Port Jefferson Station, NY asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for New York

Q: I'm still married but living separately and she is keeping my son from me do I still have to pay without a court order

3 Lawyer Answers
Christine Moccia
Christine Moccia
Answered
  • Rye Brook, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: If you are the biological parent, yes. Each parent must support the child until age 21 unless the child is emancipated at 18. Speak to an attorney about a possible custody petition in order to see your son.

Andrew S. Tabashneck
Andrew S. Tabashneck
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Williamsville, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: First, I assume you are referring to paying child support.

Most likely, yes, you still have to pay.

Based on the limited facts provided, the best course of action is probably to bring either a "show cause" hearing, a petition relating to contempt, or a custody petition. However, first, you would need to have a custody order in place. If you are paying child support, I assume you have a custody order. Under the circumstances, the prudent course of action is to go to court, explain the situation to a judge, and get the court to order visitation to remain and you could also bring up the child support payments at that time. I agree with Ms. Moccia in that it is highly unlikely that child support would be eliminated or reduced on this basis.

Andrew S. Tabashneck
Andrew S. Tabashneck
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Williamsville, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: I apologize for the typo: "show cause petition"

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.