Calculating child support can be complicated under any circumstances, but when one or both parents are self-employed, the process becomes significantly more complex. New York's Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) provides a framework for determining child support obligations, but applying this framework to self-employed parents requires careful analysis and often extensive documentation. In this post a Syracuse child support attorney explains what you need to know. Understandi

When parents of a special needs child divorce or separate, ensuring adequate financial support becomes even more critical. New York's child support laws recognize that children with disabilities often require additional care, therapy, medical attention, and educational services that extend well beyond typical expenses. Understanding how child support works for special needs children can help you advocate effectively for your child's future. In this post a Syracuse child suppo

When calculating child support in New York, courts typically base their determinations on the actual income earned by both parents. However, there are situations where a parent's reported income doesn't accurately reflect their true earning capacity. In these cases, New York family courts have the authority to "impute" income, essentially attributing a higher income to a parent than what they're currently earning or reporting. Understanding when and how courts impute income i

As a New York State attorney specializing in family law, I often get questions about where a case can or should be filed. This concept, known as "venue," refers to the specific county or location within the state where your legal matter will be heard. Choosing the right venue is crucial because it can affect convenience, costs, and even the outcome of your case. In this post, a Syracuse family law attorney breaks down how venue is determined, with a special emphasis on Family

Family court orders in New York State are legally binding directives issued by a judge to protect the rights and responsibilities of individuals involved in family law matters. These orders can cover a wide range of issues, including child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and restraining or protection orders. Failing to comply with a family court order can have serious consequences, both legal and practical. In this post a Syracuse family law attorney e

In New York State, the concept of emancipation allows a minor (typically someone under the age of 21 for support purposes) to gain legal independence from their parents or guardians. This process can be complex, as it doesn't involve a straightforward court petition like in some other states. Instead, emancipation is often determined as part of other family court matters, such as child support disputes. If you're a parent, guardian, or young person navigating this topic, unde

As an experienced Syracuse family law attorney serving client across Central New York, I often asked: "Who gets to claim the children as dependents on their tax return?" While tax laws are primarily governed by the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS), New York State has its own considerations that align closely with federal rules. In this post, we'll break down the key guidelines to help you understand your options. Understanding Federal Tax Rules for Claiming Dependents A

As an experienced Syracuse child support lawyer serving clients across Central New York State, I often hear from clients wondering if their child support orders can be adjusted to reflect changes in their lives. The short answer is yes; child support orders aren't set in stone. New York law recognizes that circumstances change, whether due to job loss, increased income, changes in custody, or other significant shifts. However, modifications aren't automatic; they require meet

When parents share custody of their children equally, many assume that child support is unnecessary because each parent spends the same amount of time caring for the child. However, under New York law, the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) still applies even in a 50/50 custody arrangement. As an experienced Syracuse child support attorney, I help clients understand how courts handle these situations and assist in navigating divorce or custody proceedings. The Basics of Child

As Syracuse child support attorney serving clients across Central New York, I often encounter parents struggling to navigate the nuances of state's child support laws. Child support ensures that children receive financial contributions from both parents, regardless of custody arrangements. In New York, child support calculations are governed by the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which provides a standardized formula to promote fairness and consistency. This blog post bre

As a Syracuse child support attorney, I frequently encounter a pivotal question from clients navigating the complexities of divorce: Can a court mandate a former spouse to pay for their child’s college tuition? The answer, as is often the case in family law matters, is contingent upon specific circumstances, existing agreements, and judicial discretion. Below, I discuss the key legal principles that govern this intricate issue. Child Support in New York: The Basics In New Yor

In New York State, child support is calculated using the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which provides a formula based on the combined parental income and the number of children. However, this calculation is not always set in stone. Under certain circumstances, the court may deviate from the standard formula, either upward or downward. This post focuses on when and why a downward deviation in child support might be granted. In this post a Syracuse child support attorney