evidence of abuse, the court shall provide written findings to support the order.

461-A:6 Determination of Parental Rights and Responsibilities; Best Interest.

I. In determining parental rights and responsibilities, the court shall be guided by the best interests of the child, and shall consider the following factors:

(a) The relationship of the child with each parent and the ability of each parent to provide the child with nurture, love, affection, and guidance.

(b) The ability of each parent to assure that the child receives adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and a safe environment.

(c) The child’s developmental needs and the ability of each parent to meet them, both in the present and in the future.

(d) The quality of the child’s adjustment to the child’s school and community and the potential effect of any change.

(e) The ability and disposition of each parent to foster a positive relationship and frequent and continuing physical, written, and telephonic contact with the other parent, except where contact will result in harm to the child or to a parent.

(f) The support of each parent for the child’s contact with the other parent as shown by allowing and promoting such contact.

(g) The support of each parent for the child’s relationship with the other parent.

(h) The relationship of the child with any other person who may significantly affect the child.

(i) The ability of the parents to communicate, cooperate with each other, and make joint decisions concerning the children.

(j) Any evidence of abuse, as defined in RSA 173-B:1, I or RSA 169-C:3, II, and the impact of the abuse on the child and on the relationship between the child and the abusing parent.

(k) If a parent is incarcerated, the reason for and the length of the incarceration, and any unique issues that arise as a result of incarceration.

(l) Any other additional factors the court deems relevant.

II. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that a minor child is of sufficient maturity to make a sound judgment, the court may give substantial weight to the preference of the mature minor child as to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities. Under these circumstances, the court shall also give due consideration to other factors which may have affected the minor child’s preference, including whether the minor child’s preference was based on undesirable or improper influences.

III. In determining parental rights and responsibilities under this section, including residential responsibility, the court shall not apply a preference for one parent over the other because of the sex of the child, the sex of a parent, or the financial resources of a parent.

IV. If the court finds that a parent has been convicted of sexual abuse or sexual assault against such parent’s minor child or minor stepchild, the court may prohibit contact between such parent and the victim of the abuse and any sibling or step-sibling of the victim. The court shall make orders that best protect the victim of the abuse and the siblings and step-siblings of such victim. In this paragraph, “sexual abuse” shall mean sexual abuse as defined in RSA 169-C:3, XXVII-a, and “sexual assault” shall mean sexual assault as provided in RSA 632-A:2, RSA 632-A:3, and RSA 632-A:4.

V. If the court determines that it is in the best interest of the children, it shall in its decree grant reasonable visitation privileges to a party who is a stepparent of the children or to the grandparents of the children pursuant to RSA 461-A:13. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit or require an award of parental rights and responsibilities to a stepparent or grandparent if the court determines that such an award is in the best interest of the child.

VI. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the child according to RSA 461-A:16.

VII. At the request of an aggrieved party, the court shall set forth the reasons for its decision in a written order.

461-A:7 Mediation of Cases Involving Children.

I. The general purpose of this section is to:

(a) Manage conflict and decrease acrimony between parties in a dispute concerning parental rights and responsibilities for minor children.

(b) Promote the best interest of children.

(c) Improve the parties’ satisfaction with the outcome of disputes concerning parental rights and responsibilities.

(d) Increase the parties’ participation in making decisions for themselves and their children.

(e) Increase compliance with court orders.

(f) Reduce the number and frequency of cases returning to court.

(g) Improve court efficiency.

II. The mediator has no authority to make a decision or impose a settlement upon the parties. The mediator shall attempt to focus the attention of the parties upon their needs and interests rather than upon their positions. Any settlement is entirely voluntary. In the absence of settlement, the parties lose none of their rights to a resolution of their dispute through litigation.

III. In all cases involving disputed parental rights and responsibilities or grandparents’ visitation rights, including requests for modification of prior orders, the court may order the parties to participate in mediation. If the parties are ordered to participate in mediation under this section, all issues relevant to their case, including but not limited to child support and issues relative to property settlement and alimony under RSA 458, shall also be mediated unless the court orders otherwise.

IV. Reasons the court may choose not to order mediation include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) A showing of undue hardship to a party.

(b) An agreement between the parties for alternate dispute resolution procedures.

(c) An allegation of abuse or neglect of the minor child.

