Saratoga Child Support Lawyers

Saratoga Child Support Attorneys

Serving clients in Saratoga, Albany, Warren, Washington, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Green, and Columbia

Do you need legal help?

    Saratoga Child Support Lawyers

    Saratoga Child Support Attorneys

    Serving clients in Saratoga, Albany, Warren, Washington, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Green, and Columbia

    Do you need legal help?

      The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They truly care about their clients and walk you through the process every step of the way. I highly recommend Jean and here team for any legal needs.

      – Joseph B.

      They were so kind and caring throughout the whole experience. Walked with me through everything. They made a difficult and painful time more manageable. I would recommend them to in a heartbeat. Best decision about the divorce I made.

      – Kelli F.

      Was a real advocate for me while going through my divorce. Responded to emails and calls promptly and guided me through the entire process. Fair, responsive and frankly a light during a tough time.

      – Melissa W.

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      Saratoga Child Support Lawyers

      There is no simple rule for calculating child support. In New York, the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) provides a step-by-step formula used in every court in the state to determine how child support will be allotted. Still, judges have considerable discretion, especially with regards to upper-income families and families with special needs. Our dedicated Saratoga child support lawyers provide sound legal advice, and affordable representation with a track record of success in the courtroom.

      Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC takes the time to educate our clients on the law, how the court operates and the surest ways to avoid inequities. Our divorce attorneys in Albany advocate for reasonable child support arrangements that meet the needs of the children without creating an undue burden on our client.

      Issues regarding New York child support

      New York child support is an obligation of both parents, and their status, whether they are married, divorced or were never married at all, is completely immaterial. Since the duty to pay child support remains until the child turns 21, the issues of who pays and how much can change many times, depending on any number of factors.

      At Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC, we understand the court’s thinking and we’ve seen all the ploys of opposing counsel. We can anticipate when the court might assess child support based on earning potential rather than actual earnings, or when a court might cap custody payments that might otherwise be a windfall to the custodial spouse. We fully inform our clients on the operation of the law, how it applies to their circumstances and what strategies are available for asserting their rights. We offer sound, pragmatic advice not only on your initial child support petitions, but on any modifications that might be necessary due to your changed circumstances.

      Frequently Asked Child Support Questions

      New York uses the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) to calculate basic child support. The formula considers combined parental income up to $163,000 (2025 cap), applies percentages based on number of children (17% for one child, 25% for two, etc.), and allocates support proportionally based on each parent’s income percentage. Additional expenses like childcare, healthcare, and educational costs may be added beyond basic support.

      Yes, child support can be modified when there’s a substantial change in circumstances, typically a 15% or more change in support amount. Common reasons include significant income changes, job loss, promotion, disability, remarriage, additional children, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in the child’s needs. You must petition the court for modification – support amounts don’t change automatically.

      Non-payment of child support can result in serious consequences including wage garnishment, bank account levies, tax refund intercepts, license suspensions (driver’s, professional, recreational), passport denial, credit bureau reporting, property liens, contempt of court charges, and even jail time. New York’s Support Collection Unit aggressively enforces support orders through various collection methods.

      Yes, child support and visitation are separate legal issues. You must pay court-ordered child support regardless of visitation arrangements or whether the other parent interferes with your parenting time. Child support is the child’s right to financial support from both parents, while visitation is about the parent-child relationship. Both issues should be addressed through proper legal channels.

      Child support typically continues until the child reaches age 21 in New York, unless the child becomes emancipated earlier through marriage, military service, or financial independence. Support may continue beyond age 21 for disabled children who cannot support themselves. Some agreements include college support provisions extending financial responsibility through higher education completion.

      Yes, New York courts can order additional support beyond basic child support for necessary expenses including childcare costs to enable work or education, health insurance premiums and unreimbursed medical expenses, educational expenses including private school or college tuition, and extracurricular activities. These add-on expenses are typically shared proportionally based on each parent’s income percentage.

      Yes, child support cases involve complex calculations, legal procedures, and long-term financial consequences that require experienced legal representation. Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC provides comprehensive child support services including accurate support calculations, income analysis, modification petitions, enforcement actions, and protection of parental rights. Our experienced attorneys ensure proper application of New York’s Child Support Standards Act and advocate for fair support arrangements that serve your children’s best interests.

      Contact our experienced Albany child support attorneys

      To speak with a child support attorney at Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC, contact us today. We will be happy to answer your questions and schedule an initial appointment at our Clifton Park office. You can also schedule an appointment by contacting us online.