A dissolution of marriage means severing all legal ties to your spouse, requiring decisions that will impact the lives of you and your loved ones for years to come. One of the most contentious issues families face are questions of child custody support, arrangements which often have a dramatic effect on the financial future of all parties. As one of the most established divorce lawyers in the Hudson Valley area, MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. has the experience and family law expertise to help you resolve these vital, difficult issues.

In the state of New York, child support payments are determined by calculations set forth in the Child Support Standards Act, a law which was intended to ensure support orders are fair and consistent throughout the state. These formulas dictate a percentage of gross earnings of up to $143,000, minus a few key deductions. For incomes above this line, the courts have discretion regarding whether to follow the calculator or order an independent judgment.

The courts have considerable leeway when applying the formula contained in the Child Support Standards Act, which is where the skills of a skilled divorce lawyer will be beneficial. Having an experienced legal professional guide you through the process will ensure you have developed realistic expectations which take into account all of the factors the court will consider. Whenever possible, divorce lawyers will strive to find solutions you and your spouse can agree on, avoiding the expense and emotional trauma of litigating your divorce.

For over 130 years, Hudson Valley residents have relied on MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. for high-quality legal counsel in a broad range of practice areas, from corporate law to elder law. Visit their website to learn more about their long tradition of excellence, or call (845) 343-3000 to schedule a consultation with a divorce lawyer today.