{"id":375230,"date":"2016-10-17T16:06:19","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T21:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-child-support-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-02-28T17:13:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T22:13:44","slug":"new-york-child-support-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-child-support-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New York Child Support Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New York Child Support Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

New York’s child support<\/a> laws ensure that children get financial support for necessities regardless of their domestic situations. While every case is different, in most, the noncustodial parent (NCP) makes payments to the custodial parent through the New York State Office of Child Support Services (OCSS)<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Providing for your children is not a choice. It’s an obligation. Child support laws can punish<\/a> nonpayment if necessary, but the primary goal is enabling a seamless transfer of funds from the NCP to the custodial parent.<\/p>\r\n

This article will explain New York child support laws, how the amount of child support gets determined, and the guidelines to protect the best interests of the child<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

New York Child Support Obligations<\/h2>\r\n

New York state laws don’t mince words on caring for one’s children. Parents of a child under 21 must provide for their needs<\/a>. This is true regardless of the relationship between the parents.<\/p>\r\n

The responsibility to offer financial support falls on those who have acknowledged paternity<\/a>. These are usually the parents listed on the child’s birth certificate. If necessary, the court can order testing to confirm a child’s birth parent<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The Social Security Act of 1975 required states to set up programs<\/a> to establish and enforce child support payments under Title IV-D. Parents must provide necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and health insurance.<\/p>\r\n

Child support payments are set through a court order<\/a>. It’s common to encounter them during divorce or child custody hearings. One parent can also file a support petition against the other to start child support payments.<\/p>\r\n

Parents may submit a written agreement for child support<\/a> payments they’ve negotiated. The court must approve it and make sure both parents understand the terms.<\/p>\r\n

Financial Disclosures<\/h2>\r\n

Child support gives children the same financial support they’d have if their parents were together. Before the state can use child support formulas to arrive at a figure, it needs to determine two things:<\/p>\r\n