Child Support Payment Lawyer in Onondaga County, NY

Experienced Syracuse attorney for fair child support arrangements

Whether you are the parent paying or receiving child support, you want to be sure the amount is fair. At my firm, the Bombardo Law Office, P.C., in Syracuse, I represent noncustodial and custodial parents in negotiating and litigating support arrangements. As an attorney who has practiced in family law in New York for three decades, I have extensive experience helping clients establish, modify and enforce appropriate child support orders.  

Understanding child support payments in NY

New York courts use a standard formula set out under the Child Support Standards Act to calculate payments. It considers parents’ adjusted gross incomes, the number of children, childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and whether one parent is paying alimony to the other. Judges can deviate from the formula if warranted by the circumstances. This frequently occurs when parents’ combined annual income is higher than the statutory income cap used in the formula (currently $183,000). A child’s special needs or serious health issues could also justify a deviation from the formula. College costs and extracurricular activities may also be factored into payments. If your situation involves special circumstances, I can represent you in negotiations or court proceedings in pursuit of a fair child support rate.     

Types of child support payments

Child support payments, typically made by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent, are intended to formalize each parent’s financial responsibility for the cost associated with raising their children. Payments may be made through income withholding from paychecks, in person at a child support office, online or by mail depending on the situation and arrangement. Frequency of payments is often in line with the paying parent’s paycheck schedule and could be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. The child support order will specify how and when payments are to be made.  

Modifying child support payments in New York

Child support payment amounts can be modified in certain situations. If there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a major income shift up or down, greatly increased healthcare or educational costs for the child, or child custody modifications, the court may approve an adjustment. The basic steps for modifying a child support order include: 

• Filing a modification petition with the court and serving it on the other parent

• Gathering the documentation and evidence to present to the court
• Attending a hearing and presenting your case
• Awaiting the decision from the judge  

My firm will assist you with the paperwork and develop a well-supported argument on your behalf. Conversely, if you disagree with a modification request, I can advocate to maintain the existing terms. 

Enforcement of child support payments in New York

When a parent does not make their court-ordered child support payments on time or at all, enforcement actions may be taken against them. Actions could include wage garnishment, liens, driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension and tax return and lottery winning intervention. You can begin the process of enforcing child support by filing a petition with the applicable Family Court or submitting an administrative claim with the New York Office of Child Support Enforcement depending on how much is owed.    

Why hire a New York child support attorney? 

Child support can be a sensitive area with individuals often feeling they are paying too much or not receiving enough. Without professional legal advice, you could find yourself in a difficult financial situation due to an unfair support outcome. When there are disputes about payments, it is crucial to turn to a well-informed child support lawyer who helps parents reach satisfactory resolutions. I assist in establishing initial support terms and also handle modifications and enforcements when circumstances change or payments are missed.  

Contact a New York child support payment lawyer for assistance 

Bombardo Law Office, P.C., located in Syracuse, represents custodial and noncustodial parents in a full range of New York child support proceedings, including matters involving initial payment terms, modifications and enforcement actions. Call 1-315-488-5544 or contact me online to arrange a consultation about your case.