New York Child Support Lawyer Serving in Kingston and Marlboro
When a divorcing couple has children, or when parents do not live together, child support must be determined along with child custody and visitation. At Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, our child support lawyer helps clients achieve fair child support arrangements that appropriately take into consideration children’s needs and parents’ financial capabilities. Keep reading for more information about New York child support laws.
New York Child Support Law
In New York, child support payments are based on combined parental net income. During the divorce process, each parent is required to submit a Statement of Net Worth to the court, which lists all financial information in detail, including income, expenses, assets, property, and debts. Using this form, the court determines each parent’s net income. The combined amount is then multiplied by a percentage, depending on how many children the couple has together:
- 17% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 29% for three children
- 31% for four children
- No less than 35% for five or more children
This amount is divided based on the proportion of each parent’s net income compared to the combined parental net income.
Estimating and calculating child support payments accurately requires knowledge and experience. A lawyer from our firm can help you determine the child support amount you can expect to pay or receive at the conclusion of divorce or custody proceedings. We can also help you obtain child support during divorce proceedings if you and your children are living separately from your spouse.
Expenses Covered by Child Support
Under New York child support laws, parents are responsible for the financial support of their children until a child reaches 21 years of age. Payments and expenses covered by child support include:
- Cash payments based on the parents’ income and the needs of the child
- Health insurance or medical support for the child
- Payments for child care
- Payments for reasonable health care costs that are not covered by health insurance or regular medical support.
Any non-custodial parent can be ordered to pay child support, even if he or she has no contact with the child, and it’s important to keep in mind that there are numerous repercussions if a parent fails to pay child support.
Contact Us for Help with Child Support in New York
If you have children and you’re facing divorce, it’s important to know how much child support you can expect to receive or pay. For more information about determining child support in New York, please contact the New York child support lawyer at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP to schedule a consultation.
