Child Support Lawyer in Queens, NY

Experienced family attorney protecting your interests in child support and paternity cases.

The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. is an accomplished paternity and child support law firm and is well-versed in petitioning for child support, initiating orders, and representing those served with child support petitions. With a deep understanding of child support details and the legal guidelines of the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), we can provide calculations for support payments.

We provide vital guidance and assist in preparing essential documents for your child support hearing. For counsel tailored to your child support case in Queens, NY, call or fill out our form today to schedule a free consultation to get started.

Child Support Legal Services We Provide in Queens

Child abuse and neglect issues: Acts or omissions that endanger a child's well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect.
Child support payments: Financial contributions made by a noncustodial parent to support a child's upbringing, typically paid to the custodial parent or legal guardian.
Child support enforcement: Legal processes ensuring noncustodial parents fulfill their financial obligations to support their children, often involving court-ordered measures.
Child support modification: The legal adjustment of child support terms and amounts, initiated due to significant changes in the financial or personal circumstances of the parents or the child.
Paternity: Legal acknowledgment of biological fatherhood, established through methods like DNA testing or voluntary acknowledgment, determining parental rights and responsibilities.
Family court representation:Legal advocacy provided by an attorney in family court, addressing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, and other family-related legal matters.

Determining Child Support Payments In New York

New York began using the CSSA to determine child support payments in 2017. The formula used to determine payments can become complicated in certain situations, but the key factors are income and the number of children involved. The state looks at the combined income of both parents and sets the base child support payment using the following percentages:

One child: 17% of the parents’ combined income
Two children: 25% of the parents’ combined income
Three children: 29% of the parents’ combined income
Four children: 31% of the parents’ combined income
Five or more children: At least 35% of the parents’ combined income

This means that if the parents’ combined income is $100,000, annual support for one child would be $17,000, annual support for two children would be $25,000, and so on. The payments assigned are then based on the income of each parent as a percentage of the combined income – if one parent makes twice as much income as the other, their child support obligation would be twice as much as the lower-income parent.

After the base payment is established, expenses such as child care, education, and medical expenses are factored in to arrive at a final number. Call The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C., for a consultation at 877-704-9920, or contact us online.

Child Support Modifications And Enforcement

If your child support payment is no longer enough to cover the costs of raising your children, or if your income or the income of your ex-partner has changed, you may want to request a modification in your child support payment. The court provides a process for changing your child support payment amount. If you need a modification in your child support to meet your current financial needs, Joseph H. Nivin can guide you through the modification process.

If your child support payments are chronically late or not being paid at all, we can also help you get the courts to enforce their child support ruling. There are several ways to collect past-due payments and enforce future payments. These methods include garnishing wages, taking funds from tax returns, or filing a lien against property or other assets. If you’re owed child support, we can help you get court-ordered payments enforced and collect past-due payments.

Child Support FAQs:

Can you negotiate child support in Queens, NY?

Child support in New York can be negotiated. When parties involved in a child support case are willing to reach an agreement outside of court, negotiations can be initiated to determine a suitable support arrangement. It is advisable to seek legal guidance during this process to ensure that the negotiated terms align with the best interests of the child and follow the legal guidelines outlined in the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA).

What are the penalties for failing to pay child support?

Failure to pay child support can lead to various legal consequences in Queens, NY. Penalties for non-payment may include wage garnishment, suspension of driver's licenses, and the withholding of tax refunds. Additionally, the court may hold the non-paying party in contempt, resulting in fines or even imprisonment in extreme cases. It is crucial for individuals facing difficulties in meeting their child support obligations to seek legal counsel promptly to explore options and potentially avoid severe penalties.

What expenses does child support cover?

Child support is intended to cover the child's basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare expenses.

Contact The Child Support Lawyers At The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C.

If you are facing a paternity suit or need help collecting child support or modifying your child support agreement, call The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C., for a consultation at 877-704-9920, or contact us online.

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