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On December 25, 2025, significant changes to family law in New Hampshire were implemented, affecting custody and support laws for families across the state. The updates come as part of a broader reform effort aimed at modernizing and improving the family court system.One of the key changes is the introduction of a presumption of shared custody in divorce cases. Under the new law, judges will now be required to start from the assumption that both parents should have equal custody of their children, unless there is evidence to suggest that such an arrangement would not be in the best interests of the child. This represents a major shift from the previous standard, which often favored one parent over the other in custody disputes.In addition to the changes in custody laws, the reform also includes updates to child support guidelines. The new guidelines take into account both parents' income and expenses, as well as the needs of the child, in order to calculate a fair and equitable support amount. This aims to ensure that children receive the financial support they need while also taking into account the financial circumstances of both parents.Furthermore, the reform also includes provisions for alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and collaborative law, as a way to help families resolve their issues outside of the courtroom. These alternatives are intended to be more cost-effective and less adversarial than traditional litigation, while also allowing families to have more control over the outcome of their case.Overall, the changes to family law in New Hampshire are seen as a positive step forward in ensuring that families have access to fair and equitable legal processes when it comes to matters of custody and support. The reform is expected to have a significant impact on the way family court cases are handled in the state and is anticipated to lead to more collaborative and cooperative approaches to resolving family disputes.