Otsego County Child Support Lawyer

Top-Rated Otsego County, NY Child Support Lawyers

No matter what the relationship between parents may be, the law still requires that proper child support be arranged to cover care, needs, and other necessities of raising him or her. Child support often arises in the context of divorce, but there are also plenty of unmarried parents who must address this contentious issue. There are many complicated legal issues and procedural rules, and figuring out how they apply to a specific situation is a daunting task.

You do have options in a child support case, and the first step to achieving the best possible outcome is to retain experienced legal counsel. Our lawyers at The Colwell Law Group have represented many clients throughout Otsego County, NY in child support cases, so let us tackle the tough challenges for you. Whether you are the paying parent or recipient, we will fight to protect your rights and your child’s financial future.

Child Support Considerations Under New York Law

In the majority of cases, a parent pays child support to the custodial parent to cover the costs of raising him or her. Each case is unique, but the funds are generally applied toward:

• Food and lodging;
• Costs of living, including utilities and internet;
• Childcare;
• Personal expenses, such as school supplies, clothing, and personal care items;
• Education and extracurricular activities;
• Vacations;
• Toys and entertainment; and
• Other items as allowed by law.

The details of allowable child support expenditures and frequency of payments are included in the order entered by an Otsego County Family Court judge.

Determining Appropriate Child Support Amounts

The objective of child support is to provide the child with the same or similar lifestyle as if he or she lived with both parents under the same roof. In addition, there are formulas used to calculate child support under New York State law. The base amount is a percentage of the payor parent’s income and other child support obligations, as well as:

• Income from workers’ compensation or disability;
• The child’s educational expenses;
• Arrangements for medical insurance;
• The combined income of the parents; and,
• Any other relevant factors.

Child Support Modifications

Circumstances change over the years, so it may be necessary to modify a child support order to reflect the new reality. Loss of employment, illness, and other matters can make it difficult for a parent to pay the designated amount. When a significant change in circumstances occurs, it is possible to request a modification of child support through proper court proceedings. Non-payment has severe legal consequences, so it is never a good idea to take matters into your own hands.

Talk to an Otsego County, NY Child Support Attorney About Your Case

The law takes matters related children very seriously, especially when it comes to child support. If you are involved in any type of child support dispute, you will need a skilled lawyer to assist with your case. Our lawyers at The Colwell Law Group can help balance the needs of your child with your own rights as a paying or recipient parent, so please call us at 518-864-0564 to discuss your situation. You can also check us out online to schedule a confidential consultation.