Albany New York Child Support Attorney
Parents caught up in the emotions of uncontested divorce and custody issues often forget that judges award child support for one purpose: to support the needs of the child. Unfortunately, parents often look at child support as a form of spousal maintenance, with all the negative emotions that come with it.
“Spouses on both sides often see child support as some kind of alimony. It's not. As your attorney, I will fight aggressively to ensure that the net income calculations used in the New York guidelines formula are accurate and fair — and always in your child's best interests.” — Attorney Margaret Donnelly, Esq.
If you are involved in a uncontested divorce or custody issue that involves child support issues, get the facts. The law office of attorney Margaret E. Donnelly, Esq., Attorney at Law, advises and represents clients in all areas relating to New York family law, including:
- Uncontested divorce
- Child custody
- Child support payment modification
- Child support enforcement
- Visitation rights and parenting time
- Visitation modification
- Paternity lawsuits
Fighting for You, With the Focus Always On Your Child's Welfare
New York courts award child support based on the net income of both parents, with further considerations for percentage of parenting time. Generally, for one child, New York child support is determined as a specific percentage of income and increased for each additional child.
- 17% of the combined parental income for one child;
- 25% of the combined parental income for two children;
- 29% of the combined parental income for three children;
- 31% of the combined parental income for four children; and
- No less than 35% of the combined parental income for five or more children.
Where there are five or more children, the court must exercise its discretion in fixing the amount of the child support percentage. Where the combined parental income exceeds $80,000 per year, after the court determines the non-custodial parent's share of the “basic child support obligation,” it must next determine the amount of child support for the amount of combined parental income in excess of $80,000. It may do so, in the exercise of its discretion, through consideration of discretionary factors and/or the child support percentage.
Ms. Donnelly fights hard to ensure that your net income used in the calculation is accurate and fair. Most important, though, your child's interests are always the top priority.
A Lawyer Who Cares
If child support is an issue in your uncontested divorce settlement or custody matter, call 518.477.6230 or contact the office by e-mail.
