This bill mandates that courts order a risk assessment and, if necessary, counseling for minors and their families in cases where parental rights and responsibilities are contested in family court. Specifically, it introduces a new subparagraph (i) to RSA 461-A:4, II, which requires court-ordered risk assessments. Additionally, it establishes a new section, RSA 461-A:6-a, detailing the procedures for these assessments in contested divorce proceedings involving minors. The assessments must be conducted by a qualified clinical psychologist within 14 days of the initial divorce petition, with costs shared equally by the parties involved.

The risk assessments will evaluate various psychological factors, including family conflict, attachment pathology, trauma, and personality issues, among others. The court will require the psychologist to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan, adhering to established medical standards and ethical codes. The bill is set to take effect upon passage and is projected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 461-A:4