This bill introduces new provisions regarding wage garnishment for child support, specifically amending RSA 458-B:2 and RSA 458-B:3. A new paragraph (I-a) is added to RSA 458-B:2, which mandates that during the hearing, the court must inform both parties that income assignment for child support will automatically occur unless an alternative agreement is reached. Additionally, a new paragraph (I-a) is inserted into RSA 458-B:3, requiring the circuit court family division to create a standard form to be used prior to temporary hearings. This form will outline the conditions under which wage garnishment becomes mandatory, allow parties to specify their preferred payment arrangements, clarify the payer's responsibility for record-keeping, and inform the payee on how to report missed payments.

The bill aims to streamline the process of income assignment for child support by ensuring that both parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance communication between parties involved in child support cases and provide clearer guidelines for wage garnishment procedures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 458-B:2, 458-B:3