Child support is one of the most critical issues in family law, touching directly on both a child’s well-being and each parent’s financial security. In New York, the law sets clear guidelines, but every family’s situation is different. Parents in Garden City often ask, “When should I hire a child support lawyer?” The answer depends on whether your case is straightforward or if challenges arise that could affect your child or your finances.
Understanding Child Support in New York
New York’s Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) provides the formula courts use to calculate child support. It considers both parents’ incomes and the number of children, applying a percentage of the combined parental income to determine a baseline obligation.
Child support is meant to cover the basics: food, housing, and clothing. Depending on the family’s circumstances, it can also include extras such as:
- Health insurance and uncovered medical expenses
- Childcare costs related to work or education
- Educational expenses, including private school or tutoring
- Extracurricular activities, if agreed to or ordered by the court
While the formula provides structure, the reality is that cases often involve complexities that go beyond simple calculations.
When Parents Usually Don’t Need a Lawyer
Not every child support matter requires the services of an attorney. In cases where:
- Parents agree on the amount of support,
- Incomes are straightforward and easily verified, and
- Both parties are committed to following New York’s guidelines,
…it may be possible to resolve support without legal disputes. Even then, however, many parents choose to consult a lawyer to ensure that agreements are enforceable and documented in court.
Situations That Call for a Child Support Lawyer
Disputes Over Income
When one parent is self-employed, receives irregular income, or is suspected of hiding assets, determining actual income can be challenging. A lawyer can help uncover accurate financial information.
Modification Requests
Child support isn’t fixed forever. If circumstances change — such as job loss, a raise, or increased needs of the child — you may need to modify the order. Legal help ensures the court considers all relevant factors.
Enforcement Issues
When support is not paid as ordered, enforcement may be necessary. Lawyers can help with wage garnishment, liens, or other collection methods.
Special Expenses
Families often disagree about costs beyond basic support, such as private school tuition, travel expenses, or medical treatments. Legal advocacy can make the difference in whether those expenses are shared fairly.
Relocation or Interstate Issues
If one parent moves out of state or far from Garden City, child support orders may need to be enforced or modified across jurisdictions. An attorney ensures compliance with New York law while addressing practical realities.
How Aiello & DiFalco Can Help
At Aiello & DiFalco, we represent parents throughout Garden City and the surrounding communities in all types of child support matters. Whether you are seeking to establish support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, we provide practical guidance grounded in New York law.
Our attorneys can:
- Calculate accurate support amounts under the CSSA formula.
- Uncover hidden income and ensure full financial disclosure.
- Advocate for fair contributions toward medical, educational, or extracurricular costs.
- Protect your interests during modifications or enforcement actions.
We understand that child support isn’t just about numbers — it’s about creating stability for your family’s future.
Protecting Your Child and Your Finances
Some child support cases in New York are simple, but many involve complexities that require professional help. From hidden income to unpaid support, the stakes can be high for both parents and children.
If you’re facing a child support issue in Garden City, the attorneys at Aiello & DiFalco can help you navigate the process with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
