Does New York child support stop at $193,000?

You earn $120,000 a year, your spouse earns $80,000 and a divorce with two kids is ahead. You may have heard that New York child support stops counting income at a certain point. That is only half true, so here is how the cap works and what happens to the income above it.

The $193,000 combined income cap in 2026

New York calculates child support with a formula. Since March 1, 2026, that formula automatically applies to the first $193,000 of combined parental income, meaning both parents’ income added together after certain deductions, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes.

For families raising two children, the calculation starts with one-quarter of their qualifying income up to the cap. Different percentages apply depending on how many children you have. Under New York’s child support guidelines, each parent’s share reflects how much they contribute to the household’s total income. The cap also changes over time, because state law raises it every two years based on inflation, with the next adjustment expected in March 2028.

Income above the cap and the judge’s discretion

Earnings beyond that threshold can still affect the support amount. For that additional amount, a judge can apply the same percentage, consider the factors listed in state law or combine both approaches. Those factors include your children’s needs, each parent’s financial resources and the lifestyle your kids would likely have enjoyed if the family had stayed together.

The judge may count all, part or none of the extra income but generally must explain the reasoning. Parents can also agree on their own figure, provided the agreement states the guideline amount and the reason for any difference.

Existing support orders after the cap increase

If you already have a child support order, the higher cap generally does not change it automatically. You may still request a review if three years have passed since the order or one parent’s earnings have risen or fallen by at least 15%. Some agreements opt out of those grounds, so reviewing your paperwork comes first.

Prepare a clear record of your children’s real costs

When your combined income sits near or above the cap, the outcome often depends less on the formula and more on evidence of how your children actually live. Tuition, activities, health care, summer camp and the home they know all demonstrate what that additional income has supported. Gathering those numbers now gives you a realistic picture of what support could look like and a stronger position before you negotiate or appear in court.