*Orders are paid weekly, biweekly, monthly, or bimonthly. Divide by the frequency that applies to the way the non-custodial parent is paid.

DISCLAIMER: Use the Child Support Calculator to get an idea of how much a non-custodial parent might owe in child support in New York State. It is only an estimate and is adjusted to reduce the gross income by FICA and local NYC taxes. The court may, under certain circumstances, deviate from the formula. In addition, other factors are routinely considered in setting the order amount. Read Child Support Standards Act to the right.

The Child Support Standards Act

The Child Support Standards Act was developed in 1989 to ensure that child support awards in New York State were fair and consistent. The goal is to give children the same standard of living they would have if their parents were together.

The law states that the basic support award be set at a fixed percentage of parental income, depending on how many children for which an order is being requested:

These percentages are applied to almost all parental earnings up to $80,000 (minus NYC taxes and social security deductions). This includes worker's compensation, disability payments, unemployment insurance, social security, pensions and many other forms of income. After $80,000, the court can choose whether or not to use the percentage guidelines.

In addition to the basic support award, the child support order must include medical support, which is health insurance for the child. Either parent may be required to provide health insurance coverage for the child, if it is available through a job or union at a reasonable cost. The basic award must be increased to cover medical expenses not covered by health insurance and child care expenses, if the custodial parent is working or in school. In addition, the court may increase the award to include educational expenses for the child.