Child Support Lawyer in White Plains

Your Child Support Order Should Be Fair For Everyone

A child support dispute can become a financial problem before anyone reaches a courtroom. You may be trying to collect overdue payments, facing a support amount that no longer reflects current income, or dealing with child support as part of a divorce.

At The Law Offices of David Bliven, we represent parents in White Plains, Westchester County, and surrounding areas in child support matters. We review financial information, custody arrangements, existing orders, and the facts that affect the support determination. With nearly 30 years of family law experience and a former Family Court prosecutor’s perspective, we bring practical experience to contested support cases.

Call 917-938-7827 to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your child support matter with our office.

How New York Determines Child Support

New York child support calculations follow the Child Support Standards Act and Family Court Act § 413. The basic child support percentage is 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and no less than 35% for five or more children. The court determines combined parental income and generally allocates the basic obligation between the parents according to their respective shares of that income. New York Family Court Act § 413

For 2026, New York Courts reports that the combined income cap under the Child Support Standards Act will increase from $183,000 to $193,000, effective March 1, 2026. When combined parental income exceeds that amount, the court determines whether and how to apply the statutory percentage to income above $193,000, together with consideration of the factors listed in the statute. New York Courts, 2026 child support changes Family Court Act § 413

The basic child support obligation is not the only financial issue. Depending on the circumstances, the court can address child care, health insurance, cash medical support, and other expenses. New York Courts also explain that child support hearings may involve evidence concerning food, housing, clothing, medical costs, child care, and education. New York Courts, Child Support Hearing

Income can also require close review. New York law defines income broadly and permits the court, in appropriate circumstances, to attribute or impute income from certain available resources. That can make pay stubs, tax returns, business records, benefits, and other financial information important to a support determination. Family Court Act § 413

Starting a Child Support Case in White Plains

Westchester Family Court in White Plains handles child support, custody, visitation, and other family matters involving children. The courthouse is located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601. Westchester Family Court.  Satellite courts are located in Yonkers & New Rochelle.

A child support case generally starts with a petition in Family Court. New York law does not require a parent to make a prior demand for support before filing. The law also identifies parents, guardians, and certain other persons who may initiate a support proceeding. Family Court Act §§ 422-423

After filing, the other parent must receive the summons and petition through legally authorized service. Family Court Act § 427 establishes service methods and provides specific timing requirements. Family Court Act §§ 426-427

Financial disclosure is another important part of a support case. Family Court Act § 424-a requires financial disclosure by both parties in support proceedings, subject to statutory exceptions. The required information can include a sworn net worth statement, a current representative paycheck stub, recent state and federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and information about available health plans. Family Court Act § 424-a

A careful review of these records can reveal disputed income, deductions, benefits, business earnings, or other issues that may affect the child support amount.

Modifying a Child Support Order

Circumstances change. Employment, income, and family finances can look different several years after an order was entered.

New York Family Court Act § 451 permits modification of a child support order upon a substantial change in circumstances. Unless the parties specifically opted out of the applicable provisions in a valid agreement or stipulation, modification may also be available after three years have passed since the order was entered, last modified, or adjusted, or when either parent’s gross income has changed by 15% or more. Family Court Act § 451

A reduction based on decreased income has additional requirements. The statute provides that the decrease must be involuntary and that the parent must have made diligent efforts to obtain employment consistent with that person’s education, ability, and experience. Family Court Act § 451

An existing support order does not automatically change because a parent’s circumstances have changed. A modification proceeding requires a petition alleging facts sufficient to meet a statutory ground. New York law also generally prevents a court from reducing or annulling child support arrears that accrued before the application for modification. Family Court Act § 451

We review the current support order, the timing of the change, financial records, and the applicable statutory grounds before advising a client about modification.

Enforcing Child Support in Westchester County

A child support order carries legal obligations. When a parent fails to comply with a lawful support order, Family Court Act § 453 permits an enforcement proceeding for the alleged violation. Family Court Act § 453

After a finding that the parent failed to comply, Family Court Act § 454 requires entry of a money judgment and authorizes additional enforcement measures. Depending on the circumstances, the court may order income deduction, require an undertaking, sequester property, or suspend driving, state professional or business, and recreational licenses under the applicable enforcement provisions. A willful violation can result in further penalties, including possible jail or probation. Family Court Act § 454

New York also provides child support enforcement services through the state’s support collection system. Those services can assist with locating a noncustodial parent, serving process, collecting payments, and certain administrative enforcement measures. New York Courts, Child Support Services

Whether you are seeking unpaid support or responding to an enforcement case, the actual support order and payment history deserve close attention.

Child Support During Divorce

Child support can be addressed in Family Court or as part of a divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court. New York Courts explains that divorce cases are handled in the Supreme Court. At the same time, the Family Court can address child support, custody, visitation, and related matters before a divorce case is filed. New York Courts, Family Court

For parents divorcing in White Plains, child support may be one part of a larger family law matter involving custody, spousal support, property division, and other financial issues. New York Courts state that custody, visitation, and child support must be resolved before a Judgment of Divorce is signed when children of the marriage are involved. New York Courts, Children in a Divorce Case

That broader context matters. A child support issue should be reviewed alongside the existing divorce documents, court orders, agreements, and financial circumstances.

Speak With a White Plains Child Support Attorney

A child support case can affect your finances for years. Before taking a position on the amount owed, the payment obligation, or a requested modification, it makes sense to understand the existing order, financial information, custody arrangement, and New York law that applies.

If you are ready to address a child support issue in White Plains or Westchester County, contact The Law Offices of David Bliven. Call 917-938-7827 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a family law firm bringing nearly three decades of experience and a former prosecutor’s perspective to New York support litigation.