Calculating Child Support Payments In NY

How Much is Child Support in Dutchess County?

In the state of New York, non-custodial parents are oftentimes required to pay custodial parents periodic child support payments to help with the cost of raising a child. Determining child support is an important part of divorce negotiations, though these payments are also needed in situations where children are born out of wedlock to single parents.

Determining Factors in Child Support

Child support payments are determined by the following:

• The number of children
• The gross annual income of the parents
• The amount of withheld taxes
• The special needs of the child
• The presence of spousal support

How Often Are Child Support Payments Made?

These payments can be ordered to be made on a weekly, biweekly, monthly, or bimonthly basis and will vary in amounts depending on several different factors.

New York determines child support payment amounts under the Child Support Standards Act. This law was created to ensure child support standards remain fair and consistent to ensure all children receive the same standard of living they would have received if their parents were still together. 

Under this legislation, basic child support awards are based on a fixed percentage of parental income. Percentages will increase if a child support order is being sought for more than one child.

Child Support Percentages in New York

As of 2022, child-support-paying parents must pay the following income percentages:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• At least 35% for five or more children

This percentage structure is applied for all parental income up to $163,000, minus Medicare and tax deductions. Any court-ordered spousal support payments may be deducted from this amount as well. If a parent’s income exceeds this amount, the courts can choose whether or not to adhere to the above guidelines. 

Additional Inclusions in Child Support Orders

In addition to this basic child support obligation administrative add on's and administrative add-ins include:

• Health insurance premiums
• Uncovered medical
• Extracurricular activity
• And educational expenses are typically added

Child Support & Low-Income Non-Custodial Parents

Low-income, non-custodial parents are given special consideration under the law. 

• If a parent’s income is below the poverty level, a support order of $25 per month may be established. 
• Those who make less than the New York State Self-Support Reserve may have a $50 per month arrangement. 

Since these thresholds change each year, it is important that you consult with an attorney to determine if you qualify for these privileges.

For more information about the average child support payments in New York, contact us today at (845) 605-4330 to learn more!

Family Law Representation in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster & Westchester Counties

At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our skilled attorneys can examine your unique circumstances and help you establish a fair child support payment structure that best fits your family’s needs. 

Having represented both paying and non-paying parents, we are committed to doing everything within our power to help you reach a mutually acceptable solution that ensures the fair treatment of all parties.

 With more than 75 years of collective legal experience, we can use our vast legal knowledge to protect you and your child’s rights, no matter how complex your situation may be.