A Brief Overview of Child Support Laws: New York
Federal law regulates child custody and support in United States, but each state, including New York, also has its own laws when it comes to child support and custody.
ALBANY, NY, January 07, 2013
Child support disputes were virtually unheard of in the United States prior to the 1970s, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Divorce laws in most western countries began to change during this period to recognize the financial responsibility of both parents in child rearing, however. Federal law regulates child custody and support in United States, but each state, including New York, also has its own laws when it comes to child support and custody.A Family Law Overview
Legal proceedings in family law often generate bitter disputes. Parents involved in a child support or custody dispute sometimes pit the child against one another. This can take the form of alleging some type of abuse against the child or disrupting the other parent's ability to communicate with the child. It is also not unusual for one parent to remove the child from the jurisdiction without informing the other parent and demanding child support.
Family courts and attorneys are beginning to replace the terms "custody" and "visitation" with the terms "parenting schedule" or "parenting time." This change in terminology reduces the distinction between custodial parents and non-custodial parents. It also encourages the development of schedules and child support payments that are in the best interests of the child.
New York's Child Support Laws
An order of child support is enforceable for unemancipated children under the age of 21. Although parents may share their time with the children equally, their support obligation may not be equal. The Child Support Standards Act in New York specifies the extent to which parents must support children until they reach 21 years of age or are earlier emancipated.
Legal Representation From an Experienced Family Law Attorney
When parties are in the process of divorce, there are a number of issues that are interrelated. A knowledgeable family law attorney can look at these interrelated issues and help you achieve a negotiated settlement that will get you the comprehensive result you desire.
In a case where the parties are unable to negotiate a settlement, it is even more important to have an experienced child custody and support lawyer who can help fight for you in Supreme or family court.
Colwell, Colwell & Petroccione, LLP
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Albany, NY 12210
Phone: 518-545-5892
Toll Free: 866-377-0285
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Web: www.colwell-law.com