Child Support Lawyer Serving New York, Washington, D.C. & Maryland

Experienced Representation for Child Support, Modification, and Enforcement Matters

Child support can have a substantial impact on both a child’s financial well-being and a parent’s finances.

Whether you are seeking child support, responding to a support request, attempting to modify an existing order, or dealing with unpaid child support, it is important to understand how the law applies to your family’s circumstances.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz, I represent parents in child support matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I have more than 25 years of legal experience handling divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and other family law matters. I work directly with my clients to understand their income, parenting arrangement, financial obligations, and their children’s needs before developing a strategy.

Child support laws and calculation methods differ significantly between New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. My multijurisdictional family law practice provides valuable experience for families whose lives, employment, assets, or children have connections to more than one jurisdiction.

Schedule a confidential consultation with me to discuss your child support matter.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is money paid to help meet a child’s financial needs when parents do not live together or otherwise require a formal support arrangement.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, child support may help cover expenses such as:

• Housing
• Food
• Clothing
• Healthcare
• Health insurance
• Childcare
• Education
• Transportation
• Other expenses related to raising a child

Both parents generally have a financial responsibility to support their children.

A child support order determines how that responsibility will be allocated under the laws of the jurisdiction hearing the case.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support is not simply an amount one parent chooses.

New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland each use statutory guidelines or formulas to calculate child support.

Although the specific formulas differ, calculations may consider factors such as:

• Income of both parents
• Number of children
• Parenting time
• Childcare expenses
• Health insurance costs
• Medical expenses
• Existing support obligations
• Other children supported by either parent
• Certain extraordinary expenses

The guideline calculation is often a starting point, not the end of the analysis.

Cases involving high incomes, business ownership, irregular compensation, or unusual expenses can require additional financial analysis.

Why Hire Me as Your Child Support Lawyer?

Online calculators can provide estimates, but they may not identify every issue that affects a support order.

As a child support lawyer, I can help determine:

• What income should be included
• Whether reported income accurately reflects actual earnings
• How bonuses or commissions should be treated
• How business income should be calculated
• Whether certain deductions are appropriate
• How custody and parenting time affect the calculation
• Which child-related expenses should be included
• Whether a deviation from guideline support may be appropriate
• Whether an existing order can be modified
• What remedies may be available when support is unpaid

Small differences in income calculations can produce significant differences over the life of a support order.

Understanding the underlying numbers is therefore critical.

Establishing Child Support

A child support order may be established as part of:

• A divorce
• A custody case
• A parentage or paternity proceeding
• A separate child support proceeding

Parents who were never married may still have the same fundamental obligation to financially support their children.

Where legal parentage has not been established, that issue may need to be resolved before or as part of the child support proceeding.

I represent parents seeking support and parents responding to support claims.

Child Support During Divorce

Child support is frequently addressed as part of a divorce involving minor children.

The parents may simultaneously need to resolve:

• Legal custody
• Physical custody
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Health insurance
• Childcare
• Educational expenses
• Other child-related costs

Because these issues overlap, consider child support as part of the broader family and financial picture.

Learn more about Divorce & Matrimonial Law.

Child Support and Custody

Child custody and child support are related, but they are separate legal issues.

Custody covers parental decision-making and where children live.

Child support addresses financial responsibility.

The parenting arrangement may affect the support calculation, particularly in jurisdictions that incorporate the time children spend with each parent into the guidelines.

However, parents should not treat custody as a financial tool to increase or decrease support.

Custody decisions should focus on the child’s best interests.

Learn more about Child Custody.

Child Support and Parenting Time

Parents sometimes assume that a disagreement over child support allows them to withhold parenting time or that denied visitation allows them to stop paying support.

These are generally separate obligations.

If a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, enforcement remedies may be available.

If a parent interferes with court-ordered parenting time, custody or visitation remedies may be available.

Parents should generally seek appropriate legal relief rather than violating another court order.

Learn more about Visitation & Parenting Time.

What Counts as Income for Child Support?

Income can become one of the most disputed issues in a child support case.

For a traditional salaried employee, income may be relatively straightforward to identify.

For others, compensation may include:

• Salary
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Overtime
• Business income
• Partnership distributions
• Investment income
• Rental income
• Deferred compensation
• Stock-based compensation
• Other sources of earnings

The exact definition of income depends on the jurisdiction.

A parent’s tax return may be important evidence, but taxable income and income used for child support purposes are not always identical.

I review each case’s financial circumstances to determine whether the income used to calculate support accurately reflects the parent’s financial situation.

Child Support for Business Owners

Child support calculations can become substantially more complicated when one or both parents own a business.

