Child support and custody are one of the biggest issues when it comes to handling a divorce. When a child custody agreement is put in place, there is generally a custodial parent and a noncustodial parent. The noncustodial parent will likely be ordered to make child support payments that go towards providing the child with everything they need such as food and clothing, among other things.
There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration when determining whether child support is fair. Custody is the number one factor in determining who supports the child. The noncustodial parent will then be obligated to abide by the child support payments determined by the New York State Child Support Standards Act. New York State created this formula to determine the amount of child support that will be paid by the noncustodial parent.
- One child: 17% of both parents’ income
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 29%
- Four children: 31%
- Five children or more: at least 35%
New York State believes this formula is the best way to make a fair decision on how child support is paid. If you believe that the child support formula is requiring you to make a payment that you cannot afford, you should request a support modification with the court. It is crucial that you do not skip any of your payments for child support because there are serious consequences that may arise, such as garnished wages or even a warrant for arrest.
If you have questions about child support, contact an experienced family law attorney today.
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.