Child Support Lawyer in Queens

When couples decide they cannot continue in a marriage, the needs of the child are usually foremost in everyone's mind. The amount of child support in New York State is determined by a complex formula that includes each parents' combined income, how much each parent earns relative to the other, and certain income tax deductions.

The calculated result is a percentage of the non-custodial parent's income, between 17 percent (for one child) and up to 35 percent (for five or more children). A judge has discretion on the amount of child support to be paid, taking into account the economic factors involved.

This process sounds cut-and-dried, yet a skilled child support lawyer can present a financial analysis that differs from the other party's in an effort to minimize or maximize one party's rights or obligations. For decades, Mark Plaine has been successfully advocating for the interests of both sides in the child support process.

We understand child support negotiations can be stressful. If you are currently facing a child support decision, please contact us as we have experience and knowledge of New York family law. Divorce attorney Mark Plaine is conveniently located in Kew Gardens.

Alimony Lawyer - Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal maintenance, support and alimony are the same thing, i.e., payments made by one spouse to support the other. The goal is to provide financial support to the needy spouse while that individual works to become self-supporting.

Like child support, alimony is now decided by a formula. In determining the level of support, the court evaluates both parties' needs and income, as well as the standard of living each party is accustomed to. Due to changes in the law, the Courts apply a complex formulaic approach, which lawyers must know how to calculate. Mark Plaine knows how to calculate the formula, as well as how to evaluate the other factors that Courts are permitted to use when applying the formulas. This can include such factors as:

• Property distributed in the divorce action
• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of each party
• Their respective earning capacities
• How long it will take for the receiving party to become self-supporting
• Whether there are children in the marriage
• The contributions each party makes as wage earner, parent and homemaker
  

With so many women working, it is not uncommon for the wife to pay alimony to the husband. Spousal Maintenance is gender neutral, and applies to same-sex couples, too. The key issue in determining the amount of spousal support is often about how your finances are presented. We advocate for our clients, and have many years of experience in presenting finances so that you emerge with the best possible result. 

Should you have any questions about your situation, please call Mark Plaine, Queens child support attorney and alimony attorney at 718-268-0279, or write us using this online form.

Map & Directions

CHILD SUPPORT and ALIMONY

Mark I. Plaine, Divorce attorney

Call Today:  1.718.268.0279

Mark I. Plaine, Esq.​

105-15 Metropolitan Ave.
Forest Hills, NY 11375
1.718.268.0279
mplaine@plainelaw.com

​The Law Offices of