(d) A finding of alcoholism or drug abuse, unless all parties agree to mediation.

(e) An allegation of serious psychological or emotional abuse.

(f) Lack of an available, suitable mediator within a reasonable time period.

V. The court shall not order mediation if there is a finding of domestic violence as defined in RSA 173-B:1, unless all parties agree to mediation.

VI. Either party may move to have the mediator replaced for good cause.

VII. Mediation proceedings shall be held in private, and all communications, oral or written, made during the proceedings, which relate to the issues being mediated, whether made by the mediator, or a party, or any other person present, shall be privileged and confidential and shall not be disclosed and shall not be admissible in court, except as provided in RSA 328-C:9.

VIII. Any mediated agreement reached by the parties on all or some of the disputed issues shall be reduced to writing, signed by each party, and filed with the court as soon as practicable.

IX. The parties shall participate at mediation in good faith. If the mediator determines that mediation is not helpful in resolving the dispute, the mediator shall report that fact to the court and return the matter to the court for adjudication of the underlying issues.

X. In the event both parties are indigent, the mediator shall be paid a set fee for his or her services. The amount of the fee shall be set annually by supreme court rule. The court may order each party to pay a proportional amount of said fee. The fee shall be paid from the special fund established pursuant to RSA 461-A:17 and repaid by the parties in accordance with RSA 461-A:18.

XI. The supreme court shall establish rules and take such action as necessary to effectuate the purpose of this section.

461-A:8 Temporary Orders. After the filing of a petition concerning a minor child under this chapter, the court may issue orders with such conditions and limitations as the court deems just. The orders may be issued ex parte. The orders may include the following:

I. The temporary allocation of parental rights and responsibilities of any minor child as provided in RSA 461-A:6.

II. Payment of temporary support for the child, including the provision of health insurance.

III. If paternity is a contested and relevant issue, orders for paternity testing in accordance with RSA 522.

461-A:9 Ex Parte Orders.

I. After the filing of a petition concerning a minor child under this chapter, the court may issue ex parte temporary orders. Ex parte orders may be granted without written or oral notice to the adverse party only if the court finds from specific facts shown by affidavit or by the verified petition, that immediate and irreparable injury or loss will result to the applicant or the child before the adverse party or attorney can be heard in opposition.

II. No ex parte order shall be granted without:

(a) An affidavit from the moving party verifying the notice given to the other party or verifying the attempt to notify the other party.

(b) A determination by the court that such notice or attempt at notice was timely so as to afford the other party an opportunity to be present.

III. If temporary orders are made ex parte, the party against whom the orders are issued may file a written request with the clerk of the court and request a hearing thereon. Such a hearing shall be held no later than 5 days after the request is received by the clerk.

IV. Ex parte orders may include the following terms:

(a) Directing any party to refrain from abusing or interfering in any way with the person or liberty of the other party.

(b) Enjoining any party from entering the premises wherein the other party resides upon a showing that physical or emotional harm would otherwise result.

(c) Enjoining any party from contacting the other party at, or entering, the other party’s place of employment or school.

(d) Enjoining any party from harassing, intimidating, or threatening the other party, the other party’s relatives regardless of their place of residence, or the other party’s household members in any way.

(e) The temporary allocation of parental rights and responsibilities of any minor children as provided in RSA 461-A:6.

461-A:10 Restraining Orders.

I. After the filing of a petition concerning a minor child under this chapter, the court may issue restraining orders with such conditions and limitations as the court deems just. At the discretion of the court, such orders may be made on a temporary or permanent basis. Temporary orders may be issued ex parte as provided in RSA 461-A:9. The orders may include the following:

(a) Directing any party to refrain from abusing or interfering in any way with the person or liberty of the other party.

(b) Enjoining any party from entering the premises wherein the other party resides upon a showing that physical or emotional harm would otherwise result.

(c) Enjoining any party from contacting the other party at, or entering, the other party’s place of employment or school.

(d) Enjoining any party from harassing, intimidating or threatening the other party, other party’s relatives regardless of their place of residence, or the other party’s household members in any way.

II. When a party violates a restraining order issued under this section by committing assault, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, stalking, or another criminal act, that party shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and peace officers shall arrest the party, detain the party pursuant to RSA 594:19-a and refer the party for prosecution. Such arrests may be made within 12 hours after a violation without a warrant upon probable cause whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of a peace officer.

