FAQS- Custody & Support Agreements
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A. Yes. Unmarried parents have the same rights and responsibilities as married parents. Mediation is an excellent way to collaboratively create a parenting plan and establish child support without stepping foot inside a courtroom.
After evaluating your options, you–and only you–make the decisions that become the agreement. The goal of a successful mediation is to reach an agreement that is custom-made for your family, your finances, and your future.
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A. Yes. You can agree to pause court proceedings to attempt mediation at almost any time. If you reach an agreement, your finalized plan can simply be submitted to the judge for approval, saving you the time, stress, and expense of a trial.
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A. Often, yes. Even in a 50/50 shared parenting arrangement, if one parent earns significantly more than the other, the higher-earning parent may still pay support. This is designed to ensure the child enjoys a similar standard of living in both households.
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A. In New York, parents are generally legally obligated to support their children until the age of 21, unless the child becomes financially independent (emancipated) sooner. However, parents can also use mediation to creatively plan for expenses beyond that age, such as college tuition.