Child Support in New York

Ensuring your child support through divorce mediation

What is Child Support?

Child support, often referred to as child maintenance, is a regular and periodic payment made by an obligated parent to financially care for a child as a result of marriage termination. In the State of New York, there are particular guidelines to follow in order to determine appropriate and fair child support arrangements.

New York Child Support and Your Mediation Agreement

Your mediation agreement, the final document signifying the completion of your divorce mediation process, will clearly address the issue of child support. Details outlining your specific New York child support payments will be included in your divorce agreement to ensure there are no discrepancies down the road.

As a New York court approved divorce mediator, I will make sure that your divorce agreement complies with New York State child support regulations, and is accepted by both you and your spouse.

For more information about your child support and your divorce mediation options, contact me today to schedule your free divorce mediation consultation. I will get back to you in the next 4 business hours.

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New York Child Support Laws

Child support is the responsibility of both parents before and after divorce. In all cases of divorce, either the parents or the courts must make sure the basic needs of the child are cared for.

In New York State, child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent. These regular payments go towards the child’s education and general support until the child reaches adulthood.

In New York, child support ends when the child reaches 21 years of age. However, as the child’s parents, you may decide to extend this. Oftentimes parents decide to continue support payments until the child has finished his or her post-secondary education.

As a court approved and highly experienced New York divorce mediator, I can help you and your spouse determine the best course of action for you and your children.

Remember, no matter how difficult and complicated your current situation may seem to be, both you and your spouse should focus on the most important parts of your lives that you still have in common: the wellbeing of your children.

Contact me today for a free child support consultation and together we will formulate the best child support plan for you and your children.

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Calculating Child Support Payments

Child support payments for separated couples in New York are calculated using the New York Child Support Standards Act. The Act contains detailed tables to follow which will determine the right child support payment by the right parent, taking into consideration each parent’s gross annual income, and all applicable deductions.

Child support obligations are calculated using a designated percentage relative to both the number of children you have, and to your gross yearly income:

Child Support Percentages:

1 child: 17% of combined income from both parents

2 children: 25% of combined income from both parents

3 children: 29% of combined income from both parents

4 children: 31% of combined income from both parents

5 or more: 35% of combined income from both parents

The most basic child support payment can be calculated as follows:

Combined parental income X Applicable child support percentage

Although there are set guidelines in place, there is still some leeway, and with me as your New York divorce mediator, we will arrive at the most appropriate conclusions to suit the needs of your family. Such a trying life situation is bound to raise a number of complicated questions, so please feel free to contact me with any inquiries or questions regarding your divorce and child support case.

Alimony and Spousal Support

Further to child support payments, alimony payments may also be made to the spouse in a lower income bracket to assist him or her after the separation. Although alimony payments are meant to assist the spouse, they may also serve as a further monetary support for the children.

Child Support and Divorce Mediation

Your children are probably the most important and precious parts of your lives. If both you and your spouse can put the wellbeing of your children above all other debates, then divorce mediation is the right path for you. By saving yourself and your children the hardship of long legal battles you will be able to dramatically reduce the emotional trauma caused by your separation to achieve a healthier overall acceptance of the situation.

Divorce mediation can collaboratively determine your child support payments in the State of New York. Over the years I have helped many divorcing couples reach an agreement which was right, acceptable, most importantly provided a secure future for their children. I can do the same for you.

To learn more about my divorce mediator services and how I can help you in your unique circumstance, schedule a free consultation with me by submitting the web form below.

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