Clark Peshkin
Syracuse & Central New York Family Law Attorneys
At Clark Peshkin, we understand that family law matters can be complex, emotional, and life-changing. Whether you are facing divorce, child custody disputes, paternity issues, or financial support concerns, our experienced family law attorneys in Syracuse, NY, are here to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
As a trusted family law firm in Syracuse, NY, we offer compassionate yet assertive representation, guiding individuals and families through complex legal matters with a focus on fair outcomes, stability, and the protection of your rights.
Child Custody
Child custody decisions can be among the most emotionally and legally complex challenges a parent faces. Our Syracuse family law attorneys are committed to crafting custody arrangements that prioritize your child’s well-being while ensuring both parents maintain a fair, meaningful, and supportive role in their child’s life.
We assist with:
- Legal and physical custody determinations
- Visitation rights and full parenting plans
- Modifications to existing agreements
If you’re in a custody dispute, you need an experienced family law lawyer in Syracuse, NY, who will fight for your parental rights.
Child Support
New York law requires both parents to contribute financially to their child’s well-being. Our attorneys assist in ensuring child support arrangements are fair and reasonable for both parties.
We help parents:
- Establish child support obligations based on New York guidelines
- Modify child support orders when your family’s situation changes
- Enforce child support payments when the other parent is non-compliant
Syracuse Family Lawyer
At Clark Peshkin, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate complex family law matters with compassion and strength. Whether you are going through a custody dispute, seeking financial support, or are dealing with paternity issues, our legal team is here to advocate for your rights and protect your interests.
How Long Will Child Support Continue?
In New York, child support generally continues until the child turns 21 years old, unless certain conditions apply that terminate or extend the obligation.
Exceptions & Special Circumstances:
- Early Termination: Child support may end before 21 if the child becomes emancipated, meaning they:
- Get married
- Join the military
- Become financially independent and self-supporting
- Extended Support: If a child has special needs or a disability, a parent may be required to provide support beyond the age of 21.
- College Expenses: While not automatic, parents may be required to contribute to college costs depending on the court’s decision or a prior agreement.
If you need guidance on establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support, our family law attorneys in Syracuse, NY, can help ensure your rights and obligations are properly addressed.
Modification of Child Support
In New York, child support can be modified under certain circumstances, typically when there is a significant change in circumstances or based on specific legal criteria. Here’s when you can request a modification:
Significant Change in Circumstances
Either parent can request a modification of support if there has been a substantial change that affects their ability to pay or affects the child’s needs, such as:
- Job loss (not due to voluntary unemployment) or income change
- Change in the child’s needs (medical expenses, educational costs, etc.)
- A parent’s disability or serious health condition
- Changes in custody or parenting time
Three-Year Rule
New York law allows a parent to seek a modification if three years have passed since the last child support order was issued or modified.
Income Change of 15% or More
If either parent’s income has increased or decreased by at least 15%, they can request a review of the child support order.
Violations of Child Support Orders
If a parent fails to make child support payments, the other parent has legal options, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Tax refund interception
- Driver’s license suspension
- Legal enforcement actions
If your child’s parent is not paying child support, our Syracuse family law lawyers can help enforce your rights and seek payment of child support arrears.
Special Considerations for Setting Child Support in New York
Child support determinations in New York involve more than just applying a formula. Several factors can influence the amount and structure of child support, including unique family circumstances.
Key considerations include:
- Income Above the Statutory Cap: When combined parental income exceeds the statutory cap, courts have discretion to determine the appropriate amount of child support for income above that threshold.
- Shared Custody Arrangements: Child support may be adjusted when parents share nearly equal parenting time, depending on how costs are allocated between households.
- Imputation of Income: If a parent is underemployed or unemployed by choice, the court may impute income based on prior earnings, education, and earning capacity.
- Child’s Special Needs: Additional support may be ordered to address extraordinary medical, educational, or care expenses for a child with special needs.
- Add-On Expenses: Parents may also be required to share child care, unreimbursed medical, educational, and extracurricular costs in proportion to their incomes.
- Deviation from Guidelines: The court can deviate from statutory guidelines if applying them would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances.
Services We Offer in Syracuse, NY
Division of Assets
New York follows equitable distribution laws, meaning assets are not necessarily divided equally — they are divided in the way that the court believes is fair. Our attorneys will:
- Determine separate vs. shared property
- Identify and value marital assets
- Collaborate with outside professionals in order to secure the best outcomes possible for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and those with special financial circumstances
- Negotiate fair asset distribution
Spousal Support
Also known as Alimony or Maintenance, spousal support may be awarded in a divorce after an evaluation of the below factors:
- Income levels of both spouses
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Health and employment status
- Ability of the parties to support themselves independently
Our attorneys will fight for fair spousal support agreements whether you are seeking support or are obligated to make payments.
Paternity Issues
Establishing legal paternity is crucial for:
- Child Support Obligations
- Custody and Visitation Rights
- Estate and Family Planning
Establishing paternity can take place outside of court if the parents are in agreement and cooperative or may require court intervention.
Child Custody and Support
We are committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for children in family law cases. Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce a custody agreement or are seeking child support, our attorneys are here to help.
We do our best to resolve family conflicts outside of court, amicably, through mediation and collaborative law, whenever possible. Some situations require court intervention, and in those cases, our attorneys have the skill, experience, and expertise to ensure that our clients are heard and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Our Step-by-Step Process: What to Expect Working With Clark Peshkin
1. Initial Consultation
- We start with a confidential meeting to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
- We assess the strengths and challenges of your case, offering clear guidance on the next steps.
2. Strategic Case Planning
- Our attorneys develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your goals — whether you prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- We help you gather critical information, including financial documents, parenting records, and other evidence needed to strengthen your case.
3. Negotiation & Resolution Efforts
- Whenever possible, we aim for amicable solutions through negotiation or mediation — saving you time, stress, and expense.
- If a fair agreement is reached, we formalize it in a legally binding settlement agreement.
4. Litigation (If Necessary)
- If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
- Our experienced litigators present compelling evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate passionately for your rights.
5. Ongoing Support & Modifications
- We remain available to help you modify or enforce existing orders, including custody, support, and property division arrangements.
- Our attorneys provide support as your family’s needs and circumstances change.
Client Testimonials & Educational Resources
We believe in providing not only exceptional legal representation but also valuable information and insights to help you make informed decisions.
Client Testimonials
See firsthand how we have helped families like yours protect their rights and secure positive outcomes in family law matters.
Explore Our Blog
Explore practical articles on child custody, divorce, support, domestic violence, mediation, and other family law topics.
Schedule a Consultation With Clark Peshkin Today
If you are dealing with divorce, child custody disputes, support issues, or another family law matter, don’t navigate it alone. Our Syracuse family law attorneys are ready to help.
Take the First Step Toward Resolving Your Family Law Matter.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with one of our award-winning family law lawyers in Syracuse, NY.