Child Support Lawyer on Staten Island, New York
Staten Island Child Support Lawyer
When you and your child’s other parent don’t live together or can’t agree on financial responsibilities relating to your child, a court-approved child support order is often required. If you are involved in a child support case, consider hiring the skilled Staten Island Child Support Attorneys of the Soren Law Group.
The Soren Law Group can help you with all aspects of your child support case, whether you are the one paying support or receiving it. Our experienced child support lawyer can explain how New York State’s child support guidelines work and help you estimate the amount of support you should be paying or receiving. We will also review your case and determine if there are any grounds to modify an existing support order.
Child support obligations are serious, and the failure to make payments can result in wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or even jail time. We understand how frustrating it can be when the other parent doesn’t make their required payments, and we will work diligently to help you get the money you need to support your child. If you are having difficulty collecting child support payments, our child support lawyer can help with that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in New York?
In New York, child support is calculated using the income shares model. This means that both parents’ total income is considered when determining the amount of support to be paid. The court will also consider other factors, such as the number of children, the age of the children, the custody arrangement, and the child’s needs. The New York State Department of Social Services provides information and guidance on how child support is calculated in New York. Professionals, such as lawyers and child support enforcement agents, can also help you calculate child support.
How long do I have to pay child support?
In New York, child support is typically paid until the child turns 21 years old. However, some circumstances under which support may be ordered for a longer period, such as if the child is disabled.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, you can modify your child support order if there has been a change in circumstances. A change in income or the needs of the child are two examples of circumstances that could warrant a modification. To request a modification, you must file a petition with the court. The child’s mother, father, or legal guardian can file the petition.
What if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
If the other parent does not pay child support, you can take legal action against them. A child support lawyer can help you take legal action to enforce your support order. You can file a petition with the court to enforce the child support order, and the court may take various enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment or tax refund interception.
Do I have to pay child support if I don’t live with my child?
Yes, you are still required to pay child support even if you do not live with your child. Child support is intended to help cover the costs of raising a child, which is not affected by whether or not the parent lives with the child.
How can I lower my child support arrears in New York?
In New York, you can lower your child support arrears by making a lump sum payment or by entering into a repayment plan with the other parent. You may also be able to have your arrears forgiven if you can show that it would be a financial hardship to repay them. The New York City Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) can help you with this process.
About Child Support in NYC
The state of New York requires both parents to support a child until the child in question reaches age 21, joins the military, or gets married. Child support orders can be established when one parent files a petition with Family Court, by a written agreement signed by both parents, or during a divorce case. In most cases, the child’s custodial parent will receive regular support payments from the noncustodial parent. A child support lawyer can help you establish or modify a child support order.
Enforcing a Child Support Order
After the court approves a child support order, all parties are legally bound to follow the order’s requirements. If the parent required to pay support fails to make his or her payments, the other parent can file a child support petition with the court to enforce the order. Enforcement may involve deducting the unpaid support from the parent’s wages, intercepting tax refunds, placing liens against property, and more.
Modifying a Child Support Order
In some cases, a change in circumstances may warrant a modification to an existing child support order. To modify an order, you must petition the court and provide an explanation of the change in circumstances. If the modification is approved, a new child support order will be enacted, and the old order will no longer be valid. Enforcement measures may be necessary to ensure that the new order is followed. Hiring a child support lawyer can increase the chances that your petition is successful.
Calculating Child Support
In New York, child support is calculated using a percentage of the combined parental income. The amount of income included in this calculation and the percentage used to calculate support vary depending on the number of children involved. For example, for one child, the non-custodial parent would pay 17% of their income in child support, while for four children, the non-custodial parent would pay 31% of their income. From the cost of health insurance and child care to unreimbursed health care expenses, many factors can affect the final child support amount.
Hiring a Child Support Attorney in Richmond County, New York
Whether you are a parent seeking child support or a parent who may be required to pay child support, it helps to have a skilled child support attorney on your side. The laws surrounding child support cases in New York can be complicated, but a child support lawyer with experience in this practice area will be able to explain your options thoroughly and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
A child support obligation is a serious matter, and the stakes are high. Don’t go through it alone – contact the Soren Law Group today for more information, schedule a consultation, discuss the specifics of your situation, or learn more about our legal services. Our Staten Island Child Support Lawyers look forward to helping you with your case.
Child Support Disputes
If you are having trouble coming to an agreement with the other parent about child support, you may need to involve a child support lawyer or mediator. The Soren Law Group can help you navigate the child support system and protect your rights. We will work with you to try to reach an agreement that is fair for both parties and in the best interests of your child. If an agreement cannot be reached, we will advocate for you in court. From child support hearing to appeals, we will be there for you every step of the way.
Child Support Payments
If you are supposed to be receiving child support payments but the other parent is not making them, you have options. The Soren Law Group can help you take action to get the child support payments you are owed. You can file a violation petition with the court to enforce the child support order, and the court may take various enforcement actions against the non-paying parent, such as wage garnishment or tax refund interception.
Child Support Modifications
A change in circumstances, such as a job loss or change in income, may warrant a modification to an existing child support order. To modify an order, you must petition the court and provide an explanation of the change in circumstances. If the modification is granted, it will be retroactive to the date of the request. The Soren Law Group can help you file a child custody petition for modification and represent you in court if necessary. From application, summons, and notice to a court hearing, we will guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
Collecting Unpaid Child Support
If you are owed unpaid child support, you have several options for collecting the money you are owed. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) offers a child support enforcement program that can help you locate the non-custodial parent, establish paternity, set up a support order, and collect payments. This child support program is free to anyone who needs help collecting child support.
Areas We Serve
Get the Help You Need from a Qualified Child Support Lawyer on Staten Island, NY
The Soren Law Group understands how important it is for parents to have a clear and enforceable child support agreement in place. We also know how difficult it can be to come to an agreement with the other parent, especially when there are feelings of anger or resentment involved. Our Staten Island child support lawyers are here to help you through every step of the process, from establishing an initial support order to modifying an existing one.
When going through divorce or separation, it’s important to have a family law attorney who understands the unique challenges of your case and is dedicated to protecting your rights. The Soren Law Group has over 20 years of experience handling all types of family law cases, including child support cases. Our family law firm will work diligently to help you resolve your child support case in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
Child custody, visitation, and support cases can be emotional and contentious, but our goal is always to resolve them in a way that is fair for all parties involved and in the child’s best interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled child support lawyers. We understand that no two families are alike, and we will tailor our approach to your family’s specific needs. We look forward to helping you resolve your case in a way that is fair to everyone involved.
