The Child Support Standards Act names a formula that decides the structure of child support based on the number of children involved in the case and in the family. When there are more children in the family, there is a greater percentage of combined marital income that must go to child support. The child support is based upon the number of children. When there is only one child to provide for, 17% may be included. For two children, 25% percent may be demanded. As the number of children increases, the percentage increases to be able to provide for more children in the family.
The formula is used to estimate the amount of support needed. However, there are many other factors considered when deciding upon the child support structure. Judges will consider the financial resources of each parent and of the child. They will take into account the child’s physical and emotional health to ensure their well-being, along with their current standard of living. Other factors include the tax consequences of each parent, their non-monetary contributions, their educational needs, the parent’s gross income and the children’s needs outside of the marriage.
Do child support payments end?
The state of New York ends child support at the time when the child turns 21 years old. At this time, the parent does not have to pay their former spouse child support payments. Children are said to be independent at this time and parents do not support them as much as they used to.
How does child custody affect child support?
Child custody arrangements can give parents different roles in the child’s life. If one parent is named as the custodial parent, they may be entitled to child support benefits. Since the child resides with this parent, the parent often will spend more money providing for them. This can entitle them to receive child support from the other parent. The child may not spend as much time with their non-custodial parent. This means that this parent is not providing as much as the custodial parent. The custodial parent may need help financially to support the child. This is when child support proves to be beneficial.
Matters of divorce and family law should be navigated with the guidance of an experienced attorney. If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today.