461-A:11 Modification of Parental Rights and Responsibilities.

I. The court may issue an order modifying a permanent order concerning parental rights and responsibilities under any of the following circumstances:

(a) The parties agree to a modification.

(b) If the court finds repeated, intentional, and unwarranted interference by a parent with the residential responsibilities of the other parent, the court may order a change in the parental rights and responsibilities without the necessity of showing harm to the child, if the court determines that such change would be in accordance with the best interests of the child.

(c) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child’s present environment is detrimental to the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health, and the advantage to the child of modifying the order outweighs the harm likely to be caused by a change in environment.

(d) If the parties have substantially equal periods of residential responsibility for the child and either each asserts or the court finds that the original allocation of parental rights and responsibilities is not working, the court may order a change in allocation of parental rights and responsibilities based on a finding that the change is in the best interests of the child.

II. For the purposes of this section, the burden of proof shall be on the moving party.

461-A:12 Relocation of a Residence of a Child.

I. This section shall apply if the existing parenting plan, order on parental rights and responsibilities, or other enforceable agreement between the parties does not expressly govern the relocation issue. This section shall not apply if the relocation results in the residence being closer to the other parent or to any location within the child’s current school district.

II. This section shall apply to the relocation of any residence in which the child resides at least 150 days a year.

III. Prior to relocating, the parent shall provide reasonable notice to the other parent. For purposes of this section, 60 days notice shall be presumed to be reasonable unless other factors are found to be present.

IV. At the request of either parent, the court shall hold a hearing on the relocation issue.

V. The parent seeking permission to relocate bears the initial burden of demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, that:

(a) The relocation is for a legitimate purpose; and

(b) The proposed location is reasonable in light of that purpose.

VI. If the burden of proof established in paragraph V is met, the burden shifts to the other parent to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed relocation is not in the best interest of the child.

VII. If the court has issued a temporary order authorizing temporary relocation, the court shall not give undue weight to that temporary relocation as a factor in reaching its final decision.

VIII. The court, in reaching its final decision, shall not consider whether the parent seeking to relocate has declared that he or she will not relocate if relocation of the child is denied.

461-A:13 Grandparents’ Visitation Rights.

I. Grandparents, whether adoptive or natural, may petition the court for reasonable rights of visitation with the minor child as provided in paragraph III. The provisions of this section shall not apply in cases where access by the grandparent or grandparents to the minor child has been restricted for any reason prior to or contemporaneous with the divorce, death, relinquishment or termination of parental rights, or other cause of the absence of a nuclear family.

II. The court shall consider the following criteria in making an order relative to a grandparent’s visitation rights to the minor child:

(a) Whether such visitation would be in the best interest of the child.

(b) Whether such visitation would interfere with any parent-child relationship or with a parent’s authority over the child.

(c) The nature of the relationship between the grandparent and the minor child, including but not limited to, the frequency of contact, and whether the child has lived with the grandparent and length of time of such residence, and when there is no reasonable cause to believe that the child’s physical and emotional health would be endangered by such visitation or lack of it.

(d) The nature of the relationship between the grandparent and the parent of the minor child, including friction between the grandparent and the parent, and the effect such friction would have on the child.

(e) The circumstances which resulted in the absence of a nuclear family, whether divorce, death, relinquishment or termination of parental rights, or other cause.

(f) The recommendation regarding visitation made by any guardian ad litem appointed for the child pursuant to RSA 461-A:16.

(g) Any preference or wishes expressed by the child.

(h) Any such other factors as the court may find appropriate or relevant to the petition for visitation.

III. The petition for visitation shall be entered in the court which has jurisdiction over the divorce, legal separation, or a proceeding brought under this chapter. In the case of death of a parent, stepparent adoption, or unwed parents, subject to paragraph IV, the petition shall be entered in the court having jurisdiction to hear divorce cases from the town or city where the child resides.

IV. If the parent of the minor child is unwed, then any grandparent filing a petition under this section shall attach with the petition proof of legitimation by the parent pursuant to RSA 460:29 or establishment of paternity pursuant to RSA 168-A.

