How Child Support Is Calculated in New York: A Parent’s Guide

If you're a parent in Bensonhurst, Gravesend, or anywhere in Brooklyn, you may be wondering how child support is determined and what to expect when filing a child support case. Whether you’re seeking support for your child or need to understand your payment obligations, New York follows specific child support guidelines that courts use to calculate the proper amount.

Understanding the child support formula, what counts as income, and when payments can be adjusted is essential to protecting your rights and your child’s financial well-being. This guide will break it all down in simple terms, so you know exactly what to expect—and how our firm can help.

How Does New York Determine Child Support?

New York law follows the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which uses a percentage-based formula depending on the number of children. The formula is based on the combined income of both parents.

Standard Child Support Percentages in New York

✔ One child: 17% of combined parental income
✔ Two children: 25% of combined parental income
✔ Three children: 29% of combined parental income
✔ Four children: 31% of combined parental income
✔ Five or more children: No less than 35% of combined parental income

For example, if both parents together earn $100,000, the total child support obligation for one child would be $17,000 per year ($1,416 per month). The non-custodial parent is responsible for paying a proportional share of that amount based on their income.

📌 Important: Child support is not just a fixed percentage—it also takes into account special circumstances, additional expenses, and the financial needs of the child.

What Counts as Income for Child Support?

New York considers all sources of income when calculating child support, including:

✔ Salary & wages (including overtime, bonuses, and commissions)
✔ Self-employment earnings
✔ Unemployment benefits
✔ Workers’ compensation or disability payments
✔ Rental income or investment earnings
✔ Social Security or pension income

📌 Fact: Courts may also impute income to a parent who is unemployed or underemployed, meaning they will assign a reasonable earning amount based on work history, education, and skills.

Additional Child Support Expenses

Beyond the basic child support percentage, courts may also require parents to split additional costs, such as:

✔ Health insurance & medical expenses – Includes co-pays, prescriptions, therapy, and dental care.
✔ Childcare costs – If the custodial parent works or goes to school.
✔ Education expenses – Private school tuition, tutoring, and extracurricular activities.

📌 Tip: If you are seeking child support or being asked to pay support, it’s important to understand what expenses should be included. Our firm ensures that your child gets what they are entitled to while making sure you’re not overpaying unfairly.

Can Child Support Be Adjusted in New York?

Yes! If your financial situation changes, you can request a child support modification. Courts allow modifications if:

✔ A parent loses a job or experiences a major income change
✔ The child’s needs increase significantly (e.g., medical expenses, school costs)
✔ The custodial arrangement changes (e.g., shared custody)

📌 If your financial situation has changed, our firm can file a request to increase, decrease, or modify your child support payments.

Need Child Support? Contact a Brooklyn Attorney Who Gets Results

Child support is one of the most important financial matters in any custody case. Whether you’re seeking support for your child or want to make sure payments are fair, our firm is here to help.

✔ Flat fees for uncontested cases – No surprises, just straightforward pricing.
✔ Competitive rates for all child support matters – Cost-effective representation.
✔ Personalized legal guidance – We fight to get you the best financial outcome for your child.

📞 Call or email us today to schedule a consultation: 347-692-0222 | 7622LAW@gmail.com