| The state of New Hampshire has child custody laws | | | | parents will set up parenting time and visitation in their |
| that governs how parents make a custody | | | | custody agreement. A parent who is able to provide all |
| agreement. These laws are found in Chapter 461-A of | | | | of these things is capable of being the custodial parent |
| the New Hampshire Revised Statutes. Within this | | | | of the child, and should also be assigned legal custody |
| section, the state has included a list of factors that | | | | in the parenting plan. If a parent isn't capable of |
| parents must consider as they make a parenting plan. | | | | providing these necessities, that parent should have |
| These factors affect what is best for the child, and as | | | | visitation with the child, but the child shouldn't live with |
| parents think about them they can reconcile their plan | | | | that parent. |
| with the right solutions. Here are some of the factors | | | | 3. The child's developmental needs and the ability of |
| from the law that a mother and father should ponder | | | | the parents to meet them. This factor, found in |
| when making an agreement. | | | | Chapter 461-A:6 refers to the child's present and |
| 1. The relationship of the child with each parent and | | | | future needs. The mother and father need to |
| each parent's ability to give the child love, guidance, | | | | realistically look at the needs of their child and adapt |
| nurture, and affection. New Hampshire wants parents | | | | the parenting plan to meet those needs. The parents |
| to think about this because it impacts who the | | | | should also consider the future and make adjustments |
| custodial parent should be and it also influences how | | | | to the agreement as the child gets older. |
| parenting time is divided. If a parent doesn't feel like | | | | 4. The child's adjustment to community and school and |
| they have a strong relationship with the child, effort | | | | the effect of any change. Children generally do best |
| should be made in the parenting plan to improve that | | | | with stability and continuity in their lives. In a parenting |
| relationship. It is in the best interest of the child to have | | | | plan, the mother and father should strive to give the |
| a mother and father provide love, guidance, affection, | | | | child a stable environment. This includes the child's |
| and nurture. | | | | interaction at school and community. If the parents plan |
| 2. The ability of each parent to give the child adequate | | | | on changing the child's school or surroundings, they |
| food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and a safe | | | | should make sure the child is able to handle it and that |
| environment. Again, this factor affects how the | | | | the child will do well in the new environment. |