Child support is something that almost all divorcing parents have to worry about, and if your divorce agreement involves child support matters, you cannot hire just any attorney; you must hire an experienced and compassionate Nassau County child support lawyer who truly understands the far-reaching effects that a child support agreement can have on a child and his or her family. For decades, our attorneys have fought on behalf of our clients in an effort to preserve their children’s well-being, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you as well. Contact Barrows Levy PLLC today to learn more about how we can guide you through every step of the legal process ahead.
Do I Need a Nassau County Child Support Lawyer?
You should understand that in many cases, parents are perfectly capable of reaching child support agreements on their own, especially when they are on speaking terms. However, if you are unable to get your spouse to cooperate, or there is no chance of reaching an agreement on your own, then you should turn to an attorney.
Unfortunately, child support is frequently among the most hotly-contested divorce-related issues, and whether you believe you are entitled to receive child support or you believe you are being asked to pay an unfair amount of child support, you can rely on a seasoned Nassau County family law attorney here at Barrows Levy PLLC to be your staunch advocate through every step of the legal process ahead. We know that both your future and that of your child may be in limbo, which is why you have our pledge to do everything in our power to reach a favorable outcome on your behalf.
The Child Support Standards Act in NYS
There are various factors that courts will consider when determining a child support agreement, however, they will always follow the New York Child Support Standards Act, which essentially seeks to fairly and justly determine the financial cost of raising a child. The Act will take a percentage of the combined income between parents of up to $148,000 and from there, proportionally distribute the support between both parents. These percentages also depend on the number of children the couple has, and they are as follows:
- One child: 17%
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 29%
- Four children: 31%
- Five or more children: at least 35%
How New York Courts Determine Child Support
You should note that courts in New York will consider a wide array of additional factors when determining child support. The primary goal of child support is to help ensure that your child retains his or her standard of living, despite your divorce, which is why they will examine each situation on a case-by-case basis to determine what is best for your individual situation. For example, they will consider:
- Your child custody agreement
- Both parents’ yearly income
- Both parents’ education and earning capacity
- Whether either parent has any debts or liabilities
- Your child’s age and health
- Whether your child has any special needs
- Your child’s education
- Tax consequences
- The overall cost of raising your specific child
As previously stated, Nassau County courts make their determinations on a case-by-case basis, meaning if there are any additional factors that they deem relevant, they will consider those as well before reaching a child support settlement. Whether you are seeking child support or you will most likely be paying it, our firm is here to help you.
Child Support Modifications
In most cases, child support will end when a child reaches the legal age of emancipation, which, in New York State, is 21 years old. However, there are various circumstances that may warrant either early termination of child support or the extension of child support past the standard age of emancipation. For example, if your child has special needs or plans on attending higher education or university, you may request an extension on your child support payments. That being said, if your child is under the age of 21, there are still certain situations wherein you may request early termination of child support. Some of those situations are as follows:
- Your child joined the military
- Your child got married
- Your child finished four years of college
- Your child is at least 18 years old and can fully support him/herself financially
Whether you believe that your child qualifies for an extension on child support or early termination of child support, our Nassau County family law attorney is here to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process ahead.
Contact Our Nassau County Child Support Lawyer
When it comes to child support, an experienced Nassau County family law attorney can make all the difference, which is why if you are currently getting divorced and child support is an issue, you should strongly consider your legal options going forward. Our firm has helped successfully negotiate countless child support settlements in the past, and we are here to put our knowledge and skill to work for you as well. Do not run the risk of hiring an attorney who only dabbles in family law, for this can have detrimental consequences for both you and your child, and this is unacceptable. Instead, simply contact Barrows Levy PLLC today to schedule your initial consultation with our firm. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process ahead. With us on your side, you and your child are in good hands.
