Child Support
Child support is the financial obligation that one parent pays to another to help cover the costs associated with raising their children.
In New York, the law requires that children receive the financial resources they need after their parents separate, regardless of income disparity between parents and regardless of the custody schedule.
Child support is the financial obligation that one parent pays to another to help cover the costs associated with raising their children.
In New York, the law requires that children receive the financial resources they need after their parents separate, regardless of income disparity between parents and regardless of the custody schedule.
Child support is the financial obligation that one parent pays to another to help cover the costs associated with raising their children.
In New York, the law requires that children receive the financial resources they need after their parents separate, regardless of income disparity between parents and regardless of the custody schedule.
With extensive experience handling complex and high-income cases, Moore Family Law will ensure that your children’s needs are fully met, whether you are seeking support or defending against excessive demands.
Basic Child Support & Add-on Expenses
- Basic Child Support: This is calculated based on a percentage of the parents’ combined income (as detailed below) and is meant to cover everyday living expenses like food, clothing, and housing for the child.
- Add-on Expenses: In addition to basic child support, the court may require parents to contribute to add-on expenses, which typically include healthcare costs, childcare, extracurricular activities, and education. These expenses are usually divided between the parents based on their respective incomes.
How is Basic Child Support Calculated?
- In New York, basic child support is determined by the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which calculates support based on the combined parental income up to $183,000 (as of 2024). For income up to this threshold, a percentage of the combined income is allocated for child support, depending on the number of children:
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- 17% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 29% for three children
- 31% for four children
- At least 35% for five or more children
Child Support in High-Income Cases
- In high-income cases where the combined parental income exceeds $183,000, courts often deviate from the standard formula to ensure the child’s needs are met in line with their previous lifestyle. Courts may consider:
- The child’s standard of living during the marriage.
- The child’s physical and emotional health, including any special needs.
- Each parent’s financial resources and earning potential.
- Any gross disparity in the parents’ incomes.
Who Pays Child Support?
- In New York, the non-custodial parent—the parent who does not have primary custody of the child—is typically required to pay child support to the custodial parent. The goal is to ensure that the child’s standard of living is maintained, regardless of which parent the child lives with. The custodial parent is expected to directly cover many of the child’s day-to-day expenses, while the non-custodial parent contributes through child support payments.
