New York Child Support Attorney
Protecting Your Children, Protecting Your Rights
When two parents file for divorce, whether the divorce is highly
contested or amicably resolved through settlement negotiations, it may be necessary
to address the issue of child support. Your children are not ending a
marriage, which is why the court will focus on the needs and support of
the children. Without properly addressing this issue with the help of
a knowledgeable
divorce lawyer, both children and parents can face repercussions, including financial
pressures.
Calculating Child Support Payments in New York
Regardless of what your particular case may entail, it is important to
understand how child support will be handled by the court if you and the
other parent cannot come to an agreement on your own. In New York, the
courts determine child support based on the Child Support Act (CSSA).
First, they start by applying the percentage of combined parental income,
depending on how many children are involved. Currently, these percentages are:
-
One child: 17%
-
Two children: 25%
-
Three children: 29%
-
Four children: 31%
-
Five+ children: 35%
Next, they allocate support between the parents based on their respective
incomes. “Income” refers to gross income reported, or what
should have been reported on the parents’ income tax returns. In
some cases, the court may also impute income based on the parent’s
resources, including gifts and employee benefits.
Aside from awarding basic child support, courts may also order awards for
any applicable costs related to healthcare, child care, additional education,
and possibly other extracurricular activities, among other justifiable
expenses. It is important to ensure that you are represented by an experienced
attorney so you do not overlook anything. Lois M. Brenner, Esq. and our
team have been serving and protecting NYC families for more than 35 years.
Contact Lois M. Brenner, Esq. today at (646) 663-4546 for more information
about your situation.