New York Law (NYLE) Practice Exam

What factors may a New York court consider when determining child support obligations?

1. Only the parents' income and the number of children.

2. Only the financial needs of the children.

3. The statutory percentages set forth in the Child Support Standards Act, plus certain childcare expenses.

4. Only the educational costs of the children.

The correct answer is: The statutory percentages set forth in the Child Support Standards Act, plus certain childcare expenses.

In New York, when determining child support obligations, a court considers multiple factors, primarily focusing on the statutory guidelines that outline the financial responsibilities of parents. The correct answer highlights the significance of the statutory percentages defined in the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), which provides a formula based on the combined parental income and the number of children. Additionally, while the statutory percentages set a baseline for support amounts, the court also takes into account various expenses that may arise, such as childcare costs, medical expenses, and educational needs. This comprehensive assessment ensures the financial needs of the children are adequately addressed beyond just the income of the parents. Other options fall short because they do not capture the breadth of considerations involved in determining child support obligations. For example, focusing solely on parents' income or the children's educational costs ignores important elements like overall financial needs and additional expenses that impact a child's welfare. The court's obligation is to evaluate the totality of circumstances to ensure that the children's needs are met effectively.