All parents on Long Island, married, divorced, or unwed, must support their children financially. Child support disputes can arise in contentious child custody and paternity cases despite this obligation. The best way to protect your interests and your child’s financial future is to consult an experienced child support attorney.
As a renowned family law practice serving clients on Long Island, Aiello & DiFalco LLP has a proven track record of successfully resolving even the most complex child support cases. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that will stand by you, guide you through every step, and work tirelessly to achieve a practical solution.
Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of New York State’s child support guidelines. We will ensure your child receives the financial resources they need and deserve, providing you with peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Child Support on Long Island: The Basics
In simple terms, child support is money the noncustodial parent must pay the custodial parent for their child’s upbringing. If the parties share joint physical custody, the higher-earning parent is responsible for child support. Either way, child support covers expenses such as:
- Housing
- Clothing
- Food
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Education
The paying parent must provide support until the child is 21 or becomes legally emancipated; however, the parents may agree to extend support until the child completes college.
Child Support Is Based on State Guidelines
New York State guidelines play a key role in calculating child support on Long Island, based on (1) a percentage of the parent’s gross income, after deductions, and the number of children:
- One child — 17 percent
- Two children — 25 percent
- Three children — 29 percent
- Four children — 31 percent
- Five or more children — At least 35 percent
Gross income includes wages, bonuses, overtime, commissions, self-employment income, and all other income sources.
Courts on Long Island order support payments up to a combined income cap of $163,000. For incomes above the cap, the court may order additional support based on the following factors:
- The financial resources of each parent
- The child’s standard of living during the marriage
- The child’s health and any special needs
- The tax consequences for each parent
- Needs of the noncustodial parent’s other children
- Other factors the court deems relevant
Despite these guidelines, disputes arise over income or support amounts in contentious divorce proceedings. You can depend on our skilled child support attorney to protect your rights and children’s welfare. We will leverage our skills and experience to advocate effectively for your best interests in and out of the courtroom.
Can Child Support Be Modified?
Child support orders are not set in stone. A parent may ask the court to modify an order if (1) there has been a significant change in circumstances and (2) three years have elapsed since the court issued the original order.
Examples of significant changes include:
- The paying parent lost their job involuntarily
- A substantial increase in the paying parent’s income
- Either parent has become permanently disabled
- An increase in the child’s medical needs
If you need assistance modifying your child support agreement, turn to Aiello & DiFalco. Our child support attorneys will help you prepare the paperwork, represent your interests and court, and protect your rights.
Why Choose Us?
At Aiello & DiFalco, we have comprehensive knowledge of New York’s child support laws and a well-deserved reputation as dedicated advocates who work to protect our clients’ interests. We understand the needs and challenges of Long Island families and provide compassionate representation and personalized guidance to ensure your children receive the support they deserve.
Whether you are divorcing and need assistance establishing child support, seeking child support as part of a paternity action, or looking to modify a child support order, we are the experienced choice. When you partner with us, you will have peace of mind knowing that we are by your side.
Talk To A Long Island Child Support Attorney Today
If you are involved in a child support dispute, you need the informed representation and dependable service Aiello & DiFalco provides. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.