Are there alternatives to the 17% child support in New York?

Divorce becomes more complicated when there are children involved since both parties need to resolve difficult issues like child custody and child support. In New York, most divorces are settled out of court using a settlement agreement called Stipulation of Settlement. In this settlement, parties are able to negotiate the terms such as how much one will pay for child support, among others. Child support payments are usually calculated by taking a percentage from your gross income. From the gross income, you need to deduct New York City and local taxes, FICA taxes, alimony, and child support for children from other relationship. After all these are deducted, you will get the child support net income.

If you have one child, 17 percent of child support net income will go to your child. Alternatives to the 17 percent child support in NY are based on the number of children. For instance, 2 children requires 25 percent, 3 children 29 percent, 4 children is 31 percent, and five or more children is at least 35 percent. Moreover, if you are the non-custodial parent, child support payment can be reduced if you spend more time with the child. For the custodial parent who receives alimony, you can decide to take less amount of alimony payments to increase child support payments. Aside from the child support payment, you also have to be concerned about visitation issues and sharing of decisions about raising the child. Consulting a divorce lawyer will help you in handling these matters more effectively.