A business owner may receive financial benefits through:

• Salary
• Distributions
• Guaranteed payments
• Retained earnings
• Business-paid expenses
• Bonuses
• Partnership income
• Other forms of compensation

Business tax returns may contain deductions that are legitimate for tax purposes but require additional analysis in a family law case.

Questions may also arise when a parent’s current reported income differs substantially from historical earnings.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to review financial records beyond a personal tax return.

These can include:

• Business tax returns
• Profit and loss statements
• Balance sheets
• Bank statements
• General ledgers
• Ownership documents
• Payroll records

When substantial business income is involved, careful financial analysis can be critical.

High-Income Child Support Cases

High-income child support cases present their own set of challenges.

A parent may earn substantial income through:

• Executive compensation
• Annual bonuses
• Stock options
• Restricted stock units
• Partnership distributions
• Carried interests
• Investment income
• Business ownership

Once parental income exceeds levels addressed directly by a state’s standard guideline formula, courts may have additional discretion in determining an appropriate support obligation.

The child’s actual needs, standard of living, and other statutory factors may become important.

For high-income parents, determining the correct income figure and understanding how the applicable jurisdiction treats income above guideline thresholds can make a substantial financial difference.

My work in both high net worth divorce and complex family law matters allows me to consider these issues as part of the family’s broader financial circumstances.

Learn more about High Net Worth Divorce.

Bonuses, Commissions and Variable Income

Not every parent earns the same amount each month.

Sales professionals, executives, financial professionals and business owners may receive compensation that changes significantly from year to year.

Variable income can include:

• Annual bonuses
• Quarterly bonuses
• Sales commissions
• Performance compensation
• Profit distributions
• Equity compensation
• Seasonal income

Determining the appropriate child support amount may require reviewing multiple years of compensation rather than focusing on a single paycheck.

The appropriate approach depends on the applicable law and facts of the case.

Childcare Expenses

Childcare can represent a high cost for working parents.

Child support proceedings may need to address expenses such as:

• Daycare
• Preschool
• Before-school care
• After-school care
• Summer childcare
• Babysitting required for employment

How these expenses are treated depends on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Parents should retain documentation showing actual childcare expenses when those costs are relevant to the support calculation.

Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

A child support order may also address healthcare costs.

These can include:

• Health insurance premiums
• Copayments
• Deductibles
• Prescription medications
• Dental expenses
• Vision expenses
• Therapy
• Other uninsured or unreimbursed medical costs

The order should clearly explain how the parents will share these responsibilities.

Educational and Extracurricular Expenses

Families may also need to address expenses beyond basic child support.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, disputes may involve:

• Private school tuition
• Tutoring
• School activities
• Sports
• Camps
• Music lessons
• Other extracurricular activities

These costs can become particularly significant in high-income families.

Clear agreements on who pays for which expenses can help reduce future disputes.

Modifying Child Support

A child support order that was appropriate several years ago may no longer reflect the family’s current circumstances.

A parent may seek to increase or decrease child support after a significant change.

Potential reasons for modification may include:

• Job loss
• Significant increase in income
• Significant decrease in income
• New employment
• Disability or illness
• Changed custody arrangement
• Substantial change in parenting time
• Changes in childcare costs
• Changes in health insurance
• Other qualifying changes in circumstances

Modification is not necessarily automatic.

The parent requesting a change generally must follow the applicable legal procedure and meet the jurisdiction’s requirements.

Waiting to request a modification can also have financial consequences because courts may be restricted in how far back they can adjust an existing order.

I represent parents seeking modifications as well as parents opposing requested changes.

What If I Lose My Job?

Losing employment does not automatically terminate an existing child support order.

Until the order is formally modified, the existing obligation may continue.

A court may examine:

• Why employment ended
• Prior earnings
• Current income
• Efforts to obtain new employment
• Available financial resources
• Whether unemployment is voluntary
• Other relevant circumstances

If your income has materially changed, obtaining legal advice promptly can be important.

Waiting while arrears accumulate can make the situation substantially more difficult.

Child Support Enforcement

When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, enforcement proceedings may become necessary.

Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, enforcement mechanisms can include:

• Income withholding
• Collection of arrears
• Interception of certain funds
• Liens
• Contempt proceedings
• Other enforcement remedies authorized by law

The exact remedies available depend on the jurisdiction.

I represent parents seeking payment of past-due child support as well as parents accused of failing to comply with an existing order.

Child Support Arrears

Past-due child support is commonly called arrears.

Arrears can accumulate when a parent:

• Stops making payments
• Makes only partial payments
• Pays less than the amount ordered
• Fails to account for required additional expenses

If you believe support has not been paid, accurate payment records can become important evidence.