V. Upon the motion of any original party, the court may modify or terminate any order made pursuant to this section to reflect changed circumstances of the parties involved.

VI. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to affect the rights of a child or natural parent or guardian under RSA 463 or adoptive parent under RSA 170-B:20.

461-A:14 Support.

I. After the filing of a petition for divorce, annulment, separation, paternity, support, or allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, including petitions filed by the department of health and human services pursuant to RSA 161-B, 161-C, and 546-B, the court shall make such further decree in relation to the support and education 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 paragraphs IV, V, and XVI.

II. In any proceeding concerning the support of children:

(a) The parties shall certify in the initial pleading filed with the court whether or not public assistance is or was paid for the benefit of the children pursuant to RSA 167 and whether or not medical assistance is being provided for the benefit of the children pursuant to RSA 167. If public assistance is or was being provided or if medical assistance is being provided, the initiating party shall provide the department of health and human services, office of child support enforcement services, with copies of any and all pleadings related to medical and child support.

(b) If, during the pendency of the action, the children become the beneficiaries of public or medical assistance, both parties shall notify the court of the public or medical assistance status of the children and shall provide the department of health and human services with copies of all pleadings related to medical and child support.

(c) When notified that public or medical assistance is being provided for the benefit of the children, the court shall provide the office of child support with a copy of any hearing notice pertaining to any medical or child support proceeding.

(d) The department shall be granted leave to reopen any case to modify, clarify, or vacate any order that was entered against its interest when an assignment of rights pursuant to RSA 161 or RSA 167 is or was in effect and the department was not given notice of the proceeding.

III. All support orders shall provide for the assignment of the wages of the responsible parent pursuant to RSA 458-B, subject to the exceptions listed in RSA 458-B:2.

IV. The amount of a child support obligation shall remain as stated in the order until all dependent children for whom support is ordered shall terminate their high school education or reach the age of 18 years, whichever is later, or become married, or become a member of the armed services, at which time the child support obligation, including all educational support obligations, terminates without further legal action. This amount shall remain as specified unless a legal order expressly allocates the payments on a per child basis. If the order involves a disabled child, the court shall specify the duration of the order, which may be beyond the time when the child reaches the age of 18.

V. No child support order shall require a parent to contribute to an adult child’s college expenses or other educational expenses beyond the completion of high school.

VI. All support payments ordered or administered by the court under this chapter shall be deemed judgments when due and payable. Such judgments shall be given full faith and credit by all jurisdictions of this state.

VII. Liens shall arise by operation of law against real and personal property for child support arrearages owed by an obligor who resides or owns property in the state and shall incorporate any unpaid child support which may accrue in the future. Full faith and credit shall be given to such liens arising in another state when the state agency, a party, or other entity authorized to enforce an order of support and seeking to perfect the lien complies with the procedural rules relating to recording or serving liens. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, such rules may not require judicial notice prior to perfecting the lien. Notices of such liens, and any discharges or releases thereof, shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state with respect to personal property and in the registry of deeds for the county in which any real property is located. No fees shall be charged for such filings and recordings.

VIII. No modification of a support order shall alter any arrearages due prior to the date of filing the motion for modification.

IX. Each child support order shall include the court’s determination and findings relative to health insurance and the payment of uninsured medical expenses for the children.

X. If both parents have coverage which provides medical insurance benefits for the child, the insurance of the person who is obligated by court order to provide medical insurance shall be the primary coverage for the child. This paragraph shall not affect the obligation of the insurance carrier of the parent who is not obligated to provide medical insurance for the child to provide medical insurance benefits for any claim under a policy held by such parent.

XI. All support orders issued or modified in cases that are payable through the department shall contain a provision requiring the obligor to keep the department informed of the name and address of the obligor’s employer and whether the obligor has access to health insurance, and, if so, the health insurance policy information as requested by the department.

XII. In any proceeding to enforce the payment of child support, the posting of bail shall be for the purpose of securing the appearance of the child support obligor and to guarantee the child support judgment owed by the child support obligor. If a child support obligor defaults for failure to appear or owes a child support arrearage, any bail money posted by the obligor, or any other surety, which is on deposit with the court shall be forfeited and paid to the obligee or the agency enforcing the order for child support in satisfaction of the child support judgment.

