How New York Child Support Is Calculated
New York child support calculations are governed by the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), codified under Domestic Relations Law § 240 and Family Court Act § 413. Under NY law, support continues until age 21.
1. NY CSSA Basic Child Support Formula
Combined Basic Obligation=Min(Combined Income, $183,000 Cap) × CSSA Tier %
2. Non-Custodial Pro-Rata Monthly Obligation
Monthly Support=(Monthly Basic Need + Mandatory Add-Ons) ×
Non-Custodial IncomeCombined Income
Step-by-Step Calculation Breakdown ($6,500 vs $3,500 Monthly Gross, 2 Children)
Step 1: Calculate Combined Annual Income & Check $183,000 Cap
• Parent 1 ($6,500/mo = $78,000/yr) + Parent 2 ($3,500/mo = $42,000/yr)
• Combined Annual Parental Income: $120,000 (Within $183,000 statutory cap)
• Parent 1 Proportional Share: 65.0% ($6,500 / $10,000)
Step 2: Apply CSSA Statutory Child Percentage (25% for 2 Children)
• Combined Annual Basic Support: $120,000 × 25.0% = $30,000 / year
• Combined Monthly Basic Support: $30,000 ÷ 12 = $2,500 / month
• Parent 1 Pro-Rata Basic Share (65.0%): $1,625 / month
Step 3: Apportion Mandatory Add-Ons (Healthcare & Childcare)
• Health Insurance ($250) + Childcare ($400) = $650 / month
• Parent 1 Add-On Share (65.0%): +$423 / month
Estimated Total Monthly Child Support: $2,048 / month
New York CSSA Statutory Percentage Schedule (DRL § 240)
| Number of Children | CSSA Guideline % | Monthly Basic on $10,000 Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | 17% | $1,700 / mo |
| 2 Children | 25% | $2,500 / mo |
| 3 Children | 29% | $2,900 / mo |
| 4 Children | 31% | $3,100 / mo |
| 5+ Children | 35% | $3,500 / mo |