311.19 Good Cause: Acceptable Reasons (FAM)

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Good cause for refusal to cooperate exists in the following instances:

•       when efforts to establish paternity or secure support are against the best interests of the individual, child, or family and could:

-    cause physical or emotional harm to the child; or

-    cause physical or emotional harm to the parent/caretaker relative sufficient to reduce the capacity of that person to care for the child adequately;

•       when the child was conceived as a result of incest or rape;

•       when proceedings for adoption of the child are pending in a court;

•       when a social service agency—either public or licensed private—is helping the parent/caretaker relative decide whether to relinquish the child for adoption, but only when the discussions have been going on for less than 3 months;

•       when the parent/caretaker or a family member is or has been a victim of family/domestic violence.

See PART 323, FAMILY/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OPTIONS (FVO), for the definition of family/domestic violence and verification requirements for good cause reasons due to family/domestic violence.

See FAM 311.25, Good Cause: Verification, for verification requirements for all other claims of good cause for non-cooperation with child support requirements.

References: He-W 601.04; He-W 606.31; He-W 627.04; He-W 636.09; RSA 161:4-a,V; RSA 161-B:1-4; RSA 161-C:22; RSA 167:79,III(c) & VI(a); RSA 167:82,III(a)-(b); RSA 167:83,II(l) & IV; 45 CFR 232.40-.43; 42 USC 608(a)(3)