New York Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in New York?

New York calculates child support based on both your incomes using the 'Income Shares' model outlined in the Child Support Standards Act (NY DRL § 240(1-b)). The court combines your and the other parent's gross income, applies a statutory percentage based on the number of children to find the total support amount, and then divides that obligation between you proportionally based on your share of the combined income.

Understanding NY's Child Support Standards Act (CSSA)

New York's Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) does not provide an automatic formula or credit for shared or 50/50 physical custody. In these cases, the court designates the parent with the higher income as the 'non-custodial parent' for calculation purposes, who then pays the guideline amount to the other parent. However, pursuant to NY Domestic Relations Law § 240(1-b)(f), a court has the discretion to deviate from the guideline amount if it finds the result would be 'unjust or inappropriate'.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

New York Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority NY Domestic Relations Law § 240(1-b) & Family Court Act § 413
Shared Custody Threshold Substantial Equal Time
Age Support Ends Age 21 (or earlier if emancipated)
Modification Standard 15% Change in Income, 3 Years Passed, or Substantial Change in Circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Child Support


At what age does child support end in NY?

Child support in New York ends when the child turns 21, unless the child becomes legally emancipated sooner, as governed by NY Family Court Act § 413.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in NY?

New York courts will impute income to an unemployed or underemployed parent based on their prior work history, education, and earning capacity. This means support is calculated based on what the parent could and should be earning to ensure the child's needs are met.

How do I modify a child support order in NY?

You can modify a child support order in New York if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, three years have passed since the order was made, or there has been at least a 15% change in either parent's gross income.

Does NY child support cover college expenses?

New York courts can order a parent to contribute to a child's college or other post-secondary education expenses until the child reaches age 21. This support is discretionary and decided on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like parental finances and the child's academic abilities.

How does NY handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable, work-related childcare costs are mandatory 'add-on' expenses that are paid in addition to basic child support. These costs are divided between the parents on a pro-rata basis according to their respective shares of the combined parental income.