In most cases, financial issues related to divorce or custody typically cause the most tension. Paying child support is the one major obligation following a divorce or custody arrangement to ensure that the right funds are being allocated to support the child’s needs. In the state of New York, these payments continue until the child turns 21 years of age.

Common payments that child support payments go toward include:

Basic necessities - food, clothing, shelter

Medical care - health insurance for a child

Educational fees - any fees related to school or sometimes college

Childcare - babysitters or nannies

Transportation - gas, car payments

Entertainment - basic entertainment around the house or trips

Extracurricular Activities - summer camps, sporting activities

The court will decide the amount owed for child support for these 3 guidelines:

1. Parent’s income and ability to pay
2. Financial needs of child
3. Amount needed to maintain the existing standard of living

While New York maintains certain standards of child support, each case may have circumstances that require additional support (upward modification) or payment of less support (downward modification. If you have questions about child support, contact us today to review your case.