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Child Support Attorney in Poughkeepsie, New York

A hand is holding a child in its palm.

Raising a child is one of the most important things that any parent can do. Children deserve the love, care, and support of both their parents. However, when parents separate or divorce, it can create challenges in financially providing for a child's needs.


Whether you're seeking to establish child support or modify an existing arrangement, having knowledgeable legal support is crucial. As an experienced child support lawyer, I provide compassionate and strategic legal representation to families throughout Poughkeepsie, New York, and the surrounding areas.


With decades of experience, I offer my clients a thorough understanding of New York child support laws and procedures to families across Fairview, Arlington, Spackenkill, Highland, Haviland, Pleasant Valley, Crown Heights, Milton, Clintondale, and beyond.


Reach out to the Law Office of Fred Clarke today to schedule a free consultation and learn how I can help secure your child's current and future well-being.

Understanding Child Support in New York

New York state laws regarding child support are designed to ensure that both parents share the financial responsibilities of raising their children. Familiarizing yourself with these laws can help you better understand the support process and make informed decisions for your family's future.

Calculating Child Support

In New York, child support calculations are based on established guidelines that consider both parents' income. The percentage of combined parental income allocated for child support varies according to the number of children:


  • 1 child: 17%
  • 2 children: 25%
  • 3 children: 29%
  • 4 children: 31% 
  • 5 or more children: no less than 35%


These guidelines serve as a starting point, but factors like healthcare costs, educational expenses, and childcare can also influence the final support amount. As your attorney, I will assess your financial situation to ensure that any child support order is fair, accurate, and serves your child's best interests.

Enforcing Child Support

If a parent fails to make child support payments, it can have serious legal consequences. New York takes child support enforcement seriously, employing a range of measures to ensure compliance. Some of the steps that may be taken include:


  • Income withholding: The default method of collecting support in New York, where an obligated parent's wages are garnished directly by their employer.
  • Tax refund interception: Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted to cover unpaid child support.
  • License suspension: Driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and even recreational licenses like hunting or fishing can be suspended.
  • Contempt of court: Parents who willfully fail to pay support may be found in contempt of court, which can result in fines and even jail time.
  • Credit bureau reporting: Non-payment can be reported to credit bureaus, impacting the delinquent parent's credit score.


It's critical to address any difficulties in making payments as soon as they arise. You can request a modification to support orders if there is a significant change in your financial circumstances. As your attorney, I can help you navigate these processes to avoid penalties and ensure that your child's needs continue to be met.

Modifying Child Support

Life is unpredictable, and changes in circumstances can prompt the need to modify an existing child support order. Some common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:


  • Significant changes in income: If either parent experiences a substantial increase or decrease in income due to job loss, job change, promotion, or other financial shifts, it may warrant a reevaluation of the child support amount.
  • Change in custody arrangements: When there is a change in the custody or visitation schedule, such as a child moving in with the other parent or spending more time with one parent, the support order may need to be adjusted.
  • Increased needs of the child: As children grow, their needs inevitably change. Significant increases in expenses related to education, healthcare, or extracurricular activities may necessitate a modification.
  • Medical issues: The emergence of unexpected medical conditions or disabilities in a child can lead to additional costs that were not previously accounted for in the original support order.
  • Remarriage or new children: If either parent remarries or has additional children, their financial responsibilities and household income may change, prompting a need to reassess the child support obligations.
  • Cost of living adjustments: Inflation and changes in the cost of living can impact the adequacy of the child support amount, making it necessary to adjust the payments to meet the child's current needs.


Modifying a child support order involves a formal legal process and requires demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances. As your child support attorney, I can help you gather the necessary evidence, present a compelling case, and guide you through the modification procedures to ensure a just outcome for your family.

How My Firm Can Assist You

When dealing with child support issues, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference. I am committed to helping you achieve a fair and just outcome, so you can focus on your child's well-being. Together, we will develop a tailored strategy to address your unique circumstances, ensuring that your best interests are represented at every stage of the process.


I leverage decades of experience in family law to provide sound legal advice and vigorous representation. My deep understanding of New York child support laws equips me to handle even the most complex cases effectively. I am dedicated to staying current with the latest legal developments to offer you relevant and effective counsel.


Every family is unique, and so are their legal needs. I take the time to understand your specific situation, concerns, and goals. By offering personalized legal support, I strive to provide solutions that are not only legally sound but also practical and in the best interest of your child.


In the end, your child's well-being is my top priority. I am committed to resolving your child support issues in a manner that minimizes stress and disruption to your family. Whether you're initiating a child support case or seeking modifications, I will do everything I can to make sure your child's financial needs are met.

Protect Your Child's Future

Speak With a Dedicated Attorney

Child Support Attorney in Poughkeepsie, New York

My mission is to provide cost-effective legal services that ease your burden and protect your family's future. With fair rates and flexible payment options, I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you're facing child support concerns in Poughkeepsie, New York, or the surrounding areas, contact my firm today to schedule a free consultation and take the next step toward securing your child's financial future.

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