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.
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I had read about Lois’ unusual divorce method in one of her blog posts. It was refreshing to see someone was working with the psychological issues in divorce. My husband is bipolar and getting him to agree to a divorce and commit to the process was tough. When we met with Lois she really understood him. She immediately identified his mental health issues, and because she has a psych background, she was empathetic to his needs and was skillful at guiding him through her divorce mediation process. It took a while but she really got us to a point where we could actually discuss things without my husband blowing up. Her method is unique and it really helped in our situation. She actually recommended a great psychiatrist who changed my husband’s meds at her urging (she has a medical degree too), and my husband is coping much better. We can’t thank her enough for her compassion and advice! If you need a divorce attorney, especially if mental illness is a part of the fabric of your marriage, go see Lois! Thanks Lois - Beena T.
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Dealing with this firm was a gift from above. They were very understanding and made the whole process painless. They are open after regular work hours which was super convenient for a working professional. As a Surgeon in NYC going through this process the firm was very accommodating to my changing schedule. I am forever grateful that the firm was able to find a great solution to all issues so that everyone was taken into account and came to a responsible agreement. Thank you Lois Brenner you are the best!- Jose Loor
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I met with Lois Brenner nine months ago, and my life has been changed for the better! She and her legal team really encouraged me to leave a very abusive husband. They gave me the knowledge and courage to take the necessary legal steps. My parents were helping me and found Lois to be smart, and compassionate. My whole family felt really comfortable having her handle my case. I am finally divorced, away from an abusive man and ready to start a new life. I can’t thank Lois and her legal team enough for all the support I received. I got a much better settlement than I expected because they were relentless in locating money my husband had hidden. Thank you so much!- Kim B.
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I utilized Lois's services for divorce. She was most helpful in all aspects. First, she explored reconciliation, which was the right thing to do. Absence of that, her suggestion of what to negotiate for, how to do it without unnecessary anger & hostility to the ex & how to expedite the process was invaluable. Timewise she was excellent & sympathetic to what I was going through. She was always available & her fees were very reasonable. I would strongly recommend her as a divorce /representative attorney.
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What a gem! Lois Brenner is the best out there by far... She got my husband and I right away. Listened, guided, let me cry, and never gave up on us during our mediation sessions. It was not easy but she made it possible. Even my husband liked her and agreed to mediate after we had lots of arguments. Thank you Lois. I already recommended you to my cardiologist. Have a happy, productive New Year.- Bernie A.
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I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for the wonderful job you did mediating our separation agreement and putting this document together. You not only saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars but helped avoid what would have been a disastrous future in court. I'm grateful you did not give up on us. If I ever am involved in another situation like this, and I hope I never am, I would certainly recommend your services.- J.M.
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"Like at First Sight!" We consulted Lois on the best, most cost-effective way to get divorced. First, she extended a free in-office consultation to us. It was supposed to be one hour; it was an hour and a half. She was gracious, didn’t rush us, explained thoroughly all the ins and outs of going to court, and answered thoroughly lots of our questions. She also shared lots of great information on divorce mediation, which we really knew nothing about, and now we have decided mediation will be the best route for us. We knew in the first 10 minutes that we really liked and trusted her. We are starting our mediation process with her next week. We are really looking forward to working with her. We feel strongly she is the best person for us.- Jen
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“Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!”- Sara and Jeff
