Child Support

Parents have the obligation to support their children until the children attain the age of twenty-one years or attain the age of eighteen years and become self- supporting, married, or join the Armed Forces.

In New York State Child Support is governed by a sliding percentage scale that is used to determine child support.

Generally speaking the non-custodial parent will pay to the custodial parent 17% of his/her gross income for one child; 25% for 2 children; 29% for 3 children; and 31% for four children.

Even in the case of Joint Custody the party who earns more money or who is in a superior financial situation will have to pay child support to the other parent.

In addition to this basic child support the parties must share, on a pro rata basis, any out of pocket health related expense and expenses for child care if the custodial parent is employed outside the home or is attending school that will lead to employment.

Child Support is not deductible on the payor’s tax returns, nor is it income to the payee spouse.