What Expenses Are Covered By Child Support?
If you and your spouse are getting a divorce, you may be wondering how co-parenting is going to work. Couples with young children have a lot of different matters to decide upon. One of the most important matters is that of child support. In New York, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. Generally, child support will be paid to the custodial parent by the non-custodial parent. The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child resides the most. As a result, this parent often spends more on shelter, food, clothing, and more. Some of these expenses may be supplemented by child support. Read on to learn more about child support in New York.
How is Child Support Determined?
New York State has implemented the CSSA to create a system where the financial cost of raising a child between parents is fairly proportioned and distributed. Under the CSSA, Nassau County courts determine child support based on a percentage of combined income between parents. That percentage is then allocated in proportion to each parent’s income. The percentages are as follows:
- One child: 17%
- Two children: 25%
- Three children: 29%
- Four children: 31%
- Five or more children: No less than 35%
What Other Factors Are Taken Into Account?
When a New York Court makes a decision about child support, they will examine a variety of different factors in order to create an arrangement that best suits the needs of the child. Some of the factors they will examine include:
- The number of children living in your household
- The age of your children
- The terms of your child custody agreement
- Whether your children have any special needs
- Whether your children will pursue higher education
- You and your former spouse’s yearly income
What Does Child Support Cover?
Child support is meant to help cover all “normal” or everyday expenses. These expenses may include:
- Basic necessities
- Medical care
- Educational fees
- Childcare
- Transportation/travel
- Entertainment
- Extracurricular activities
- College expenses
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child support agreement and what will be covered, contact our firm today. We are here to walk you through all of your family law matters. We understand the importance of child support and we are here to advocate for you and your family. Reach out to speak with an experienced family law attorney.
Contact our experienced Nassau County firm
The Pollack Law Firm, P.C., rated Nassau County’s “BEST” divorce lawyers and proudly serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County for more than 22 years, is always available to assist and represent parties in divorce, separation and all other matrimonial and family law matters. Contact us online or call today to schedule your complimentary case analysis: (516) 938-3330.
