New York City Family Law Attorney Ryan Besinque Explains Divorce, Custody, and Child Support Under New York Law

NEW YORK, NY - August 21, 2026 - Families navigating divorce, custody disagreements, or child support disputes in New York City face decisions that carry lasting financial and personal consequences. Manhattan family law attorney Ryan Besinque of The Law Office of Ryan Besinque (https://www.besinquelaw.com/family-law-attorney/) has published guidance explaining how divorce, custody, child support, spousal maintenance, marital agreements, family offense petitions, and order enforcement work under New York law, offering families a clearer understanding of their rights and options.

According to Manhattan family law attorney Ryan Besinque, a single family law matter often touches several related issues at once. "One family law case in New York City frequently involves divorce, custody, and support at the same time," Besinque explains. "Working with a single attorney across these connected issues helps keep the overall strategy consistent and protects both a client's finances and parental rights." The firm represents individuals and families throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, handling matters that range from property division to custody disputes.

Manhattan family law attorney Ryan Besinque notes that New York recognizes both contested and uncontested divorces. For couples who agree on the terms, an uncontested divorce can be a faster and less costly option, while a contested case arises when spouses have not resolved every issue required for a final judgment, even if only one matter remains. Under New York Domestic Relations Law 170, a couple may divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months, a no-fault ground that has been available in the state since 2010.

Before a final divorce judgment can be entered, spouses must satisfy the state's residency requirements, establish their grounds, divide marital property and debt, address child support and any spousal maintenance, and determine custody arrangements for minor children. Besinque points out that many of these disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a written settlement agreement, with a judge deciding only the issues the parties cannot settle themselves.

On custody, Attorney Besinque emphasizes the distinction between legal and physical custody. "New York custody law separates decision-making authority from where the child primarily lives," he says. "A parent can share one without sharing the other, which is why the specific arrangement matters far more than the label attached to it." New York courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, who has served as the primary caregiver, the stability and safety of each home, and each parent's willingness to cooperate. Custody and support in a divorce action are governed by New York Domestic Relations Law 240.

Regarding financial support, the firm explains that New York calculates child support under the Child Support Standards Act, codified at Family Court Act 413, which applies a percentage of combined parental income based on the number of children - 17 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 29 percent for three, 31 percent for four, and at least 35 percent for five or more. Support typically covers basic needs such as food, housing, and clothing, along with add-on expenses including health insurance, medical bills, and education costs. Besinque advises that orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, when three years have passed since the last order, or when either parent's gross income changes by fifteen percent or more.

The firm also handles spousal support, where New York courts weigh factors such as the income and earning potential of each spouse, the length of the marriage, and the age and health of the parties. Besinque adds that marital agreements provide another layer of planning: "Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements let couples decide in advance how they will handle property, debt, and support. In New York, these agreements are enforceable when they are in writing, signed, and acknowledged, and they can prevent costly disputes later."

Besinque, the founding attorney of the firm, is admitted to practice in New York and California and relocated to New York City in 2018, where he has represented hundreds of families in divorce, custody, support, and family offense matters. He regularly appears before the New York County Family Court at 60 Lafayette Street and the New York State Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street, and he serves on the Manhattan Assigned Counsel Panel. The firm assists clients across all five boroughs, including New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx, and Richmond Counties, and also handles family offense proceedings in which courts may issue orders of protection.

For those facing divorce, custody, or support matters, consulting a knowledgeable family law attorney may help clarify available options and protect what matters most. Individuals are encouraged to gather existing court orders, recent financial records, and a timeline of important events before an initial consultation.

About The Law Office of Ryan Besinque:

The Law Office of Ryan Besinque is a Manhattan-based family law firm representing individuals and families throughout New York City's five boroughs. Led by founding attorney Ryan Besinque, the firm focuses on divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, marital agreements, and family offense matters. The office is located at 115 W 25th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10001. For consultations, call (929) 251-4477.

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Email: ryan@besinquelaw.com

Website: https://www.besinquelaw.com/

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Phone: (929) 251-4477
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