Child Support and its Calculation in New York
Child support is financial support provided by the noncustodial parent. Child support includes:
- Cash payments (based on the parent’s income and the needs of the child)
- Health insurance for the child (medical support)
- Payments for child care
- Payments for reasonable health care costs that are not covered by health insurance.
Under New York State law, parents are responsible for supporting their child until the child is 21 years old.
Child Support in New York is typically calculated by the court. First, the court determines the noncustodial parent’s adjusted gross income. Next, the court multiplies the adjusted gross income by the standard guideline percentage for the number of children. These percentages are as follows:
- 17% for one child
- 25% for two children
- 29% for three children
- 31% for four children
- at least 35% for five or more children.
Finally, the noncustodial parent’s share of child care, medical, and educational expenses is added to the income percentage amount. The combined amount, percentage of income plus share of expenses, is the basic child support amount.
For incomes over $130,000, the court determines whether or not to use the percentage guidelines and may consider other factors in setting the full child support payment.
Child Support calculations in New York are confusing so you should meet with an experienced family law lawyer – even if you think your child support is easy to calculate. The Underwood Law Firm is one of the few firms in the Syracuse area that offers free consultations on Child Support so that everyone has an opportunity to speak with an experienced attorney about their case.
The Underwood Law Firm handles all aspects of family law including adoption, child custody, child support, separation and divorce cases in the following areas: Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Watertown, Oswego, Binghamton; Onondaga County and Madison County, including the towns, cities and villages of: Fayetteville, Manlius, DeWitt, Morrisville, Cicero, Liverpool, East Syracuse, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Camillus, Clay, Fabius, Elbridge, Geddes, Jordan, Lafayette, Lysander, Marcellus, Minoa, North Syracuse, Otisco, Pompey, Salina, Skaneateles, Spafford, Tully, Van Buren, Eaton, Cazenovia, Canastota, Brewerton, Solvay, Central Square, Cato, Chittenango, Oneida and many other areas.
Updated: 1/05/18