This bill modifies the conditions under which a child support obligation terminates. Previously, child support would end when the dependent child either completed high school, reached 18 years of age, married, joined the armed services, or was legally emancipated. The new bill inserts language that specifies child support shall continue if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary or elementary school, charter school, or a home education program in conformity with RSA 193-a at the age of 18. In such cases, support will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child reaches the age of 19, whichever comes first.

Additionally, the bill addresses child support for children with disabilities. It states that the court may continue child support after the child reaches 18 years of age. The bill also includes a new provision that no child support order for a child with disabilities, which becomes effective after July 9, 2013, may continue after the child reaches age 21 or no longer qualifies as a child with a disability receiving special education or related services as identified by the child's school district. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 461-A:14
As Amended by the House: 461-A:14
As Amended by the House (2nd): 461-A:14
Version adopted by both bodies: 461-A:14
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 461-A:14