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Staten Island Child Support Lawyers

Dedicated Staten Island Divorce Lawyers for Fathers Facing Child Support

In New York, parents are obligated to provide financial support to their children until the age of 21. A parent's basic child support obligation is set pursuant to statutory guidelines.

Generally, the non-custodial parent will be expected to pay a set percentage of his or her pro-rata share of income, up to $63,000 of the combined adjusted gross income of both parents (unless otherwise agreed or ordered) as child support (There are situations when income in excess of $163,000 is considered). This percentage varies based upon the number of children a couple has together.

Do you have questions about your unique child support situation? Contact us for a Legal Strategy Session to learn how we can assist you!

Child support percentages are as follows:

One child: 17%
Two children: 25%
Three children: 29%
Four children: 31%
Five children: no less than 35%

Each parent has a child support obligation. The custodial parent retains his or her share of the obligation for use on the child and the non-custodial parent gives his or her share of the obligation to the custodial parent. Each parent's share is pro-rated in the same proportion as each parent's income is to the combined parental income.

Additionally, parents will likely be required to split, usually on a pro-rated basis, certain additional child-related costs, such as medical expenses, health insurance, reasonable child-care expenses, educational costs, and the cost of extracurricular activities. These expenses, called "add-ons" must be made a part of the monthly child support obligation.

How to Establish or Enforce Your Child Support Order

When a non-custodial parent refuses to comply with a child support order, that order can be enforced through wage garnishment, property liens, income execution, contempt of court, and other methods. Child support arrears cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy.

If you need legal assistance to establish or enforce a child support order, or with the post-judgment modification of a New York or New Jersey child support order, we can provide the legal assistance you need to accomplish your goals.

Contact me today for legal assistance with child support.

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Why Choose Certified Financial Litigator?

A CFL is not just an attorney; they are professionals who have undergone extensive training in handling the financial aspects of legal issues, especially those related to divorce and complex financial matters. Certified financial litigators have completed comprehensive training and achieved a passing grade on the CFL Exam, ensuring they are well-versed in all aspects of financial law. Choosing an attorney with a CFL certification means you're opting for an expert with a deep understanding of financial issues that may arise during legal proceedings. These attorneys can provide advice and guidance based on a thorough knowledge of financial concepts and regulations.
Do I Need to Live in New York to File for Divorce in New York?
Before you can obtain a divorce in New York State, you must meet one of the following residency requirements:
- The parties resided in New York as husband and wife, and either party lived in New York for one year or more prior to filing.
- The cause of action occurred in New York, and either party lived in New York for one year or more prior to filing.
- The cause of action occurred in New York, and both parties live in New York at the time of filing.
- Either party has lived in New York for two years or more prior to filing.
The court cannot maintain jurisdiction over a divorce action unless one of these five residency requirements exists. Any challenge to residency must be raised during the divorce proceedings, and will not be entertained post judgment.
Can My Spouse Transfer Property or Remove My Name From Insurance Policies During Our Divorce Proceedings?

In September 2009, the New York State legislature enacted new Automatic Restraining Orders which prevent parties from incurring unreasonable debt, spending unreasonable amounts of money, with the exception of the payment of regular bills and reasonable legal fees, from transferring property, removing or terminating insurances, etc. during the divorce. These orders are automatically binding upon the plaintiff, and become binding upon the defendant, once he or she is served with the documents initiating the divorce.