Child Support
Child Support
Attorneys With In-Depth Knowledge Of Child Support Laws
At Cohen & Lombardo, P.C., our attorneys have a respected reputation in the Buffalo area and beyond for providing skillful representation and trustworthy legal counsel in family law matters. In paternity cases or divorces involving children, one of the most significant issues is that of child support.
Under New York’s Child Support Standards Act, the overall financial obligation is based on two elements: the basic support amount and any add-on costs. The basic support amount is calculated off both parents’ gross income, plus any income from:
- Investments
- Disability or veterans benefits
- Workers’ compensation
- Retirement benefits and pensions
- Annuity payments
- Other sources
Add-on costs may include day care expenses, health care expenses and educational expenses. The court will also deduct expenses from the total. Such deductions include FICA taxes, spousal maintenance payments and many others.
Support Obligations For High-Income Parents
For high net worth families, determining a fair amount for the noncustodial parent to pay becomes more complex. The New York child support guidelines have a statutory cap of $141,000* so parents with an annual combined income greater than this amount require seasoned representation.
Cohen & Lombardo, P.C., regularly represents business owners, physicians and other professionals, giving us a keen understanding of how to defend our clients’ interests in these types of cases.
Modifying The Original Court Order
Because life circumstances continually change, a child support order that worked for you a few years ago may no longer be appropriate. Unemployment, serious health problems, retirement and other significant changes may make it possible to seek a modification to the original order.
To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. Call Cohen & Lombardo, P.C. at 716-881-3010 or email our Elmwood Village office.
*As of 2014
