Representing Custodial & Noncustodial Parents Across Queens & Long Island
Whether you’re seeking to establish a support order for the first time, responding to a petition filed against you, or addressing an arrangement that no longer reflects your circumstances, we represent both custodial and noncustodial parents in Queens family court proceedings. Our family law practice covers the full lifecycle of a child support matter, from the initial order through modification and enforcement, within a firm that also handles the custody, divorce, and relocation issues that frequently surface alongside support disputes.
Both sides of a support case carry real financial and legal consequences. Understanding how an obligation will be calculated or contested before stepping into court makes a significant difference in how the matter unfolds.
To speak with a child support lawyer in Queens, call (929) 590-5053 for a free consultation with no obligation.
We bring over 60 years of combined attorney experience to every matter we handle, and we’ve served more than 5,000 clients throughout the New York metropolitan area. Our firm has received eight or more awards recognizing our client-centered approach and has earned national recognition for our advocacy in complex legal matters.
As a boutique firm, we keep a small operational structure by design. Clients work directly with our named principals rather than being passed to junior associates, which means the attorney who reviews your support calculation is the same attorney who appears in court on your behalf.
How New York Calculates Child Support Under the CSSA
New York uses the Child Support Standards Act to set a baseline support obligation. The formula applies a statutory percentage to the combined income of both parents, then allocates each parent’s share proportionally.
Basic support percentages by number of children:
17% for one child
25% for two children
29% for three children
31% for four children
No less than 35% for five or more children
The statutory percentage applies to combined parental income up to a cap reviewed every two years. As of March 1, 2026, that cap is $193,000. When combined income exceeds the cap, a Support Magistrate or judge has discretion to apply the percentage to some or all of the income above it, weighing specific statutory factors rather than following the formula automatically.
Basic support isn’t the only figure in the order. Courts add mandatory amounts on top of it:
Child care costs related to a parent’s employment or education
Health insurance premiums and unreimbursed medical expenses
These add-ons are divided between parents in proportion to each parent’s share of combined income, not split equally. One additional point worth knowing: in New York, the duty to support a child generally continues until the child turns 21, unless the child is emancipated earlier through marriage, military service, or full-time employment with self-support.
Not sure where to start? Get a free consultation with our experienced attorneys to discuss your legal needs. We’ll provide you with clear guidance and expert advice, with no obligation.
A support order issued two or three years ago may no longer reflect the actual financial picture. Job loss, a significant income change, a shift in the child’s needs, or a relocation can each form the basis for a modification. Under New York’s Family Court Act, a court may modify an existing order when the requesting party demonstrates a substantial change in circumstances. Modification is also available once three years have passed since the order was last entered, modified, or adjusted, or if either parent’s income has changed by 15% or more since that time.
We handle modification petitions for clients on both sides of the request. Whether you’re a noncustodial parent whose income has dropped substantially or a custodial parent seeking an upward adjustment after the other party’s circumstances changed, we can help you file or respond to a petition and present the evidence that supports your position.
Enforcement When Child Support Goes Unpaid
When a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, New York provides several enforcement tools. An income execution, sometimes called wage garnishment, directs an employer to withhold support amounts directly from the noncustodial parent’s paycheck. State-issued licenses, including a driver’s license or professional license, can be suspended for non-payment. In more serious cases, the court can hold the nonpaying parent in contempt, which may result in money judgments or, depending on the circumstances, incarceration.
We represent custodial parents pursuing enforcement and noncustodial parents facing enforcement proceedings they believe are unwarranted or based on incorrect calculations. The right approach depends on the specifics of your order and the other party’s conduct.
“It is so rare to meet attorneys with such care and focus on the case along with the high ethics and moral values!”
Yuliya T.
“Highly Recommend to Anyone”
“Mr. Bowman was able to resolve my matter very quickly. Kept me up to speed with everything going on.”
Mohammad R.
“Peace of Mind Through Expert Legal Guidance”
“Mr. Bowman and his team provided exceptional support with honesty, knowledge, and wisdom, guiding us through every aspect of our case. Forever grateful!”
Edgardo M.
“Professional & Thorough”
“Dustin Bowman’s intelligence and professionalism did not fail. His calmness and keen sense of knowledge helped to ease my stressor during this process, and all three cases were successful!”
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“Professional, Patient & Honest”
“Mark Anderson is the BEST and I recommend this team with the highest stars possible.”
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Queens County Family Court: What to Expect
Child support matters in Queens are heard at Queens County Family Court in Jamaica, Queens. Cases are typically assigned to a Support Magistrate, a judicial officer who presides over support proceedings in New York City Family Court, though some matters may go before a Judge. Knowing which officer is handling your case and how that affects procedure, timeline, and available remedies matters from the moment you file or respond to a petition.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Queens Child Support Attorneys
If you have questions about establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support order in Queens, we can help. We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation so you can get clear guidance before deciding how to proceed.
Family Law Services That Often Arise Alongside Child Support
Child support disputes rarely stand alone. A custody arrangement directly shapes which parent is designated custodial for support purposes, and a pending divorce brings income findings and property distribution into the same proceeding. When these matters overlap, handling them through one firm can reduce the gaps and delays that come from coordinating across separate attorneys.
Our family law practice covers contested and uncontested divorce, custody and visitation, relocation, equitable property distribution, separation agreements, protection orders, adoption, and grandparents’ rights. If a support question connects to any of these issues, we can address the full picture rather than a single piece of it.
