Child support is one of the most important aspects when it comes to resolving divorce matters. Often, 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 majority of the time. You may be wondering what expenses child support will cover. Read on for more information regarding how child support is determined and what expenses are covered in New York.

How is Child Support Determined in New York?

In the state of New York, a parent’s child support obligation is often determined by the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) in combination with other applicable factors. The Act aims to mitigate the impact of divorce by working toward a child support structure that maintains the child’s quality of life, to the best of the court’s ability. The Act’s formula is based on a percentage of the combined income of each parent as well as the number of children that require support. The percentage schedule is as follows:

  • One child- 17%
  • Two children- 25%
  • Three children- 29%
  • Four children- 31%
  • Five or more children- at least 35%

In addition, the court will examine the following factors:

  • Your child’s age
  • Whether your child has any special needs
  • Whether your child will attend college or pursue higher education
  • Your yearly income
  • The child custody agreement in place
  • The number of children you have

What Expenses Are Covered By Child Support?

In New York, both parents are legally obligated to provide for their children financially. As a result, child support is designed to cover the basic or “normal” everyday expenses of a child. This includes:

  • Basic necessities
    • Food, shelter & clothing
  • Medical care
    • Health insurance
  • Education
    • Tuition, fees, uniforms, textbooks, lunches, etc.
  • Childcare
    • daycare, babysitters, etc.
  • Transportation/travel
  • Entertainment
    • Access to computers, games, outings, etc.
  • Extracurricular activities
    • Sports, organizations, etc.
  • College expenses
    • Even if a child is of the age of emancipation, a parent will usually still be required to contribute to their higher education.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child custody agreement and what expenses will be covered, reach out to an experienced family law attorney today. Our firm is here to advocate for you and walk you through all of your family law matters.

Contact our Firm

The Law Office of Peter L. Jameson, PLLC understands the harsh implications of relocation can have on a child and his or her parents. When you have a contested relocation matter, it is important to have an experienced attorney to represent you in court. If you are faced with a relocation matter in Rockland County, contact The Law Office of Peter L. Jameson, PLLC today to schedule a consultation.