New York Senate Bill S08431

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/10/25
• Refer: 6/10/25

Caption

Relates to the calculation of child support; provides that child support amounts shall be calculated based on the non-custodial parent's income; excludes health insurance costs and federal and state income taxes paid from the calculation of income for child support calculation purposes; makes related provisions.

Impact

The proposed adjustments have significant implications for how child support is computed in New York State. By excluding health insurance costs and federal and state income taxes from the calculation of income for support purposes, the bill could result in lower child support obligations for many non-custodial parents. This is intended to alleviate financial burdens and prevent situations where non-custodial parents may struggle to fulfill their support commitments. The bill aims to create a more standardized methodology for support calculation that could lead to fairer outcomes in family court proceedings.

Summary

Bill S08431 aims to amend the Domestic Relations Law, the Social Services Law, and the Family Court Act, specifically focusing on how child support is calculated. One of the key changes proposed is the modification of child support calculations to be based solely on the non-custodial parent's income, excluding costs related to health insurance and other taxes. This reform seeks to establish clearer and more straightforward guidelines for determining child support obligations, ensuring that the process is equitable for both custodial and non-custodial parents.

Contention

However, S08431 is not without its points of contention. Critics argue that these changes may disproportionately benefit non-custodial parents while potentially undermining the financial needs of the custodial parents and the children. Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term welfare of children who may face decreased financial support if non-custodial parents exploit loopholes within the amended framework. As this bill moves through the legislative process, it is expected to spark considerable debate over balancing the rights and responsibilities of both parents in child support arrangements.