Child Support Lawyer in Nassau County

Support For Your Family When Finances Change

At Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law, we help parents understand how New York child support works and what it means for their family. Our team focuses on family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support, so we are prepared to guide you through each stage of your case. We work to give you clear information and practical options, so you can make decisions with more confidence. 

To schedule a consultation with our Nassau County child support attorney, call (516) 688-0088.

Why Parents Choose Our Firm

Our attorneys have over 90 years of combined experience handling family cases under New York law. We built our reputation serving clients in Long Island and the five boroughs, then expanded our reach with additional offices to better serve families throughout the region. This history gives us a strong foundation in New York family practice and a clear understanding of how courts typically view support and custody questions.

Parents also come to us because of our leadership. Our team includes Andrea Friedman, whose work has been recognized with honors such as the Millennium Award and the Stars Under 40 Award. These awards reflect years of commitment to thoughtful advocacy in family law. Clients benefit from that leadership through strategies that are grounded in both legal knowledge and practical experience.

How Child Support Works In New York

New York uses the Child Support Standards Act to provide a basic framework for child support. In many cases, the court starts by looking at both parents’ incomes and applies a percentage based on the number of children. This creates a guideline amount that is meant to cover core expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Income is not limited to base salary. Courts may consider wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income. They can also make adjustments for things like FICA taxes, certain child care costs, or support obligations for other children, when the law allows it.

New York courts frequently address additional expenses for children. These may include health insurance coverage, unreimbursed medical costs, and work-related child care. In some cases, the court may consider costs related to education or agreed activities. These items are often shared between parents in proportion to their incomes, which can significantly change each parent’s monthly responsibilities.

The guideline calculation is a starting point. Courts can deviate from that amount if there are specific factors that make the guideline unfair or inappropriate for a particular family. Things like very high combined income, special needs of a child, or unusual parenting schedules may influence this decision. We help clients understand how these factors might come up in their own cases and what information is useful to present.

Child support matters connected to divorce may be handled in Supreme Court, while many other support cases proceed in New York Family Court. The rules are statewide, but every courtroom has its own routines and expectations. We work with clients to prepare for what they are likely to encounter when their case is heard.

Common Child Support Situations We Handle

Parents often turn to us in situations such as:

• Setting child support during a divorce while also resolving custody and parenting time
• Seeking a first support order between parents who were never married
• Requesting a modification after a significant change in income or parenting schedule
• Addressing unpaid support or chronic late payments from the other parent
• Handling cases where one parent has self-employment or fluctuating bonus income

What To Do About Child Support Now

Some practical steps you can take now include:

• Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and information about any bonuses or self-employment income
• List regular expenses for your children, such as child care, medical costs, school fees, and activities
• Save written communications about support or expense sharing with the other parent
• Avoid making long-term promises about support without first getting legal advice

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in New York?

New York usually applies the Child Support Standards Act, which uses a percentage of combined parental income based on the number of children. The court considers many income sources and certain deductions, then may add items like health insurance or child care. Specific facts in your case can influence the final amount.

Can I change my existing child support order?

You can typically seek a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income shift or a meaningful change in parenting time. Courts look closely at the reasons for the change and supporting documentation. We help parents assess whether a modification request makes sense.

What if the other parent is not paying support?

If child support is not being paid under a court order, you can usually pursue enforcement through the court system. Options may include income execution or other remedies allowed by New York law. We review your order and payment history, then discuss appropriate enforcement steps for your situation.

Do I really need a lawyer for child support?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but many parents find legal guidance helpful when income is complex, parenting time is changing, or emotions are running high. Our attorneys help organize financial information, explain likely outcomes, and present your position clearly so you are not navigating the process alone.

What should I bring to my first meeting?

It is helpful to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, any existing court orders, and written communication about support. Basic information about your parenting schedule and children’s expenses is also useful. We use these documents to give you more specific feedback during your case review.

Contact Us Today

Child support decisions can feel heavy, but you do not have to face them alone. Our firm is committed to providing high-quality representation in family matters, including child custody and support. If you have questions about a current or future child support case, we invite you to speak with us about your situation and your goals.

To discuss your child support concerns in Nassau County with our team, call (516) 688-0088.