Calculate child support payments in New York using the official CSSA formula. Includes shared custody adjustments and add-on expenses.
Enter parent incomes and custody arrangement
Speak with an experienced family law attorney about your child support case.
New York's Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) establishes a formulaic approach to calculating child support obligations. The system starts by determining each parent's income, including wages, bonuses, investments, and benefits. Self-employment income requires careful calculation of legitimate business expenses.
The combined parental income is then multiplied by statutory percentages based on the number of children: 17% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and 35% for five or more children. For combined income up to $163,000, the formula is mandatory. Above this cap, courts have discretion but often extrapolate the percentage.
The CSSA aims to ensure children maintain their standard of living despite parental separation. Beyond basic support, parents share add-on expenses like healthcare, childcare, and educational costs proportionally. Support continues until children turn 21 in New York, longer than most states.
Basic child support covers everyday expenses like food, clothing, and shelter. However, New York law requires parents to share additional costs proportionally based on their income ratios.
Courts can impute income based on earning capacity and lifestyle analysis. Forensic accountants may investigate suspected hidden income.
Yes, with substantial changes (typically 15%+ income change) or after three years since the last order.
New York courts can order college contribution based on parents' financial means and the child's academic performance.
Through wage garnishment, license suspension, asset seizure, and even incarceration for willful non-payment.
After calculating estimated support:
New York State follows the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which provides specific formulas for calculating child support payments. This comprehensive system ensures that children receive adequate financial support from both parents, taking into account their combined income and various expenses related to child-rearing.
The Child Support Standards Act uses a percentage-based system that applies to the combined adjusted gross income of both parents. The percentages are designed to approximate what intact families typically spend on their children.
| Number of Children | Percentage of Income | Example at $100k Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | 17% | $17,000 annually |
| 2 Children | 25% | $25,000 annually |
| 3 Children | 29% | $29,000 annually |
| 4 Children | 31% | $31,000 annually |
| 5+ Children | 35% | $35,000 annually |
Beyond basic child support, parents must share certain additional expenses in proportion to their incomes. These "add-on" expenses are typically essential costs that benefit the child's health, education, or care.
New York recognizes that when parents share significant custodial time, the traditional child support formula may not be appropriate. Courts can make adjustments when the non-custodial parent has the child for substantial periods.
When parents' combined income exceeds the $154,000 guideline cap, courts have discretion in determining child support. They consider factors such as the child's actual needs, the parents' financial circumstances, and what an intact family would spend at that income level.
Child support orders can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. New York law provides streamlined procedures for modifications when certain conditions are met.
New York has robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure child support is paid. The state works with federal and other state agencies to locate parents and collect support payments.
While the CSSA provides standardized guidelines, courts can deviate from the standard calculation in certain circumstances to ensure the child support order is fair and appropriate.
Courts consider both parents' financial resources, including non-income producing assets, to determine ability to pay support.
Special needs of the child or parent that create additional expenses may justify deviation from guidelines.
The child's pre-separation standard of living and what would be available if the family remained intact.
Private school, tutoring, or other educational expenses that benefit the child's development and future.
Our experienced New York family law attorneys can help you calculate accurate child support, file for modifications, or enforce existing orders. We understand the complexities of the CSSA and will fight for your children's financial security.
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