Nassau County Child Support Lawyers

Personalized Attention from a Skilled Attorneys

If you are concerned about child support, the Law Office of Tzvi Y. Hagler, P.C. can help. Whether you are going through divorce or a legal separation, our Nassau County child support attorneys can help you obtain a fair settlement that ensures your child is provided for.

Our attorneys have years of experience assisting clients through a variety of family law matters. When you turn to our firm, you can be confident that your case is in competent hands.

Need help with child support matters? Contact us today at (516) 514-3868 for a consultation and let our experienced attorneys guide you.

Additional Factors That Affect Child Support in New York

Child support calculations in New York follow set guidelines, but various factors can influence the final amount:

• High-Income Parents – When parents earn significantly more than the standard income limit used for child support calculations, the court may deviate from the guidelines and set a higher amount based on the child’s needs and lifestyle.
• Medical Expenses – Basic child support covers regular healthcare costs, but uninsured medical expenses, such as surgeries, therapy, or specialized treatments, may be divided between parents.
• Daycare & Education Costs – If a custodial parent needs childcare services due to work or school, the non-custodial parent may be required to contribute to those costs. Private school tuition or extracurricular activities may also factor into child support if they were part of the child’s pre-divorce lifestyle.
• Shared Custody Adjustments – If the non-custodial parent has the child for extended periods, such as 50/50 custody or frequent overnight stays, the court may adjust child support obligations accordingly.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent refuses to pay child support, there are legal actions that can be taken:

• Filing a Violation Petition – The custodial parent can request court intervention to enforce child support payments.
• Wage Garnishment – The court can order the non-paying parent’s employer to deduct child support directly from their paycheck.
• Suspension of Licenses – If payments are not made, the court may suspend a parent’s driver’s license, professional license, or even passport.
• Seizure of Assets – In severe cases, the court may freeze bank accounts or intercept tax refunds to recover unpaid child support.
• Contempt of Court – A parent who repeatedly fails to pay child support may face fines or jail time.

Modifying Child Support Agreements

Child support payments are not always permanent and may be modified under certain circumstances:

• Significant Income Changes – If either parent loses a job, experiences a substantial raise, or faces unexpected financial hardship, they can request a modification.
• Changes in the Child’s Needs – If a child develops special medical or educational needs, support payments may be adjusted to cover additional costs.
• Shared Custody Adjustments – If parenting time changes significantly, the court may recalculate payments based on the new arrangement.
• How to Request a Modification – A parent must file a petition in family court and provide evidence of the change in circumstances. The court will review the request before making a decision.

How Is Child Support Calculated in New York?

In New York State, the court uses the guidelines of the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) when determining the amount of payment the non-custodial parent owes to the custodial parent. Child support is calculated by multiplying the parents’ combined incomes by a percentage that is based on the number of children that require financial support.

The current child support percentage guidelines are:

• One child: 17%
• Two children: 25%
• Three children: 29%
• Four children: 31%
• Five children or more: at least 35%

These percentages determine how much of the parents’ income goes towards financially supporting the child. That amount is then divided between the parents based on the percentage of their contribution to the combined income.

For instance, if a custodial parent’s income amounts to 35% of the combined total income, the non-custodial parent would be responsible for paying the other 65% of the child support obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a verbal agreement between parents replace a court-ordered child support arrangement?

• No. A verbal agreement is not legally binding. Even if both parents agree to changes in payments, child support modifications must be approved by the court to be enforceable.

How does the court determine if a parent's income is being hidden?

• If there is suspicion that a parent is hiding income to lower child support payments, the court can investigate bank statements, tax returns, business records, and other financial documents. A forensic accountant may also be used to uncover hidden assets.

Can child support be reduced if the paying parent has another child?

• Having another child does not automatically reduce existing child support obligations. However, the paying parent may petition the court for a modification based on financial hardship or increased responsibilities. The court will consider the best interests of all children involved.

What happens if child support payments are late?

• If a parent misses payments, the custodial parent can file for enforcement. The court may impose penalties, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of a driver’s license, or even contempt of court charges.

Is child support still required if the custodial parent earns more money than the non-custodial parent?

• Yes. Child support is based on state guidelines and the financial contributions of both parents. Even if the custodial parent earns more, the non-custodial parent is typically still responsible for their portion of child support unless the court grants a modification.

Can child support be paid directly to the child instead of the other parent?

• No. Child support payments must be made to the custodial parent or through the appropriate state agency. Payments made directly to the child do not count toward court-ordered support obligations unless approved by the court.

What if I have joint custody? Do I still have to pay child support?

• In joint custody arrangements, child support is determined based on both parents' incomes and the amount of time each spends with the child. Even with equal parenting time, the higher-earning parent may still be required to pay support to maintain the child's standard of living.

Obtain Effective Representation Today

Whether you are seeking child support or you are required to pay, our Nassau County child support lawyers can help you obtain the outcome you deserve. At the Law Office of Tzvi Y. Hagler, P.C., we have the knowledge and resources to answer all of your questions and help you make good choices about your case.

Facing child support issues? Don’t navigate it alone. Contact us at (516) 514-3868 to protect your rights and secure your child’s future.