New Hampshire requires both parents to complete a 4-hour Child Impact Program in divorce or parenting cases involving minor children under RSA 458-D. The court must order this requirement no later than when the respondent files their appearance, and completion is mandatory within 45 days of service of the original petition.
New Hampshire uses a closed provider system where only instructors certified by the judicial branch family division may conduct the Child Impact Program. The statute requires live sessions with both male and female presenters covering topics like helping children cope with divorce, understanding children's reactions, and parenting strategies during family transitions. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available through certified providers statewide.
Both parents must complete the program separately — they need not attend the same session. After completion, parents receive a certificate of attendance to present to the judge at their court appearance as required under RSA 458-D:6.
Under RSA 458-D:2, New Hampshire courts shall require completion of the Child Impact Program in all divorce and parenting cases involving minor children. Circuit Court Family Division Rule 2.
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