Cassandra Knapp

RE: HB 1206 — Relative to the Equity Jurisdiction of the Judicial Branch Family Division Position: SUPPORT My name is Cassandra Knapp, and I am writing in support of HB 1206 based on my family’s direct experience navigating the New Hampshire family court system over the past several years. Our case involved ongoing custody proceedings where, for an extended period of time, there was significant confusion regarding which custody order was controlling. Despite multiple hearings over nearly two years, the family court never clearly identified on the record which order was operative at a critical point in time. At the same time, emergency petitions were being pursued to change custody, which logically required the court to first determine what the standing order actually was. This lack of clarity had serious consequences. Other proceedings relied on an outdated understanding of the custody order, while the family court did not clearly reconcile the discrepancy. Families should never face legal or personal consequences when the courts themselves have not made the controlling order clear. HB 1206 is important because it reinforces the family division’s authority to act equitably — to resolve ambiguity, clarify orders, and ensure fairness when statutes alone do not address complex real-world situations. Family law cases are often dynamic and emotionally charged, and judges must have both the authority and the responsibility to intervene when confusion or procedural gaps create risk of harm. Clarifying equity jurisdiction can help courts: • Clearly identify and state controlling orders on the record • Prevent misunderstandings between courts or agencies • Address procedural ambiguity before it escalates into larger legal conflicts • Protect children and families from unnecessary harm caused by uncertainty Families rely on the courts not only to make decisions, but to provide clarity and stability. When orders are unclear, everyone involved — parents, children, and even other courts — can be affected. I respectfully urge the committee to vote Ought to Pass on HB 1206. Thank you for your time and consideration. Cassandra Knapp Family court participant