NH HB1615

Creates "contract marriage" as a legal alternative to licensed marriage, allowing two consenting adults to form a marriage through a signed written contract without obtaining a marriage license, enforceable solely under civil contract law rather than family law statutes

Contract marriages would be recognized by New Hampshire as valid marriages for administrative purposes including tax filings, benefits, and identification, with a Certificate of Contract Marriage optionally filed with the Secretary of State

Allows couples in existing licensed marriages to convert to contract marriages within 12 months of the law's effective date by filing a declaration of conversion, which administratively dissolves the licensed marriage without court proceedings

Disputes arising from contract marriages would be heard exclusively in Superior Court or Circuit Court District Division, explicitly excluding Family Division jurisdiction and prohibiting courts from applying family law doctrines like equitable distribution or alimony

Estimated state costs of $3.8-4 million in FY 2027 for implementing new filing systems, plus ongoing staffing costs exceeding $310,000 annually; effective date January 1, 2027