{"id":375358,"date":"2017-05-02T18:33:08","date_gmt":"2017-05-02T23:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/your-new-york-child-support-case-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2025-05-19T10:25:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T15:25:30","slug":"your-new-york-child-support-case-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/your-new-york-child-support-case-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Your New York Child Support Case: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Your New York Child Support Case: The Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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 child support is determined by family courts using guidelines from the New York Child Support Standards Act to make sure the amount of child support maintains the child\u2019s standard of living, like it would be if the parents remained together. The amount is based on the combined income of both parents and the number of children. The custodial parent can request support from the non-custodial parent, with payments covering basic needs and additional expenses. Support continues until a child turns 21, unless certain situations occur. Child support can be modified but requires a significant change in circumstances. Legal assistance can help navigate the complexities of child custody and child support cases.<\/blockquote>\r\n

If you\u2019re currently dealing with a messy New York child support case, you should familiarize yourself with New York\u2019s child support laws. Once the family law judge issues a child support order<\/a>, it\u2019s hard to get them to change it.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll provide an overview of a typical New York child support case. We will explain how to request support and how the courts determine the amount of child support the non-custodial parent<\/a> (NCP) must pay.<\/p>\r\n

Which Parent Gets Child Support in New York?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In New York, the custodial parent<\/a> can apply for child support from the non-custodial parent. If the mother has primary physical custody, she must establish paternity before she can demand child support.<\/p>\r\n

The easiest way to establish paternity is to sign a voluntary \u201cAcknowledgement of Paternity<\/a>\u201d form. The courts can also help establish paternity by issuing an \u201cOrder of Filiation<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Under New York law, a parent\u2019s child support obligation continues until the child turns 21 unless the child marries, becomes emancipated<\/a>, or joins the military. Even then, the non-custodial parent must file a motion with the court to terminate child support payments.<\/p>\r\n

How Do I Request Child Support in New York?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

You must apply for child support in New York State. You\u2019ll find an application for child support<\/a> from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. You can also request this form from the New York State Child Support Customer Service Helpline at 888-208-4485.<\/p>\r\n

The Child Support Enforcement Unit in New York<\/a> can also help with:<\/p>\r\n