If you owe arrears, ignoring the problem generally makes it worse.

I can review the existing order, payment history, and circumstances to determine what options may be available.

Can Parents Agree on Their Own Child Support Amount?

Parents can often negotiate financial terms as part of divorce or custody settlements, but child support remains subject to the laws and requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.

An agreement should clearly address:

• Basic child support
• Payment schedule
• Childcare
• Health insurance
• Medical expenses
• Educational expenses
• Other agreed-upon costs

Simply agreeing verbally that neither parent will seek child support may not resolve the issue permanently.

Because child support concerns a child’s financial needs, courts may retain authority over support even after parents reach an agreement.

Child Support in an Uncontested Divorce

Parents pursuing an uncontested divorce still need to address child support appropriately.

A complete settlement may need to establish:

• The amount of support
• Payment method
• Health insurance
• Childcare costs
• Medical expenses
• Education-related expenses
• Other child-related obligations

Addressing these issues clearly can help prevent an otherwise amicable divorce from turning into a future financial dispute.

Learn more about Uncontested Divorce.

New York Child Support Lawyer

I have been licensed to practice law in New York since 2007 and represent parents in New York child support matters.

New York applies the Child Support Standards Act when determining child support.

The calculation generally begins by determining parental income and applying statutory percentages based on the number of children.

The standard percentages are:

• 17% for one child
• 25% for two children
• 29% for three children
• 31% for four children
• At least 35% for five or more children

The court generally allocates the resulting obligation between parents based on their respective shares of combined parental income.

Additional expenses may include childcare, healthcare, and certain educational costs.

For income exceeding the statutory cap, additional legal analysis may be required to determine what support is appropriate.

New York generally requires parents to financially support a child until age 21, although circumstances involving emancipation can affect that obligation.

I represent New York clients in:

• Initial child support proceedings
• Divorce-related support matters
• High-income child support cases
• Child support modifications
• Enforcement proceedings
• Child support arrears disputes

New York Office
1 Liberty Street
Suite 2327
New York, NY 10006

917-791-4157

Washington, D.C. Child Support Lawyer

I have been licensed in the District of Columbia since 2001 and represent parents in Washington, D.C. child support matters.

D.C. courts use a Child Support Guideline when calculating support.

The calculation may consider factors including:

• Income of both parents
• Medical costs
• Childcare expenses
• Amount of time the child spends with each parent
• Other children living in each parent’s household

Even when a child spends substantial time with both parents, child support may still be appropriate depending on the parents’ respective incomes and circumstances.

In Washington, D.C., child support generally continues until age 21, subject to circumstances that may affect the obligation.

I represent D.C. clients in:

• Establishing child support
• Divorce-related support
• Parentage and child support matters
• Modifications
• Enforcement
• Unpaid support
• High-income cases

Washington, D.C. Office
700 12th Street NW
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005

202-972-2701

Maryland Child Support Lawyer

I have been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 1999 and represent parents throughout Maryland in child support matters.

Maryland uses child support guidelines when determining an appropriate support obligation.

The calculation can involve factors such as:

• Income of both parents
• Childcare expenses
• Health insurance costs
• Extraordinary medical expenses
• Existing support obligations
• Parenting time
• Other factors permitted under Maryland law

Maryland’s calculation can differ depending on the parenting arrangement.

For families with substantial incomes, business ownership, or complicated compensation, determining the appropriate support obligation may require analysis beyond a basic online calculator.

In Maryland, the age of majority is generally 18. A child who turns 18 while still enrolled in secondary school may continue to have a right to parental support until graduation, leaving secondary school, emancipation, marriage, death, or age 19, whichever applicable event occurs first.

I represent Maryland clients seeking to establish, modify, or enforce child support orders.

Child Support Between Different States

Child support issues can become more complicated when parents live in different jurisdictions.

For example:

• One parent lives in Washington, D.C., and the other lives in Maryland.
• A New York support order needs to be enforced elsewhere.
• A parent relocates after an order has been entered.
• The parent paying support works in another state.
• A modification is requested after one parent moves.

Questions may arise regarding:

• Which state has authority over the support order
• Which state’s law applies
• Where a modification should be filed
• Enforcement of an out-of-state order
• Income withholding across state lines

My multijurisdictional practice can be particularly valuable when a child support matter involves New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

What Documents Should I Bring to a Child Support Attorney?

Child support cases are heavily dependent on financial information.

Documents that may be useful include:

• Recent tax returns
• W-2 forms
• 1099 forms
• Recent pay stubs
• Employment agreements
• Bonus or commission statements
• Business tax returns
• Profit and loss statements
• Bank statements
• Health insurance information
• Childcare invoices
• Medical expense records
• Existing custody orders
• Existing child support orders
• Prior settlement agreements
• Records of support payments
• Records concerning other support obligations

The documents needed will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Why Choose Me for a Child Support Matter?

