HB 652-FN proposes the abolition of the family division within the judicial system, transferring its jurisdiction to the superior court and establishing a new Office of Family Mediation to handle cases related to divorce, custody, and support. The bill introduces a Mediation and Arbitration Fund to support the Office of Family Mediation, sourced from various fees and appropriations, and ensures that mediation services are voluntary for all parties involved. If mediation fails, unresolved issues will be referred to the superior court. Key deletions from current law include the removal of the family division from the circuit court structure, which will now consist solely of probate and district divisions.

Additionally, the bill expands the jurisdiction of probate judges to include adoption in abuse and neglect cases, termination of parental rights, and guardianships of minors. It modifies the Family Mediators Board by increasing public members and changing the appointment process for judges. The bill mandates that family mediators meet specific educational standards and clarifies that mediators cannot impose settlements, ensuring voluntary agreements. Overall, HB 652-FN aims to streamline family-related judicial processes and enhance the effectiveness of family mediation in New Hampshire, with an effective date set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 490-E:2, 490-E:3, 490-F:3, 490-F:7, 491:7, 547:3, 328-C:2, 328-C:4, 328-C:4-a, 328-C:5, 461-A:7, 169-B:2, 169-B:10, 169-C:3, 169-C:28, 169-D:2, 169-G:3, 169-G:5, 170-G:4, 173-B:2, 458-D:3, 458-D:4, 458-D:7, 461-B:1, 463:8, 490:6-a, 490:25, 491-A:3, 491-A:4, 604-A:7
HB652 text: 490-E:2, 490-E:3, 490-F:3, 490-F:7, 491:7, 547:3, 328-C:2, 328-C:4, 328-C:4-a, 328-C:5, 461-A:7, 169-B:2, 169-B:10, 169-C:3, 169-C:28, 169-D:2, 169-G:2, 169-G:3, 169-G:5, 170-G:4, 173-B:2, 458-D:3, 458-D:4, 458-D:7, 461-B:1, 463:8, 490:6-a, 490:25, 491-A:3, 491-A:4, 604-A:7