Modifying Child Support Amount Is Possible Following Divorce

The dissolution of a marriage in New York can be complex, especially when this process involves children. Not all families approach child custody in the same way. However, divorce courts often require noncustodial parents to give child support to the custodial parents so that the custodial parents are not left to support their children financially on their own. Here is a glimpse at some important facts to consider about child support.

For one, the child support amount that a parent is paying can be modified as needed. Courts usually base calculations for support on the two parents’ earnings, how many children they have and how frequently they are with them. Courts may also look at who is covering the school costs, medical insurance and daycare costs. However, a court may modify its calculations if the paying parent ends up experiences changes in his or her finances or health.

In addition, the collection of child support and spousal support usually go hand-in-hand. In other words, if a spouse is granted spousal support, he or she will likely get child support, too. In the same manner, if the court decides to trim child support, it will also trim spousal support. For this reason, a single parent cannot unilaterally modify a support arrangement that has been agreed upon during a divorce proceeding involving minor children.

During child support discussions in a divorce proceeding, the noncustodial parent may primarily be concerned with having to pay an unreasonably high amount in support to the other parent. Meanwhile, the custodial parent may fret over not getting all of the support he or she needs. Fortunately, in either scenario, an attorney in New York can provide the necessary guidance for achieving the most beneficial outcome possible for the client.