Wealthy Deadbeat Mom

My question involves child support in the State of: New York

I am the custodial parent of my son in a joint custody arrangement through a court order. I recently filed for child support and was floored by the decision. The mother remarried about a year ago to a semi-wealthy man and therefore does not work. She has an accounting degree from college and can work if needed to but since she enjoys a comfortable life chooses not to. She never contributes anything for her child's life, no clothes, no toys, no school supplies, nothing. Meanwhile she taxis herself around in a 2010 Cadillac Escalade. In court (NYS) the judge ordered her to pay $25 a month because she has no job. I contested that and we have a hearing about a month from now. Is there anything I can do to force her to find a job or contribute more based on her lifestyle. What are my options, any advice will be greatly appreciated.

You can ask that the court impute her a wage based on her PRIOR earnings history (her ability to earn X amount of dollars). You cannot ask that she be imputed a wage based on her "lifestyle." She's allowed to be a kept woman if she wants to be. Her husband is allowed to drape her in diamonds if that's what he wants to do with his money, but he's not responsible for providing one dime in support to your mutual child.

Thats not the good news I was hoping for. Shes never worked yet. Shes 30 now, from 20 -30 was spent in college earning degree. What about her ability to make earn a specific wage based on her probable income. She has a degree in a profession doesnt she have a duty to support her child. Or at least make an attempt.

What's the average wage for an entry level accountant with no work experience?

Oh, and she does have a duty to support her child. The court has found that that duty was $25/mo. A ridiculous amount, I agree, but I don't suspect you'll be getting much more than that out of her. She has no income.