How to Respond to a Child Support Petition

If you receive a formal request for child support (known as a child support petition), you must respond promptly and accurately. Your actions could impact your financial obligations for many years to come.

The following items are some key points related to receiving and responding to a child support petition:

• You must comply with all instructions written on the petition. In the majority of cases, you are required to show up to court on a specific date. Do not miss this appointment.
• At your court hearing, the judge will analyze each parent’s income, the amount of time each child currently is spending with the parent and each parent’s ability to fulfill any of the child’s special needs. Based on these factors, the judge will determine who gets custody of the kids and what the arrangement will look like.
• To prepare for your hearing, collect information such as evidence of your income and any documents requested.
• If you are unsure that the child is yours, you are allowed to request a paternity test.
• If you do not show up to your meeting or meet your child support obligations, the court will take additional measures to collect the money. Delinquent parents could face penalties, including wage garnishment, license suspension, fines and even jail time.

Any time you are called to appear in court, consult a lawyer to prepare for the hearing. To learn more about child support in the state of New York, meet with a trusted Long Island family law attorney at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.