Understanding Child Support in New York

Robert Anthony Evans, Jr. Esq.

Child Support is an important obligation of every non-custodial parent. So, if your child, or children do not live with you - you have a legal obligation which the Court will enforce.  And Yes you may have an obligation even if your child lives with you - depending on the difference in your income or your former spouses income.

New York State follows a very clear and prescribed process for calculating most child support payments and has a state run processing center. Child support obligations entered by the Court on done so on Orders of the Court or are agreed to by the parties - Stipulations of Agreement.  It's important to understand the process.  It's important to understand how the numbers are calculated and it's very important to pay the child support that is ordered or agreed.

The calculations in New York are based on a standard earnings grid for the first 80,000 dollars earned annually.  You and your ex will be required to disclose some information which may add or subtract from the amount being considered by the Judge (or in most cases, Magistrate).  Their are standard forms supplied by the Court for this process or your attorney may have these forms in his office.

Mr. Evans is an "expert" in helping to understand and navigate the child support process.  Understanding which income is allowed and how to accurately complete the forms is a very important fact gathering step.  You must be careful and accurate here - a mistake you make here could cost you money for the first 21 years of your child's life. 

If you'd like more information on the New York Child Support process you may visit our Child Support Blog.  We have links and copies of forms and free information.