Child Support

Protect the Lifestyle of Your Children

For families with a higher income, the divorce process of determining the appropriate amount of child support is complicated. Governed by child support law, the court has little discretion in child support determinations for families with incomes less than $80,000 per year. When your yearly income exceeds that threshold, the court possesses more discretion in determining child support awards.

At the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank, we represent many families who seek to deviate from New York's child support guidelines. Our office, located in White Plains and serving clients throughout Westchester County, New York, proudly represents people from diverse cultures, social and economic backgrounds through child support enforcement. To speak to a lawyer who is well-versed in child support and spousal support determinations, contact lawyer Joy Y. Frank to set up an appointment.

New York Child Support Guidelines

The child support statute gives courts a tool to provide parents with financial assistance to care for their children in a consistent manner. The court calculates the child support division by adding up the income of the non-custodial and custodial parents. Under state law, the non-custodial parent must pay a pro-rata share of 17% of the adjusted gross income of both parents for one child, and a pro-rata share of the 25% for two. Attorney Joy Y. Frank can assist you with determining the correct statutory child support amount.

The statute provides for certain adjustments in the determination of the gross income of both parents. This is important in order for the award to reflect the true financial status of you and your spouse.

High Income Deviations

Child support guidelines afford the court discretion to deviate from the guidelines when a family's income exceeds $80,000. The higher the income, the more justification the court needs to increase the monthly award. The court wants to maintain the lifestyle of children, while preventing them from receiving a windfall. We will advocate for the appropriateness of a deviation from the child support guidelines to reflect your special needs and situation.

To learn more about child support awards, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank, in Westchester County to schedule an appointment.