XIII.(a) An order of support, for which there is in effect an assignment to the department of health and human services pursuant to RSA 161-C:22, shall be suspended and shall not accrue, and no public assistance debt shall be incurred, during such time as the responsible parent receives benefits pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act under the supplemental security income program or public assistance pursuant to RSA 167 under any of the following programs:

(1) Aid to the permanently and totally disabled.

(2) Aid to the needy blind.

(3) Aid to families with dependent children.

(4) Old age assistance.

(b) The department shall not enforce any order of support against the responsible parent while that parent receives public assistance through any of the programs listed in subparagraph (a), whether or not an assignment of support rights to the department exists.

XIV. When the court makes a temporary or final order for support through the department of health and human services, the order shall require the parties to furnish their social security numbers to the department.

XV. The court shall have jurisdiction to make such orders or temporary orders of support to the children of divorced parents as justice shall require in cases where the decree of divorce was not granted in this jurisdiction, even though the divorce decree makes provision for support, subject to the provisions of RSA 546-B.

XVI. The court may establish a separate fund or trust for the support, maintenance, education and general welfare of any minor or incompetent child of the parties, including an incompetent child who is 18 years of age or older.

XVII. The court may require security to be given for the payment of child support.

XVIII. Any motion for contempt of a court order regarding nonpayment of child support, if filed by a parent, shall be reviewed by the court within 30 days.

461-A:15 Attorneys’ Fees in Contempt Cases. In any proceeding under this chapter in which a party alleges, and the court finds, that the other party has failed without just cause to obey a prior order, the court shall award reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party.

461-A:16 Guardian ad Litem.

I. In all proceedings for divorce, separation, annulment, paternity, or determination of parental rights and responsibilities, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the children of the parties, upon its own motion or motion of any party. The court may, in its order of appointment, after considering the nature of the issues raised in the case pending before it, specify the concerns to be addressed by the guardian ad litem, and otherwise limit the scope of the appointment. The guardian ad litem may be appointed to continue to serve after the final decree of divorce has been granted.

II. Persons accepting appointment as guardians ad litem agree to serve as officers of the court and have such standing in the proceedings as the court deems appropriate and may, upon approval of the court, utilize the service of others found necessary by the court to represent the child’s best interest.

III. Guardians ad litem shall respect communications between themselves and the child and shall disclose such information only in accordance with applicable rules and, as required by the court, in rendering a report with the guardian ad litem’s recommendations or in an ex parte proceeding to enable the court to make an informed decision. When the child’s ability to make adequately considered decisions in connection with the representation is impaired, whether because of minority, mental disability, or some other reason, the guardian ad litem shall be the holder of the privilege and shall have the authority to waive the privilege, but only if the guardian ad litem reasonably believes that the child cannot adequately act in the child’s own interest.

IV. The fees for services for the guardian ad litem and others utilized by the guardian and approved by the court shall be a charge against the parties in a proportional amount as the court may determine. Where the parties are indigent, compensation for guardians ad litem and others utilized by the guardian and approved by the court shall be based upon the applicable fee schedule established by the supreme court for indigent defense counsel.

V. For good cause shown, the court may waive the requirements of paragraph I. Good cause shall not include the lack of ability to pay by either party.

VI. The supreme court shall provide the following relative to guardians ad litem appointed pursuant to this section:

(a) Standards and requirements for registration as a guardian ad litem.

(b) Standards for practice, including but not limited to ethical rules.

(c) Disciplinary procedures for violating ethical rules and requirements established under this paragraph.

(d) Penalties for violation of ethical rules and requirements, including, as the court may deem necessary, fines or disciplinary action, or both.

461-A:17 Special Fund Established. The supreme court shall establish a separate fund in which to deposit a percentage of the entry fee paid to each clerk of court with each petition in domestic relations cases for the compensation of mediators, appointed pursuant to RSA 461-A:7, and guardians ad litem, appointed pursuant to RSA 461-A:16, when the parents are indigent. The supreme court shall determine by rule the percentage amount of the entry fee for each petition to be deposited into the fund, but at no time shall the percentage amount exceed 50 percent of the entry fee for each petition. Payments for services provided shall be paid by the judicial council.

461-A:18 Repayment.

