Westchester Child Support Lawyers

Helping Families in New York

When you are going through a divorce, one of the most important details to figure out is how much child support your family will need. Child support is a vital part of the divorce and family law process because it is what helps provide for your children financially.

At Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, P.C., we understand the complexities of child support and how it can affect your divorce. Our New York child support lawyers can help you determine how much child support will be necessary and how it will be paid.

We are dedicated to helping you and your children move on from the pain of divorce and transition into new lives. Our firm is based in Long Island, but we proudly serve clients throughout New York and New Jersey.

Call (914) 350-5329 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule an initial case review.

How is Child Support Calculated in New York?

The New York State Child Support Standards Act lays out the basic formula for how much child support will be paid. This formula takes into account the parents' incomes and how much time the child spends with each parent. The parents' incomes do not need to be the same, but they must be verified by paystubs or tax returns. Other factors, such as the cost of health insurance, daycare, and other special needs, can also impact the amount of child support.

When parents cannot agree on how much child support should be paid, a family law judge will determine how much is necessary based on the child support guidelines. Parents can ask a judge to modify child support if their income changes or if other special circumstances exist. Parents can also ask a judge to end child support early if the child turns 18 and no longer lives with either parent.

When Does Child Support End?

In New York, child support typically ends when the child reaches the age of 21. However, there are certain circumstances under which child support may end earlier or continue beyond the age of 21.

Here are a few scenarios:

• Emancipation: If the child becomes emancipated before reaching the age of 21, child support may end. Emancipation occurs when a child gets married, joins the military, or becomes financially independent.
• Graduation from high school: If the child is still attending high school when they turn 21, child support usually continues until they graduate or reach the age of 21, whichever comes first.
• Physical or mental disability: If the child has a physical or mental disability and requires continued support, child support may extend beyond the age of 21.
• Agreement between parents: Sometimes, parents can agree to extend or terminate child support beyond the age of 21 through a written agreement or court order.