Granite Staters who have navigated our family court system frequently voice deep frustration with its high costs, lengthy delays, and inconsistent or unfair rulings. These challenges strike at the heart of family life. As legislative leaders, we feel a duty to address them head-on.
Strong families are the bedrock of a healthy society. When children are physically and emotionally safe, they thrive. Such children exhibit higher self-esteem, better academic outcomes, stronger emotional resilience, and lower risks of depression, anxiety, substance use, or behavioral problems. Extensive research confirms that children do best when both parents remain meaningfully involved in their lives, especially after separation or divorce. This involvement fosters secure attachments, reduces stress, and provides children with the stability they need to succeed.
Serving the best interests of children in our state requires addressing the highly problematic realities of divorce, separation, abuse, neglect, mental illness, and bitter custody disputes. That is not easy, and perfect solutions are rarely, if ever, possible.
In recent years, we have engaged with advocates, experts, constituents, and other stakeholders to identify core issues in family law, including inconsistent court decisions, prolonged conflict, false allegations, and statutory ambiguities. We have explored practical, achievable ways to ease the burdens Granite Staters face as they navigate divorce and custody disputes.
Slowly but surely, progress is being made. After decades of effort, we finally succeeded in passing shared parenting legislation, affirming the principle that children do best when both parents are actively involved in their lives. We also enacted the Parental Bill of Rights, reaffirming the fundamental role parents play in raising their children. These were not partisan victories; they were critical steps toward greater balance, fairness, and common sense in family law.
House Bill 1323 (2026) builds on this momentum by adding much-needed clarity to New Hampshire’s family law statutes. The legislation provides a legal definition of “parental alienation,” a pattern of behavior that damages a child’s bond with one parent through disparaging remarks, manipulation, or unjustified interference by the other. HB 1323 requires courts to consider evidence of such conduct when determining parental rights and responsibilities. It also includes safeguards to ensure it does not penalize good-faith statements or actions, particularly protective actions taken in cases of genuine abuse or neglect. By promoting consistency and focusing on children’s best interests, the bill helps reduce conflict while protecting the vital relationships essential to a child’s well-being.
HB 1323 is one important element of our ongoing efforts to improve family law in New Hampshire. Later this year, we plan to offer training for legislators on family law issues, partnering with advocacy organizations, legal professionals, state agencies, and other stakeholders to identify additional needs for statutory clarity, education, or procedural improvements.
New Hampshire families deserve a court system that is clear, consistent, and fair. While we all wish there were quick fixes, real change will require sustained commitment. As legislative leaders, we remain dedicated to the proposition that meaningful reform in family law is not only possible, but essential. We are committed to advancing this work methodically, responsibly, and transparently. For our children and our state, the stakes are simply too high to ignore.
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