Nassau County Child Support Lawyer

At Hartin Family Law, our Nassau County child support lawyer helps parents understand how child support works in New York and what they can expect in their case. Nassau County Family Court handles thousands of child support cases each year, and New York collects billions in support payments statewide. Many families struggle with support orders, unpaid child support, hidden cash income, or changes in income that affect the child support order. Parents also face problems linked to joint custody, residential custody, and family dynamics during a custody case. We guide parents through these challenges so they know their rights and feel supported throughout this legal matter.

Our Nassau County Child Support Lawyer Fights for Your Rights

We fight for fair child support payments that protect your child and respect both parents’ financial limits. Our family law attorneys help parents through negotiation, divorce mediation, and full family court proceedings when needed. We build strong cases with clear facts about gross income, combined parental income, and the Child Support Standards Act. Our team offers legal representation in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and across Long Island. With our guidance, you receive support that fits the child’s needs and meets New York child support laws.

Understanding Child Support in Nassau County

Child support in Nassau County is based on child support guidelines that follow state rules. Courts look at income, custody matters, and each child’s daily needs. We explain every step so you know how the court may set or change a support order.

How New York Calculates Child Support

New York uses the Child Support Standards Act to decide how much support each parent must pay. The child support formula looks at combined annual income, the number of children, and the income of both parents. Courts may also impute income when a parent hides wages or has hidden cash income. Judges sometimes adjust support if the guideline amount does not fit the family’s needs or if the child has special costs. We help you present clear proof so the court makes a fair child support award.

Key parts of the calculation include:

• Combined parental income
• Child Support Standards Act percentages
• Imputation of income when needed

Additional Expenses Beyond Basic Support

Many cases involve extra costs beyond the basic child support amount. Courts may add child care, education costs, medical bills, and fees for extracurricular activities. These add-ons help meet the child’s real needs and ensure the custodial parent receives enough support. Judges review these expenses to decide if they are fair and reasonable under New York child support laws. We help you gather records so the court understands the true cost of raising the child.

Common add-on expenses include:

• Child care and babysitting fees
• School and tutoring costs
• Health insurance and medical bills

Child Support in Shared Custody Situations

Parents often believe a 50/50 plan means no child support, but this is not always true. Courts still consider both parents' income and the time each parent spends in physical custody. When one parent earns more, support payments may still be required to meet the child’s needs. Shared custody works best when both parents plan a clear parenting schedule and understand the financial rules. We help families build fair plans that follow the legal standard and support each child’s routine.

Shared custody factors include:

• Income balance between parents
• Actual parenting time
• Costs tied to residential custody

Modifying Child Support Orders

Child support orders may change when a parent faces a substantial shift in income, family needs, or daily expenses. A job loss, health issue, or major change in child custody may also affect support matters. New York follows the three-year rule and the 15% income-change rule under the Child Support and Child Standards Act. Parents must provide clear records, such as tax forms, pay stubs, or proof of new expenses, when requesting a child support modification. We help you gather the documents you need and explain each step so you understand your legal rights during this family law issue.

Common reasons for modification include:

• Sudden income changes
• New childcare or medical costs
• Changes in legal custody or parenting time

Enforcing Child Support Obligations

When a non-custodial parent fails to pay support, the court may use strong enforcement tools. These tools include wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, and license suspensions. Courts may also impose penalties when parents fail to meet their support obligations or intentionally violate the order. Clear records and steady court involvement help protect the child and ensure payments continue. We help families across Nassau and Suffolk prepare proof, track payments, and request fast action from the Family Court Bureau when needed.

Enforcement tools include:

• Wage garnishment
• Tax refund intercepts
• License suspension or other penalties

How Hartin Family Law Supports Nassau County Parents

We guide parents through the complexities of family law and help them handle support matters with confidence. Our family lawyers and child support attorneys provide legal representation for parents facing property division, family offense claims, or child custody issues. As your advocates, we help protect your parental rights and address each family law concern with care. We aim for fair results that support stable homes and healthy routines.

Negotiation and Mediation Services

We help parents reach fair, clear support agreements without lengthy court battles. Our family attorneys work with both parties to draft terms that meet the child’s needs and reflect each parent’s income. We also help with updates to a child support agreement when a postnuptial agreement or property distribution affects finances. These agreements are written in simple and enforceable terms to prevent future conflicts. With our help, parents can avoid stress and build a plan that works for them.

Our mediation work includes:

• Clear terms for support amounts
• Simple plans for future changes
• Guidance for parents with family business interests

Court Representation for Disputes

In some cases, strong court representation is needed when parents cannot agree on support amounts. We present financial records, income details, and evidence of hidden wages or income imputation. Our child custody lawyers and family attorneys also help when support disputes connect to custody issues, legal custody, or attempts to terminate child support. We explain the court process and stand by your side before the judge to protect your legal rights. With our support, you can seek a fair and accurate child support award.

Our courtroom approach includes:

• Presenting income and expense proof
• Challenging unfair claims
• Building strong arguments for realistic support amounts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does child support last in New York?

Most support lasts until the child turns 21, unless the court ends it earlier for specific reasons.

Can support be changed if a parent loses their job?

Yes. Job loss or major income changes may allow a parent to request a new support amount.

What if the other parent refuses to pay?

You can return to court for enforcement. Judges may use penalties to collect unpaid child support.

Is overtime included in child support calculations?

Yes. Courts may count overtime if it is steady and reflects the parent’s true income.

Can parents agree to a lower or higher amount?

Parents may agree, but the court must approve the amount to ensure the child’s needs are met.

Does remarriage affect child support?

Remarriage does not end support unless the court finds a major change that affects the child’s needs.

Contact Our Nassau County Child Support Lawyer for a Free Consultation

We help parents understand child support issues and the rules that shape these family law matters. Our team provides clear legal advice so you can make informed decisions about support, spousal support, and long-term plans for your child. We explain each step of the process and help you prepare the documents the court needs. With strong guidance from our family lawyers, you can protect your rights and seek support that meets your child’s needs. Contact Hartin Family Law today to call, schedule a consultation, or send a message to our team.

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