When you and your spouse decide to divorce, it’s important to understand the full scope of the legal matters that must be considered in this process. If you have a child, one of the most critical aspects that is taken into consideration is child support. Because this aspect of divorce is critical to the success and development of a child, understanding how these matters are determined is critical. As such, the following blog explores the expenses included in these support payments and the method used by New York courts to determine the financial obligations of each parent. Additionally, you’ll discover how a Long Island child support lawyer can help you fight for the best potential outcome for these matters.
What Expenses are Included in Child Support?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the purpose of child support payments. These are not intended as punishments for the non-custodial parents but rather a way to ensure the children at the center of a divorce can still receive the same financial support they would have if both parents were still in a relationship.
As such, it’s critical to know what expenses child support covers. Generally, you’ll find that these payments help cover the cost of basic necessities, which include food, shelter, clothing, and any other general expenses related to child-rearing. Additionally, there are often additional costs that are considered based on the child’s circumstances. This includes healthcare costs, childcare, and educational expenses.
How Are Support Payments Calculated?
Generally, the non-custodial parent is responsible for making child support payments. This is because the court believes the non-custodial parent should be responsible for supplementing the financial needs of the child.
Typically, to calculate child support payments in New York, the courts will combine the incomes of both parents. Next, the court will divide by the percentage associated with the number of children involved in the custody matter. One child warrants 17% of the combined income, while two warrant 25%. The more children that are involved, the higher the percentage.
It’s important to understand that, when determining child support payments, income is not limited to only the salary or wages earned through employment. Any additional income, including workers’ compensation, disability, pensions, and even unemployment benefits, will be taken into consideration when calculating child support payments in New York.
As you can see, there are several factors that are taken into consideration when determining child support payments in New York. Whether you are the custodial parent or the paying parent, working with an experienced attorney is critical to ensure that the child support amount ordered by the court is fair and reflects the full expenses necessary to help ensure the success of the child. At the Law Offices of Jay D. Raxenberg, our firm understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you and your family. Contact our team today to discuss these circumstances with a member of our dedicated firm today.
