1940 Commerce Street, Suite 305, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
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A Child Support Lawyer Provides Guidance and Counsel

New York state child support guidelines determine financial obligations

The Law Office of Gordon B. Fine counsels families throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties on child support. With a high degree of personal attention to each case, we help families provide for the financial, physical and emotional care of children whose parents are divorced.

New York has established a set of guidelines that determines the level of support required. These guidelines consider each parent’s net income — the gross income minus deductions such as FICA, New York City tax (if applicable), spousal support and child support paid for other children. The court adds the parents’ net income together and multiplies that amount by the following percentages associated with the number of children of the marriage:

  • 17 percent for one child
  • 25 percent for two children
  • 29 percent for three children
  • 31 percent for four children
  • Not less than 35 percent for five or more children

That amount is then distributed based on the proportion of each parent’s net income contribution to the combined net income.

A parent could also be required to pay additional expenses, such as child care, education and medical costs. We walk you through the guidelines and explain how they specifically pertain to you as either a custodial parent, the parent receiving the payment, or a non-custodial parent, the parent who must pay the child support.

The Office of Child Support Enforcement ensures payment

In New York, the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) collects and distributes child support payments. This is typically done automatically through payroll deductions. If you choose to send an additional check to your ex-spouse, the amount is considered to be over and above your child support payment obligation.

If you are the non-custodial parent, you may find your circumstances may change over time. For example, if you need to move for your job or you lose your job, as your divorce litigation attorney, we file for a modification with the family court. If, however, there are no changes in circumstances, and you fail to pay, OCSE pulls the money from other sources, including bank accounts and income tax refunds. Enforcing support is serious: you could lose your driver’s license, your credit reports could suffer and you could be denied a passport or a professional license.

If we believe at any time that the welfare of your children could be compromised by a lack of child support, we will do all we can to protect the rights of you and your children.

Schedule your free initial consultation with an understanding child support attorney

The Law Office of Gordon B. Fine, located in Yorktown Heights, helps families throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, including Yorktown Heights, Peekskill, White Plains, Carmel and the surrounding communities protect the financial, emotional and physical well-being of the children affected by divorce. Call us today at 914-245-6250 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We offer MasterCard and Visa payment plans for the convenience of our clients.

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