New Hampshire Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in New Hampshire is decided in the Circuit Court, usually in the Family Division. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official New Hampshire documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official New Hampshire custody resources

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New Hampshire family law forms (official index) (New Hampshire judicial branch): The official statewide collection of New Hampshire family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.nh.gov/forms/family-division

New Hampshire court self-help resources (New Hampshire courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own New Hampshire family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.nh.gov/self-help

New Hampshire mediation and dispute resolution (New Hampshire judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a New Hampshire family case without a trial. https://www.courts.nh.gov/adr

NH e-Filing (TurboCourt for self-represented, File & Serve for attorneys) (Tyler Technologies): New Hampshire only e-files certain case types. People without a lawyer use TurboCourt for things like name changes, guardianship, small claims, and estates, but divorce and parenting cases are still filed on paper at the Family Division. https://www.courts.nh.gov/resources/electronic-services

New Hampshire rules of procedure (New Hampshire judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in New Hampshire. https://www.courts.nh.gov/rules

Verified official New Hampshire custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Parenting Plan (NHJB-2064-F), form NHJB-2064-F (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/nhjb-2064-f.pdf

Parenting Petition (NHJB-2061-F), form NHJB-2061-F (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/nhjb-2061-f.pdf

Petition for Parental Rights and Responsibilities (NHJB-2060-F), form NHJB-2060-F (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/nhjb-2060-f.pdf

Official link data for New Hampshire was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in New Hampshire?

Family cases in New Hampshire are heard in the Circuit Court, usually in the Family Division. New Hampshire family cases are heard in the Circuit Court's Family Division. The Circuit Court Family Division sits across the state's counties.

Does New Hampshire favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official New Hampshire forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official New Hampshire mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.