Child Support

Child support is money paid by the noncustodial parent to the other parent or caregiver to help cover the basic needs of a child. Learn more about child support and explore our guides, videos, and other resources to help you understand the process.

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Videos

When Can a Child Support Order Be Changed?

This video explains how to modify a child support order in New York Family Court.

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How Is Basic Child Support Calculated?

This video explains how child support is calculated in New York State.

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What Are Child Support Add-Ons?

This video discusses the add-on expenses that are not covered by basic child support and when the Family Court may order them.

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When Does Child Support End?

This video explains when child support ends in New York State and when you may have to go back to court.

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How to Manage Child Support Arrears

This video discusses how to manage your child support arrears, or debt, in New York State.

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View All Short, 2-3 minute videos that explain complicated family law topics using plain language.

Guided Court Forms

Financial Disclosure Affirmation (Short Form) [Form 4-17a]

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out the Financial Disclosure Affirmation (Short Form) for a child support case. The Financial Disclosure Affirmation is a document used in New York Family Court to show a person’s income and expenses.

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Child Support Petition [Form 4-3]

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out a Petition for Child Support. This is the form you can file in Family Court to request child support. This form should be used to start a new case. It should not be used if you already have a child support order from a court.

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Notice of Motion [GF-14]

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out a Notice of Motion. This form is notice of a written request made by a party to the court for specific relief. A Notice of Motion is typically filed with an Affidavit in Support. The Affidavit in Support explains why the court should grant the motion.

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Motion to Vacate & Recalendar

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out a Motion to Vacate an Order of Dismissal and Recalendar. This form is a written request asking the court to cancel an order dismissing your petition because you missed your court appearance. It also asks the court to put your case back on the court's calendar so that you do not need to file a new petition for your case.

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Affirmation in Support

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out an Affirmation in Support. The Affirmation in Support is used when filing a Notice of Motion or an Order to Show Cause. The Affirmation in Support explains to the court the reason you are filing and why the court should grant your request.

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Affirmation of Service

This online program from Family Legal Care guides you through filling out an Affirmation of Service. The Affirmation of Service shows the court that the other party has been served with the court papers.

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View All A free program that guides you step-by-step through Family Court forms and generates completed forms in PDF or Word format.

Webinars

Preparing for Court: What to Expect in Your Child Support Case

Learn about about how to prepare for a child support case, including what a summons and petition is, how service works, and what kind of evidence to bring to court with you.

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Child Support & VA Benefits

Topics covered include: child support in New York Family Court, how to modify child support or handle enforcement, and how child support interacts with VA benefits.

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View All Recorded, online presentations about New York family law and Family Court

Trial Resource Guides

Stages and Timeline for Common Family Court Cases

Although every case is different, this guide explains the general stages and timeline for certain types of Family Court cases.
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Preparing for Family Court

This guide explains what to expect before, during, and after your court date, whether your case is in person or virtual.
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How to Fill Out Common Family Court Forms

This guide will help you understand some of the most common Family Court forms and give you tips on how to fill them out.
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Motions

A motion is when you ask the court to do something in your case while it is ongoing. This guide will help you understand the types of motions and how to file one.
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Discovery

Discovery is the process for getting information and documents from the other party in your case. This guide will help you understand how this process works in Family Court.
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Subpoenas

A subpoena is a document that requires witness testimony or specific documents to be produced in court. This guide will help you understand whether you might need a subpoena and how to request one.
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View All Short, practical guides that explain rules, procedures, and what to expect in court for parents and caregivers who are representing themselves in Family Court.
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