Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support In Suffolk County
All parents are expected to provide for their children financially but disputes often arise about child support during divorce or after paternity is established. Child support is a fairly straightforward concept, but there are many legal issues surrounding it that are largely misunderstood. Below, our Suffolk County child support lawyer outlines the most frequently asked questions we hear about the subject, and the answers to them.
How is Child Support Calculated?
Calculating child support involves many different factors. The income of both parents is considered and certain deductions are made, such as alimony. A parent will have to pay a certain percentage of their income towards child support, depending on how many children they have. The pro-rata share of child support each parent is responsible for is then calculated using these figures.
When Does Child Support End?
Many people think that child support ends when a child turns 18 years old. While this is true in many other states, that is not the case in New York. Under state law, child support must be paid until a child turns 21 years old.
What Are the Types of Child Support?
Regular payments are just one type of child support people must pay. Child care expenses, health care insurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical care, are other types of child support a person may be responsible for paying in addition to the cash payments made.
Can Only Biological Parents Receive Child Support?
In most cases, it is biological parents that receive child support. However, they are not the only ones who sometimes need support, or that can receive it. Any person who is a legitimate caretaker of a child can pursue child support. These individuals often include grandparents, legal guardians, relatives, and other caretakers.
What Happens if My Ex Does Not Pay Child Support?
Fortunately, if your former spouse is ordered to pay child support, you do not have to simply trust that they will pay it every month. The Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU) makes sure that people who are entitled to child support receive it. If your ex does not pay child support, the Support Collection Unit (SCU) can automatically deduct the payments from the payer’s paycheck. The SCU can also intercept tax returns, lottery winnings, and bank accounts.
Can My Ex Dictate What I Spend Child Support On?
No. Many people who pay child support believe they have a say in how it is spent. They do not. While child support can pay for costs directly related to the child, such as tuition, it can also be used on indirect needs for the child, such as housing and utilities. Recipients of child support have complete discretion as to how to spend the funds, as long as the expenditures serve the best interests of the child.
Do I Need a Child Support Lawyer in Suffolk County?
No one is required to work with a Suffolk County child support lawyer, but the process is much easier if you do. At the Law Office of Joshua Adam Kittenplan, P.C., our seasoned attorney can advise you of the child support laws of the state and help you obtain the amount you need or enforce or modify an existing order. Call or text us now at 631-499-0606 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
nycourts.gov/courthelp/family/childSupport.shtml