I. In any case where a mediator has been appointed pursuant to RSA 461-A:7 or a guardian ad litem has been appointed pursuant to RSA 461-A:16 and the responsible party’s proportional share of the expense is ordered to be paid by the judicial council from the special fund established pursuant to RSA 461-A:17, the party shall be ordered by the court to repay the state through the unit of cost containment, office of administrative services, the fees and expenses paid on the party’s behalf as the court may order consistent with the party’s ability to pay, such ability to be determined by the unit of cost containment.

II. The court’s order of appointment of a mediator or a guardian ad litem under the provisions of paragraph I shall indicate the initial proportional share or shares of fees and expenses and shall contain an order that the party or parties communicate with the unit of cost containment so that it may determine the obligor’s ability to reimburse the state and establish the terms and conditions of reimbursement. A copy of each order shall be sent to the unit of cost containment, office of the commissioner of administrative services, at the time it is made.

III. Any party subject to an order under this section may petition the court having jurisdiction over the case for relief of the obligation imposed by this section, which shall be granted only upon a finding that the party is unable to comply with the terms of the court’s order or any modification of the order by the court or the terms of reimbursement established by the unit of cost containment. In any such appeal the burden of persuasion shall be upon the party to show why the determinations of the unit of cost containment should not be enforced.

IV. Any party subject to orders for repayment shall be required to notify the clerk of the court and the unit of cost containment of each change of mailing address and actual street address. Whenever notice to the party is required, notice to the last known mailing address on file shall be deemed notice to and binding on the party.

461-A:19 Authorization for Emergency Treatment when Custodial Parent Incapacitated.

I. In cases where the parent having the care of the child, has sole or shared decision-making responsibility and has become incapacitated and is unable to make necessary decisions concerning the emergency medical treatment of the child, such parent’s spouse shall be authorized to make such decisions subject to the following conditions:

(a) The child is in the care of a medical facility whose policy requires that all decisions regarding treatment of the type necessary under the circumstances be made by a parent having sole or shared decision-making responsibility; and

(b) Either the incapacitated parent has sole decision-making responsibility; or, if there is shared decision making responsibility, the other parent cannot be located, and in the opinion of the treating physician, circumstances make it necessary to make a decision regarding treatment immediately.

II. The right to authorize treatment granted under this section shall under no circumstances last longer than 30 days, and otherwise shall terminate upon the recovery of the parent to normal capacity, or upon the establishment of contact with the other parent, whichever occurs first.

461-A:20 References to Child Custody and Custodial Parent. Any provision of law that refers to the “custody” of minor children shall mean the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities as provided in this chapter. Any provision of law which refers to a “custodial parent” shall mean a parent with 50 percent or more of the residential responsibility and any reference to a non-custodial parent shall mean a parent with less than 50 percent of the residential responsibility.

273:2 Divorce; Reference to Child Custody Changed to Parental Rights and Responsibilities. Amend RSA 458:7-a, I to read as follows:

458:7-a Absolute Divorce, Irreconcilable Differences. A divorce from the bonds of matrimony shall be decreed, irrespective of the fault of either party, on the ground of irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage. In any pleading or hearing of a petition for divorce under this section, allegations or evidence of specific acts of misconduct shall be improper and inadmissible, except where [child custody is in issue and such evidence is relevant to establish that parental custody] parental rights and responsibilities are an issue and such evidence is relevant to establish that a particular allocation of parental rights and responsibilities would be detrimental to the child or at a hearing where it is determined by the court to be necessary to establish the existence of irreconcilable differences. If, upon hearing of an action for divorce under this section, both parties are found to have committed an act or acts which justify a finding of irreconcilable differences, a divorce shall be decreed and the acts of one party shall not negate the acts of the other nor bar the divorce decree. The court’s findings and decree may be based on oral testimony or written stipulations of the parties.

273:3 Alimony; Reference to Custodian Changed to Parental Rights and Responsibilities. Amend RSA 458:19, I(c) to read as follows:

(c) The party in need is unable to be self-supporting through appropriate employment at a standard of living that meets reasonable needs or is [the custodian of] allocated parental rights and responsibilities under RSA 461-A for a child of the parties whose condition or circumstances make it appropriate that the [custodian] parent not seek employment outside the home.

