Do I have to pay child support for my stepchild?
Stepparents often take on the same responsibilities as biological parents. That said, many people wonder whether they are liable for paying child support for their stepchildren in the event of a divorce. If you are undergoing a divorce as a stepparent, contact a proficient Nassau County Child Support Attorney who can help you understand your legal obligations. Keep reading to learn whether stepparents are liable for paying child support for their stepchild in New York.
Will I have to pay child support for my stepchild after a divorce?
In most cases, stepparents will not be required to pay child support for their former spouse’s children from a prior relationship. However, that does not mean it cannot happen. The court will consider several factors before determining whether a stepparent is liable to pay child support for their spouse’s children. The court will typically consider the stepparent’s income and whether that yearly declared income can significantly affect the support that must be paid from a biological parent. Ultimately, despite not being forced to pay child support, if their spouse is paying, they are technically contributing finally to their stepchildren’s basic needs regardless of their legal obligation.
It is critical to note that only when stepparents adopt their stepchildren do they become personally liable for paying child support. This is because stepparents seeking to adopt their spouse’s children from a prior relationship must convince the child’s biological parents to dissolve their parental rights. If the child’s biological parent terminates their parental rights, the stepparent will be liable for paying child support in the event of a divorce.
What happens if my ex remarries?
Following a divorce, child support can end when the spouse receiving this type of court-ordered payment remarries. However, that is not always the case. If your spouse remarries, child support does not automatically terminate. Although in some cases, a new marriage can be grounds for an individual to request modifications to an existing child support order. The circumstances may not provide sufficient reasoning for terminating or altering the current child support order. Therefore, it is imperative to comply with court-ordered maintenance payments. Failure to provide your ex with child support can lead to significant consequences.
To reiterate, stepparents are not legally obligated to provide their stepchildren with child support after a divorce unless they adopt them. For more information on child support obligations in New York, contact an adept Nassau County child support attorney from The Pollack Law Firm, P.C. Our firm is committed to helping our clients navigate the complex legal processes to ensure they understand their legal obligations following a divorce. Allow our firm to represent your interests today to maximize your chances of favorable results.
