When a couple separates or divorces, many important decisions need to be made—including how to financially support the children moving forward. For many parents, being told they’ll need to pay child support raises emotional, practical, and sometimes legal questions.

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule—what works depends on your child’s age, school routine, your work schedules, travel distance, and your ability to communicate effectively as co-parents.

The goal is not just to split time, but to build a routine where your child can thrive with both parents’ love and support.

How you divorce will be determined by your unique circumstances. There are many options for getting divorced in New York State, and mediation can be used alone or in combination with many of the other options.

Discover a list of possible topics you might discuss during mediation.