More Than 25 Years of Legal Experience

I have practiced law since 1999 and have handled child support, custody, divorce, visitation, domestic violence, and other family law matters throughout my career.

Licensed in New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland

I have been licensed in:

• Maryland since 1999
• Washington, D.C. since 2001
• New York since 2007

This is particularly valuable for families whose financial or parenting circumstances cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Experience With Complex Financial Matters

Not every child support case involves two straightforward salaries.

Business ownership, substantial income, investments, bonuses, and executive compensation can make determining income more complicated.

My experience handling high net worth divorce and other complex matrimonial matters allows me to examine child support as part of the family’s broader financial picture.

Extensive Litigation Experience

When child support disputes cannot be resolved through agreement, I am prepared to advocate for my client’s position in court.

My litigation background extends beyond family law and includes a broad range of civil and criminal cases.

Direct Attorney Involvement

Clients work directly with me.

I review the case’s financial circumstances, explain the applicable law, and help clients understand the immediate and long-term implications of a proposed support order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

How is child support calculated?

The calculation depends on the jurisdiction. New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland each use guidelines that consider parental income and other factors. Childcare, healthcare, and parenting arrangements may also affect the final amount.

Do both parents’ incomes matter?

Yes. How much each parent’s income affects the calculation depends on the jurisdiction and the applicable formula.

Does 50/50 custody mean no child support?

Not necessarily. Shared parenting time does not automatically eliminate child support. Differences in parental income and the applicable state formula may still result in one parent paying support.

Can child support be changed?

Potentially. A parent may request modification when the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction are satisfied, such as after a significant change in income, employment or custody.

Can child support be reduced if I lose my job?

Possibly, but job loss does not automatically change an existing court order. A formal modification may be necessary. Act promptly if your financial circumstances materially change.

Can child support increase if the other parent’s income increases?

Potentially. Whether an increase justifies modification depends on the jurisdiction, existing order, and circumstances.

Are bonuses included in child support?

They may be. Bonuses, commissions, and other compensation can be relevant when determining parental income.

How is child support calculated for a business owner?

The analysis may require review of business income, compensation, distributions and financial records. A personal tax return may not provide the complete financial picture.

Does child support include health insurance?

Child support orders can include healthcare and health insurance expenses. The way those expenses are allocated depends on the jurisdiction.

Does child support include daycare?

Childcare expenses can affect support calculations, particularly when care is required so a parent can work or pursue qualifying education or employment activities.

Can I stop paying child support if I am denied visitation?

Generally, no. Parenting time and child support are separate legal obligations. If visitation is being denied, you may be able to pursue enforcement of the parenting order.

Can the other parent refuse visitation because I owe child support?

Generally, unpaid child support does not by itself authorize a parent to disregard an existing custody or visitation order.

How long does child support last in New York?

New York generally requires parents to support their children until age 21, subject to circumstances such as emancipation and other legal exceptions.

How long does child support last in Washington, D.C.?

Child support in Washington, D.C. generally continues until a child reaches age 21, although the particular circumstances and existing order should be reviewed.

How long does child support last in Maryland?

Maryland support generally extends to age 18, but support may continue for an 18-year-old who remains enrolled in secondary school until an applicable terminating event, including graduation, leaving school or reaching age 19.

What happens if child support is not paid?

Unpaid child support can result in arrears and enforcement proceedings. The available enforcement measures depend on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Can parents agree not to pay child support?

Parents may reach agreements regarding support, but courts retain authority over child support and must apply the jurisdiction’s laws. A private agreement does not necessarily eliminate a parent’s legal support obligations.

Do I represent both parents seeking and paying child support?

Yes. I represent parents seeking appropriate child support as well as parents responding to child support requests, modifications and enforcement proceedings.

Do I handle child support cases in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland?

Yes. I represent family law clients in all three jurisdictions and have been licensed in Maryland since 1999, Washington, D.C. since 2001, and New York since 2007.

Speak With an Experienced Child Support Lawyer

The amount of child support ordered today can affect your family’s finances for years.

Whether you are establishing support for the first time, dealing with a high-income calculation, requesting a modification, or facing an enforcement proceeding, understanding the law and the numbers behind the calculation is essential.

I represent parents in child support matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I work directly with clients to review their financial circumstances, explain how the applicable child support laws may affect them, and develop a strategy focused on reaching an appropriate result.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Washington, D.C. & Maryland: 202-972-2701

New York: 917-791-4157

Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz today to discuss your child custody and learn more about your legal options.