For many, child custody and support can be highly contentious matters during divorce, as parents often clash over the desire to maximize time spent with their children. Upon determining child custody, the courts may require a parent to provide financial assistance for their children’s necessities through child support. Regardless of whether you have been ordered to pay or are entitled to receive child support, it’s essential to understand how custodial time can impact child support amounts in New York. Please continue reading to learn more about these matters and how a dedicated Suffolk County Child Support Attorney is in your best interest.
How is Child Support Determined?
The Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) sets the basic child support amount in New York. The CSSA considers the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the respective time allocation each parent spends with the child. These factors and others contribute to the calculation of child support payments. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the court may deviate from the standard calculation as every child support case is unique. The following include, but are not limited to, some of the factors the court will take into consideration when issuing a decision on child support in New York:
- The age and health of each parent
- The needs of the child
- The custody arrangement
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each parents income
- The tax implications of support for each parent
- Any other relevant factors
How Do Custody Arrangements Affect Child Support Amounts?
As mentioned above, the CSSA considers several factors when deciding on child support, including the time each parent spends with the child. When a parent is afforded more custodial time, meaning they have the child in their care for a more significant percentage, they often incur more expenses to cover the child’s basic needs. As a result, child support amounts are adjusted to reflect this. The court typically requires the non-custodial parent to contribute more to cover their share of the child’s expenses. New York courts expect both parents to contribute proportionally to these expenses as they are obligated to support their children until the age of emancipation financially.
As you can see, custodial time is considered when determining child support amounts. We understand how complex these matters can be at The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C.. If you are facing a divorce with children and have concerns about child support, contact our seasoned legal team, who can help fight for a fair child support determination. Contact our attorneys today to learn how we can fight for you and your children during this difficult time.
