Interstate Child Support: Enforcing Across State Lines (UIFSA)
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) gives one state continuing jurisdiction over an order — how enforcement works when the parents live in different states.
When parents live in different states, UIFSA (adopted by all states) gives a single state continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the order. That “controlling order” state applies its own law; the other state merely assists with enforcement — wage withholding, license suspension, and income deduction across state lines.
What can be enforced across state lines
- Income withholding: an order from State A is honored by employers in State B.
- License suspension and passport denial for arrears (federal rules on passport revocation are aggressive).
- Interstate registry and direct income withholding through the federal e-IWO system.
Estimate for New York
New York uses the Income Shares model.
New York Child Support Worksheet — Planning Estimate
Paying parent income: $5,000.00/mo · Other parent: $4,000.00/mo · Overnights: 0/yr · Child care: $0.00/mo · Health ins.: $0.00/mo · Children: 2
This is an informal planning estimate, not a court worksheet and not legal advice. Confirm the current guideline with the state child-support agency or a licensed family-law attorney.
Official schedule: Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), DRL § 240 1-b and Family Court Act § 413. Flat percentage of COMBINED parental income; statutory cap effective March 1, 2024 through Feb. 2026. (2024)
View calculation breakdown
| Combined parental income | $9,000 |
|---|---|
| Total basic obligation (schedule) | $2,250 |
| Obligor income share | 55.6% |
| Obligor basic obligation | $1,250 |
| Estimated monthly support | $1,250 |