Child Support Lawyer in the Bronx
Helping Clients Get a Fair Child Support Order
A child support dispute can affect your finances, your relationship with your child, and your ability to plan. Whether you need to establish support, believe the current child support amount is incorrect, or are dealing with unpaid child support payments, the legal process can become difficult quickly.
At The Law Offices of David Bliven, we represent Bronx clients in child support cases and family law matters. We examine income records, custody arrangements, existing court orders, and the facts that make your case different. David Bliven brings nearly 30 years of family law experience and a former Family Court prosecutor’s perspective to child support litigation.
Call 917-938-7827 to discuss your child support issue and schedule a consultation today.
How New York Calculates Child Support
New York law requires parents to support a child under 21, subject to statutory exceptions. Family Court Act § 413 sets the basic child support percentages at 17% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and at least 35% for five or more children. The court determines the combined parental income, applies the percentage, and allocates the obligation based on each parent’s income. New York Family Court Act § 413
For 2026, New York courts state that the combined parental income threshold under the Child Support Standards Act increased from $183,000 to $193,000 effective March 1, 2026. For combined parental income above $193,000, the court may consider the statutory adjustment factors and/or the child support percentage when determining whether to award additional support. New York Courts, 2026 child support changes
The calculation can also include child care, health insurance, and cash medical support, unreimbursed health care expenses, and, when statutory requirements are met, educational expenses. The statute also permits consideration of financial resources, the child’s needs, tax consequences, non-monetary contributions, and other relevant factors when the basic calculation would be unjust or inappropriate. Family Court Act § 413
Income analysis can matter as much as the formula. The statute permits income to be attributed or imputed from certain resources and benefits and addresses self-employment income and deductions. Family Court Act § 413
Starting a Child Support Case in Bronx Family Court
New York Family Court Act § 423 provides that a support proceeding begins with the filing of a petition, and no prior demand for support is required. Family Court Act § 422 identifies who may originate support proceedings, including a parent or guardian. Family Court Act §§ 422-423
New York law contains specific rules governing service, and proper service can affect the court’s ability to proceed against the other parent. Family Court Act §§ 426-427
Bronx County Family Court hears child support, child custody, visitation, and other family matters. The court is at 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451. New York Courts states that petitions are filed beginning at 8:30 a.m. and lists court hours as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bronx County Family Court
Financial disclosure also plays a central role. Family Court Act § 424-a generally requires both parties in a Family Court support proceeding to disclose their financial circumstances, including a sworn net worth statement and income documentation. Family Court Act § 424-a
Those records can expose disputes over income, business earnings, benefits, deductions, or other financial resources. A family law attorney can review them before you take a position that may affect the case.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
A child support order does not change simply because circumstances change. A modification requires a petition and a legally sufficient basis under New York law. Family Court Act § 451
Family Court Act § 451 permits modification based on a substantial change in circumstances. Unless the parties validly opted out of the applicable provisions, modification may also be available after three years have passed since the order was entered, last modified, or adjusted, or when either party’s gross income has changed by 15% or more. For a reduction based on decreased income, the statute requires that the decrease be involuntary and that the parent make diligent efforts to obtain employment consistent with the person’s education, ability, and experience. Family Court Act § 451
An existing order also remains significant while a modification request is pending. Section 451 states that a court generally may not reduce or annul child support arrears that accrued before the application for relief. Family Court Act § 451
We can review the existing order, the timing of the change, income documentation, and the legal basis for modification before presenting the matter to the court.
Child Support Enforcement and Arrears
Missed child support payments can lead to an enforcement proceeding. Family Court Act § 453 provides for enforcement proceedings based on an allegation that a respondent failed to obey a lawful support order. Family Court Act § 453
After a finding that a respondent failed to comply with a lawful support order, Family Court Act § 454 authorizes enforcement remedies and requires entry of a money judgment. A willful failure to obey a support order can also expose the respondent to additional statutory consequences. Family Court Act § 454
Records matter on either side of an enforcement case. A parent seeking enforcement should be prepared to establish the amount owed and relevant payment history. A parent accused of nonpayment may need to address payment records, income, prior orders, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged default.
Child Support, Custody, and Divorce
Child support often appears alongside child custody, parenting time, divorce, spousal support, or other family law issues. The broader family law matter, including whether a divorce action is pending in Supreme Court, can affect how the support dispute should be handled.
New York courts identify Bronx County Family Court as the court that hears child support, custody, and visitation matters for families in the Bronx. Because these issues are often closely connected, a parent may raise custody or visitation questions in the same Family Court proceeding as a child support petition.
New York Courts explains that child support may be ordered in a Supreme Court divorce case or through a support petition in Family Court. When a divorce, separation, or annulment action is pending in Supreme Court, child support may be addressed as part of that Supreme Court proceeding, and the Supreme Court may refer a child support application to Family Court in appropriate circumstances. The proper forum depends on the circumstances and any existing orders. New York Courts, Child Support
Representation for Bronx and White Plains Clients
Although this page focuses on Bronx child support matters, our firm also represents clients in White Plains and throughout Westchester County. David Bliven previously served for nearly three years as a Family Court Prosecutor with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, where he prosecuted child support, child abuse and neglect, and foster care cases. He has practiced family law for nearly 30 years.
That background gives us experience viewing support disputes from both sides of the Family Court. We use that perspective when reviewing financial evidence, court orders, testimony, and the legal issues in each case.
Speak With a Bronx Child Support Attorney
A child support case can involve more than a monthly payment. The amount may depend on income, deductions, custody arrangements, health costs, child care, arrears, and other factors supporting a different calculation under New York law.
If you are ready to address a child support matter, contact The Law Offices of David Bliven. Call 917-938-7827 to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options with a firm that brings nearly three decades of family law experience and a former prosecutor’s perspective.