Child Support
Establishing, Modifying and Enforcing Child Support
Child support is mandated by New York State law and must be included in any divorce settlement or decree. Contrary to what some people believe, it is not intended to punish the person required to pay it or reward the custodial parent who receives it. It is for the benefit of a child, and the obligation to pay child support cannot be discharged through bankruptcy or unemployment, and cannot be voluntarily waived by the custodial parent. Our child support attorneys at The Mandel Law Firm will help you understand the law of child support in New York and assist you to establish, modify or enforce child support.
“The sole purpose of child support is to benefit the children. It’s not about rewarding one parent or punishing the other.” — Steven J. Mandel
Why Our Strategic Child Custody Representation Is Different
At The Mandel Law Firm, our dedicated attorneys combine legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to protecting our clients and their children. Whether you are facing a custody battle, visitation dispute, or complex parenting arrangement, we provide strong, results-driven advocacy while ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Steven J. Mandel – A Leading Family Law Attorney
Founding attorney Steven J. Mandel is a nationally recognized family law expert, honored as a “Top 100 Lawyer in the United States” and a “Super Lawyer.” With the highest AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating, he is known for successfully handling even the most challenging custody and family law cases.
Mr. Mandel serves on the Advisory Board of the American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators and co-chairs the New York County Lawyers Association’s Matrimonial Section. Known as “the Picasso of the legal profession,” he is praised for his ability to craft winning legal strategies tailored to each family’s unique situation.
Hon. Jane Pearl – Former Judge & Psychologist Offering Unparalleled Insight
With 28 years as a Family Court Judge, Hon. Jane Pearl brings invaluable judicial experience to The Mandel Law Firm. As a former Judge for the Family Court of the State of New York, she provides firsthand knowledge of how courts evaluate custody cases, helping our clients build strong legal strategies.
Her Ph.D. in Psychology from Northwestern University makes her uniquely qualified to handle emotionally complex custody disputes, ensuring that children’s best interests remain the top priority. As the only former judge and clinical psychologist practicing family law in New York, she offers unmatched insight into both the legal and emotional aspects of custody cases.
Marilyn T. Sugarman – Skilled Custody and Family Law Attorney with Judicial Experience
With extensive experience in family court, Marilyn T. Sugarman, Esq. brings deep legal insight into child custody, parenting time, and co-parenting agreements. As a former Special Referee for the New York County Supreme Court, she has presided over hundreds of contested family law cases, making her a strong advocate in both litigation and settlement negotiations.
Ms. Sugarman also serves as a Court-appointed Special Master, helping resolve disputes efficiently and moving cases toward resolution. With training in advanced mediation, she focuses on solutions that protect both parents’ rights while prioritizing the well-being of the children involved.
Protecting Your Parental Rights and Your Child’s Best Interests
At The Mandel Law Firm, we understand how important your relationship with your child is. Whether you need legal representation for custody, visitation, or parental decision-making rights, we are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the next step toward securing your child’s future.
Experienced child support attorneys in the modification and enforcement of standing orders of support
While the amount of child support required will depend on the income of each parent, just because a custodial parent remarries or improves his or her financial situation does not mean the child support obligations of the non-custodial parent will change or cease. There needs to be a material, unforeseen change in your circumstances to entitle you to a modification of your child support agreement or order.
If you are the non-custodial parent paying child support, don’t wait until the court holds you in contempt for failing to abide by the terms of your divorce settlement or court order, as child support cannot be modified retroactively. This is a time to be proactive. The child support attorneys at The Mandel Law Firm help clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau and Westchester counties, and throughout the New York City metro area establish workable child support arrangements. We also offer experienced legal counsel in the modification and enforcement of standing orders of support.
Contact us today by telephone locally at (646) 770-3868 for a consultation.
How Much Child Support Will My Ex-Spouse or I Have To Pay?
Child support is calculated according to a formula contained in New York State law, known as The Child Support Standards Act. While the court is willing to take into consideration extenuating circumstances that affect one’s ability to pay child support, the formula used provides a good estimate of what you will be expected to pay. If the combined income of the parents exceeds $143,000 per year, a judge has the discretion to determine the amount of support to be paid over and above that amount.
If a non-custodial parent is currently paying child support for children from other marriages or mothers pursuant to Court Orders, the court may subtract the amount currently being paid and use the remaining amount as base income before applying the child support formula.
Child Support Enforcement
Failure to pay child support can impact your credit history, result in garnishment of wages, loss of your driver’s license and/or passport, and possibly even jail time. In extreme cases, the state may act to seize certain assets or property. As our world becomes increasingly wired, it has become easier and easier for individuals to be tracked and located. Individuals who fail to pay child support run the risk of encountering substantial legal and financial difficulty later – even if they manage to avoid problems initially. The child support attorneys at The Mandel Law Firm is ready to assist and lead you to the right way possible.
Modifying Child Support Payments
If illness or the loss of employment creates the need to increase the child support received or decrease the amount paid, a modification of child support may be appropriate. An informal verbal agreement between you and your ex-spouse or parent of your child will not be enforceable and could lead to future legal complications. Our child support attorneys can prepare all the necessary documentation for you to petition the court to seek a modification of the amount of child support you may receive or pay.
Schedule an Informative Consultation Today
If you have questions regarding the establishment, enforcement or modification of an order of child support, contact us online, or by telephone toll-free at (888) 2 WIN NOW (888-294-6669) or locally at (646) 770-3868 to speak with an experienced child support attorneys who can offer you honest answers and straightforward advice in a consultation.
You can also continue reading to learn more in our child support information center.
Need Counsel or Help to File in dealing with a Child Support issue in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx or Long Island? Contact Us Today.
To learn more about obtaining Child Support Attorneys in New York, contact us online or by calling toll free at (888) 2 WIN NOW (888-294-6669) or locally at (646) 770-3868.