273:4 Annulment, Divorce, and Separation; Trust Fund. Amend RSA 458:20 to read as follows:

458:20 Trust Fund. In a proceeding under this chapter, the court may set aside a portion of the property of the parties in a separate fund or trust for the support, maintenance, education and general welfare of either party [or of any minor, dependent, or incompetent child of the parties. A separate fund or trust may also be established under this section for an incompetent child of the parties who is 18 years of age or older].

273:5 Legal Separation Procedure; Reference to Custody Changed to Parental Rights and Responsibilities. Amend RSA 458:27 to read as follows:

458:27 Procedure, etc. Upon such petition for legal separation the procedure shall be the same as upon petitions for divorce, and the court shall have the same power in all matters relating to restraining orders and decrees, allowances, alimony, [custody of] parental rights and responsibilities under RSA 461-A for children and division or apportionment of the property of the parties, as in cases of divorce. The name of the wife shall not be changed.

273:6 Effect of Resumption of Marital Relations; Reference Change. Amend RSA 458:29 to read as follows:

458:29 Effect. Such resumption of marital relations shall terminate and annul all restraining orders, and all decrees relating to alimony or [the custody of children] parental rights and responsibilities, but shall not affect any decree relating to the division or apportionment of property.

273:7 Child Custody Jurisdiction Act; Reference to Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities Added. Amend RSA 458-A:2, II and III to read as follows:

II. “Custody determination” means a court decision and court orders and instructions providing for the temporary or permanent custody of a child, including [visitation rights] the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities under RSA 461-A.

III. “Custody proceeding” includes proceedings in which a custody determination is at issue or is one of several issues, including any action or proceeding brought to annul a marriage or to declare the nullity of a void marriage, or for a separation, or for a divorce, or for an allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, or relative to the guardianship of a minor, but not including proceedings for adoption, child protective proceedings or proceedings for permanent termination of parental custody, or proceedings involving the guardianship and custody of children found to be neglected or dependent pursuant to RSA 169-B, 169-C, or 169-D.

273:8 Child Support Guidelines; Purpose. Amend RSA 458-C:1, I to read as follows:

I. [The custodial parent] Both parents shall share responsibility for economic support of the children[, irrespective of any non-custodial parent’s child support order].

273:9 Child Support Guidelines; Adjustments to Guidelines Under Special Circumstances. Amend RSA 458-C:5, I(d) to read as follows:

(d) Reasonable expenses incurred by the obligor parent in exercising [visitation or physical custodial rights, or expenses incurred by such parent in extended visitation or physical custodial rights] parental rights and responsibilities, provided that the reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee parent for the minor children can be met regardless of such adjustment;

273:10 Child Support Guidelines; Adjustments to Guidelines Under Special Circumstances. Amend RSA 458-C:5, I(h) to read as follows:

(h) [Split or shared custody arrangements] Parenting schedule;

273:11 Child Custody and Support Impact Seminars. Amend the chapter heading of RSA 458-D and RSA 458-D:1 and RSA 458-D:2 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 458-D

[CHILD CUSTODY] PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND CHILD SUPPORT IMPACT SEMINARS

458-D:1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a program which would provide a 4-hour mandatory session for married or unmarried parents of minor children who are involved in [custody] allocating parental rights and responsibilities and other issues which involve the children so that the adverse impact on the children of the litigation process and the family’s separation will be minimized.

458-D:2 Seminar Required; Court Referral. In the event of any action [before the superior court where the parties are involved with child custody and support issues, and upon the establishment of the program described in this chapter, the clerk of the superior] the court shall, no later than the [defendant’s or] respondent’s filing of an appearance, require the parties to attend a 4-hour information session. This session shall be a seminar on how to help the children deal with the issues surrounding divorce, separation, and [custody] the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.

273:12 Child Custody and Support Impact Seminars; Costs. Amend RSA 458-D:7, III to read as follows:

III. On the commencement of any [custody or support] proceeding involving the determination of parental rights and responsibilities and for which a fee is required, including petitions for divorce with minor children, the court shall charge and collect an additional fee of $2 from the petitioner. These fees shall be in addition to any other fee required by law. These fees shall be deposited into the general fund.

