High-Income Child Support Attorney In Syracuse

New York family lawyer assists successful individuals across Onondaga County

As an affluent individual, you want to be sure your children are properly supported after a divorce. However, your wealth should not be used against you to obtain an unfair child support order. Bombardo Law Office, P.C. in Syracuse, protects the interests of both paying and receiving parents in high-income child support cases. With decades of divorce and family law experience in New York, I am particularly cognizant of the financial complexities inherent in these types of cases and will work vigorously to secure an appropriate order.  

Understanding high-income child support cases

For purposes of child support, high-income is when parents’ combined annual incomes are above the state’s statutory cap. The cap is currently $183,000 in New York. When incomes are higher than this figure, the state’s formula does not provide a guideline rate. Courts might designate that income over the cap amount is apportioned in the same manner, or deviate from the guidelines entirely. In cases involving wealthy families, the child’s existing standard of living can be an important factor in cases that go before a judge. I will help you seek an outcome that is appropriate to your specific financial circumstances. 

Risks of handling child support without an attorney

It is important that you not attempt to handle a child support issue alone when you are a high-income individual. Because these determinations are made outside of the standard support guidelines, the court might consider a wide range of factors to calculate an award, and the judge’s decision may not go in your favor. You could end up paying too much or not receiving enough to support your child adequately. As a lawyer with deep insight into New York child support law, I will develop a detailed strategy tailored to your situation. My firm also assists in enforcing support terms and petitioning for adjustments to initial orders in cases involving child custody modifications, substantial changes to parenting plans and income increases and decreases. 

Income considerations beyond salary

In high-income support cases, financial assets beyond salaries are often considered when determining payment amounts. The court may factor the following types of assets into support decisions: 

• Significant bonuses
• Commissions
• Investments
• Stock options 
• Property and assets in trusts 
• Other income sources 

Sometimes you can keep control in your own hands and away from the court by negotiating directly with the other parent and including support terms in you divorce or separation agreement. The court will then review to ensure the support agreement is in the child’s best interests. If this is possible in your case, I will handle negotiations and prepare the document when you reach consensus. 

Educational expenses for affluent families 

Affluent parents often have higher educational expenses than other families. Children may attend private schools in their K-12 years and pricey colleges and universities where tuition and fees, room and board, and extracurricular activities can approach six figures annually. Who pays for what when it comes to private schools and colleges may be decided between parents, and if there is disagreement, by the court. The court will look at each party’s income, assets, the child’s academic background and goals and other criteria to determine payment division. I will look out for your interests and those of your child in helping you reach agreement with the other parent or in matters before the judge.  

Legal process and court considerations for modifications and enforcements 

Child support orders are not set in stone. They can be modified if there is a substantial change in financial circumstances or custody arrangements, or if the child’s needs have changed. To change a support order requires either consent or petitioning the court and convincing the judge through why the modification is warranted. I can help you prepare the petition and build a strong case if you are seeking modification, or defend the existing order if you oppose the change. My firm also helps with enforcing payment of child support.  

Contact a Syracuse attorney who handles high-income child support matters

At the Bombardo Law Office, P.C., located in Syracuse, I provide knowledgeable advice to high-income clients regarding child support and all areas of family law. For help, call 1-315-488-5544 or contact me online to schedule a consultation.