If you no longer wish to continue a marriage or relationship with your partner and you share children, it’s critical to understand how the course calculates child support payments. Many parents are unaware of what factors can influence the amount they’re obligated to pay and whether those numbers fluctuate over time. Child support obligations are determined using the New York State Child Support Guidelines. With this formula, your child support payment will depend on the number of children you have. If you’re facing a divorce and dealing with an issue pertaining to child support, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined Nassau County Child Support Lawyer who can fight for you today. Please continue reading to learn how having multiple children will affect your child support obligation in New York.
What is Child Support?
New York courts recognize that both parents must support their children until emancipation. Therefore, court-ordered financial maintenance or support is an obligation where the non-custodial parent provides the custodial parent with financial support. Child support is intended to cover more than just the expense of food, shelter, clothes, and medical care. It’s also designed to pay for activities that enrich the child’s life, contributing to their overall well-being.
Does the Number of Children I Have Affect Child Support Payments?
When New York courts determine a fair annual child support obligation, they consider several factors. They will turn to the New York State Child Support Standards Act to calculate a base amount. This statutory formula calculates the combined income between you and your spouse. Then, they will proportionally distribute the support between you and your spouse. It’s crucial to understand that the percentages will vary depending on the number of children in your family. Essentially, the greater the number of children, the greater the percentage:
- One child: 17%
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 29%
- Four children: 31%
- Five or more children: no less than 35%
It’s important to note that the court assesses other significant factors to determine fair child support. This includes each parent’s income, education, earning capacity, debts and liabilities, tax implications, age and health, the academic and social life of the child, and any other relevant factors. The court will ensure the ruling is in the child’s best interests.
Moreover, if you have another child following your divorce, you can petition to modify your existing child support order to reflect your substantial change in circumstances. New York courts believe that all children are entitled to financial support from their parents. Therefore, the amount the non-custodial parent is obligated to pay may be reduced to account for the new child.
If you’re a parent considering divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact a proficient Nassau County child support lawyer from the Law Offices of Eyal Talassazan, P.C., who can help you through the complex legal process ahead.