273:13 Protection of Persons from Domestic Violence; Orders of Support. Amend the introductory paragraph of RSA 173-B:14, I to read as follows:

I. [The superior court,] In any action determining the obligation of the obligor to support the obligee or the parties’ minor children including, but not limited to, actions for divorce [or custody] pursuant to RSA 458; determination of parental rights and responsibilities pursuant to RSA 461-A; paternity pursuant to RSA 168-A; child support pursuant to RSA 161-B, RSA 161-C, and RSA 458; reimbursement of public assistance pursuant to RSA 161-C; and the uniform interstate family support act pursuant to RSA 546-B; the court shall take judicial notice of any support obligation established pursuant to this chapter upon the filing of a certified copy of the [district court] order [in the superior court] by:

273:14 Repository for Information Relative to Child Support; Reference Change. Amend RSA 161-B:7, I(a)(5) to read as follows:

(5) The amount of any lien imposed with respect to the order pursuant to RSA 161-C:10 or RSA [458:17, VII-a] 461-A:14, VII.

273:15 Personal Property Lien Index; Reference Change. Amend RSA 454-C:1, I(e) to read as follows:

(e) Child support liens (RSA [458:17] 461-A:14);

273:16 Interference with Custody; Reference Change. Amend RSA 633:4, I and II to read as follows:

I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if such person knowingly takes from this state or entices away from this state any child under the age of 18, or causes any such child to be taken from this state or enticed away from this state, with the intent to detain or conceal such child from a parent, guardian or other person having lawful [physical custody or physical custodial rights as described in RSA 458:17, IV] parental rights and responsibilities as described in RSA 461-A.

II. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if such person knowingly takes, entices away, detains or conceals any child under the age of 18, or causes any such child to be taken, enticed away, detained or concealed, with the intent to detain or conceal such child from a parent, guardian or other person having lawful [physical custody or physical custodial rights as described in RSA 458:17] parental rights and responsibilities as described in RSA 461-A.

273:17 List of Dedicated Funds; Reference Change. Amend RSA 6:12, I(b)(81) to read as follows:

(81) Moneys deposited in the mediator and guardian ad litem fund under RSA [458:17-b] 461-A:17.

273:18 Unit of Cost Containment; Reference Change. Amend RSA 21-I:7-b to read as follows:

21-I:7-b Unit of Cost Containment. There is established within the office of the commissioner of administrative services a unit of cost containment. The unit of cost containment shall be responsible for all functions and duties authorized under RSA 604-A, regarding payment, recoupment and monitoring of indigent defense funds. It shall also be responsible for all functions authorized under RSA [458:17-e] 461-A:18 relative to recouping guardian ad litem funds. The commissioner is authorized to employ personnel as necessary to accomplish the duties and functions of the unit of cost containment.

273:19 Legal Residence Required; Residential Responsibility. Amend RSA 193:12, II(a)(2) to read as follows:

(2) In a divorce decree where parents are awarded joint decision making responsibility or joint legal custody, the legal residence of a minor child is the residence of the parent with whom the child resides. If a parent is awarded sole or primary residential responsibility or physical custody by a court of competent jurisdiction in this or any other state, legal residence of a minor child is the residence of the parent who has sole or primary residential responsibility or physical custody. If the parent with sole or primary physical custody lives outside the state of New Hampshire, the pupil does not have residence in New Hampshire. If the court order is for equal or approximately equal periods of residential responsibility, the child’s

legal residence for school attendance purposes shall be as stated in the order.

273:20 Repeal. The following are repealed:

I. RSA 458:15-a, relative to mediation of cases involving children.

II. RSA 458:17, relative to support and custody of children.

III. RSA 458:17-a, relative to guardians ad litem.

IV. RSA 458:17-b, relative to special fund established.

V. RSA 458:17-c, relative to authorization for emergency treatment when custodial parent incapacitated.

VI. RSA 458:17-d, relative to grandparents’ visitation rights.

VII. RSA 458:17-e, relative to repayment.

VIII. RSA 458:18, relative to orders for support.

IX. RSA 458:23-a, relative to the relocation of the principal residence of a child.

X. RSA 458:35, relative to support of children.

XI. RSA 458:35-c, relative to duration of child support.

XII. RSA 458:36, relative to providing social security numbers to the department of health and human services.

273:21 Effective Date. This act shall take effect October 1, 2005.

(Approved: July 22, 2005)

(Effective Date: October 1, 2005)