Primary Caretaker as a Factor in Child Custody Disputes.
Often, when contemplating a child custody dispute, a parent may expect to be awarded custody of a child simply because that parent has spent more time raising or caring for the child. Depending on the circumstances, however, a court may or may not award custody to such a parent.
The New York Domestic Relations Law – which governs issues such as child custody, divorce, and other family law matters – contains the following language.
In all cases there shall be no prima facie right to the custody of the child in either parent, but the court shall determine solely what is for the best interest of the child, and what will best promote its welfare and happiness, and make award accordingly.
With this language, the New York Legislature has directed courts to award custody based on what the court believes to be in the best interests of the child. Courts consider all aspects of a child’s living arrangements and relations with parents when making custody decisions. The fact that one parent has acted as the primary caretaker of the child will certainly be taken into account. But a court will not award custody to either parent for this reason alone. This may seem unfair to some parents. But again, the court’s sole concern in custody determinations is the best interest of the child. Courts are not concerned with redressing grievances between parents, or compensating a parent for his or her investment in a child’s well-being.
If you are currently facing a child custody dispute, or are concerned that you may be facing one in the future, The Law Firm of VAUGHN & WEBER, PLLC is here to assist you. We are conveniently located in the heart of Nassau County, Long Island, at 393 Jericho Turnpike, Suite #208, Mineola, NY 11501. Call (516) 858-2620 to speak with a Family Law Attorney today!
*Contributions to the research and preparation of this blog were made by Jason Mays, J.D. (awaiting admission in NYS)
New York Child Support Standards.
Child support in New York is governed by the New York Child Support Standards Act, Domestic Relations Law 240 Section 1-b and Family Court Act 413 (identical statutes). The Act assigns to courts a standard for allocating child support obligations between divorced parents. The purpose of the Act is to ensure that children of divorced parents receive the same standard of living they would have enjoyed had their parents remained together, while at the same time dividing financial obligations fairly.
Generally, the Act directs courts to take the following steps:
(1) Determine the combined total income of the parents.
Courts are directed to look at each parent’s gross income, but may make certain deductions or consider additional income sources or assets where appropriate. Additionally, if a court believes that a parent is misrepresenting income, it may assign a number it considers to represent the actual income of the parent.
(2) Calculate the children’s share of the parents’ combined total income.
Usually the court will determine the child or children’s expenses to be a statutorily assigned percentage of the parents’ total income, but some exceptions may be made in high-income cases.
(3) Assign a pro-rata share of the child/children’s expenses.
Generally, this means that each parent’s obligation to the child/children’s expenses will be in proportion to each parent’s share of the total combined income. Again, a court may assign an amount greater than the statutorily assigned proportion in high-income cases.
High income exceptions may be made at any step in this process, and a court may assign add-on expenses such a child care, medical expenses, or tuition. Tax issues also often arise in determining child support obligations.
As always, if you are have any questions regarding child support or you are having an issue with child support, please call (516) 858-2620 to speak with a Family Law Attorney today!
*Contributions of research and preparation for this blog were made by Jason Bernard Mays, J.D. (awaiting admission in NYS)
New York’s No-Fault Divorce
Recently, we have received some questions regarding whether or not a Defendant can challenge a New York’s No-Fault Divorce. Being that the statute is so new, there still remains some uncertainty and inconsistency throughout the trial courts. The truth is that nobody really knows at this point. The statute calls for an “irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship in excess of 6 months.” The language itself does give rise to certain questions such as how a Plaintiff can prove such a breakdown?; or how can a breakdown be irretrievable when at least the Defendant is willing to reconcile. These are issues that will need to be worked out in the higher courts. If you have questions regarding the new No-Fault Divorce statute in New York, call (516) 858-2620 to speak to a Matrimonial Attorney.
Divorce Attorney in Mineola
Please call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 to speak to an attorney today.
Marital Agreements
Recently, we have received several questions regarding marital agreements such as prenuptial and separation agreements. The questions seem to focus on whether or not the agreements are binding. Primarily whether or not a court can decide to modify the terms of such agreements if they are deemed unfair. The truth of the matter is that these types of agreements are legal contracts. If executed in compliance of the required formalities, then these agreements are generally binding. Modifications to these agreements are permissible as long as both parties consent and follow the appropriate formalities for modifications. Courts, however, will tend not to modify the terms of such agreements unless there are extenuating circumstances. It is not an easy task to convince a judge to alter or void the terms of these marital agreements. One exception to this general conclusory statement is when the best interest of an involved child would dictate that the Court intervene and impose its will. These agreements are very intricate and the necessary terminology can be the difference in whether one of these marital agreements are valid and enforceable or possibly declared void and meaningless. As always, please call the Law Firm of Vaughn, Weber & Prakope, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 to speak to a family law attorney!
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