Suffolk County Child Support Lawyers

Ensuring Your Child's Financial Security Post-Divorce

Child support is one of the most contentious issues in a divorce case, and the issue can get even more complicated when the parents are not married but are still sharing responsibility for their child. In this case, the issue of child support typically becomes the subject of a child support modification case. If you are concerned about your child's financial well-being, contact our Suffolk County child support attorneys today for a consultation. 

Contact us online to give us a call at (631) 621-3750 today!

Child Support Calculations in New York

New York is one of the few states that follow a guideline formula for determining child support. The state takes into account the parents' combined net monthly income and the number of children in the household, and then calculates the guideline amount according to a specific formula. The parents may then negotiate a different amount, but if they don't agree on a new amount, the parents will have to go to court to resolve the issue.

Some of the factors that may be taken into account when calculating child support include:

• the child's standard of living before the parents' divorce or separation;
• the child's needs, including food, clothing, health care, and education;
• the parents' incomes;
• how many children the parents have;
• how much time the child spends with each parent;
• tax consequences for each parent;
• debt or other financial obligations of either parent;
• additional expenses for the child, such as daycare.

Key Child Support Guidelines and Rules in New York

New York also has some other important rules that can affect a child support case, such as:

• the child support payment is due on the first of every month;
• the non-custodial parent (the parent with less parenting time) is required to pay the custodial parent child support;
• the non-custodial parent is also required to pay the custodial parent a minimum net income amount for their child support payment;
• for child custody, the court will usually try to award joint custody so that both parents can share in the financial responsibility for the child;
• the court may impute income to the non-custodial parent if they are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning that they are earning less than they could;
• the court may also impute income to the non-custodial parent if they are earning more than they report to the court;
• the court may modify the child support order if the non-custodial parent loses their job or gets a pay cut;
• the court may order the non-custodial parent to pay the costs of the child's healthcare, including dental, psychological, and vision care;
• the court may also order the non-custodial parent to pay the costs of the child's education (e.g., private school tuition), but only if the child is not in public school;
• the court may also order the non-custodial parent to pay the costs of the child's extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, lessons, and other after-school activities), but only if the child is not in public school;
• the court may also order the non-custodial parent to pay the costs of the child's family therapy sessions, but only if the child is not in public school.

What Happens If a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support in NY?

If a parent fails to make their child support payments, then the other parent may file a petition for contempt with the court. A petition for contempt is a request for the court to hold the non-compliant parent in contempt of court for failing to comply with the orders of the court, such as failing to pay child support. If the court finds the non-compliant parent in contempt, then they may have to serve a certain amount of jail time and pay a fine, in addition to making the child support payments they missed.

Advocating for Your Parental Rights in Child Support Cases

Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially when it involves decisions about child custody and support. At The Law Office of Michael Catalanotto, PC, our experienced child support lawyers in Nesconset, NY are dedicated to helping parents navigate the complexities of child support laws and ensure that their rights are protected.

When it comes to child support, it's important to:

• Understand your rights and obligations as a parent
• Ensure that your child is receiving the financial support they deserve
• Know how child support is calculated in New York
• Familiarize yourself with other important child support rules in NY

Our knowledgeable attorneys can guide you through the legal process, help you negotiate fair child support agreements, and advocate for your best interests in court if necessary. We understand that every family situation is unique, and we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child. If you're facing child support issues, don't hesitate to contact our child support lawyers today. We offer compassionate legal representation and are ready to fight for your rights as a parent.

Contact Our Suffolk County Child Support Lawyers Today 

Child support is vital to your child's well-being and financial security. If you want to ensure that your child is receiving the financial support they deserve, then contact our Suffolk County child support lawyers today.

Contact us online to give us a call at (631) 621-3750 today.

Commonly Asked Questions