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Child support arrangements can be one of the most contentious parts of family law. At Mette, Evans & Woodside, we’re committed to providing you with information and quality representation.
Child Support in PA
Calculating payment in Pennsylvania depends on several factors, which include:
- Relative incomes: Child support is calculated based on the parents’ relative after-tax incomes, also known as the “income shares” model. A parent with a larger income will pay more than a smaller one.
- Physical custody schedule: Typically, support is paid by the parent with less custody to the parent with primary custody (who has more than 50% of the overnights). However, even if you and your former partner equally share custody, you still may be responsible for paying child support.
- Number of children: The exact amount depends on the number of children. The number of other children each parent has custody of can also affect the total.
- Additional expenses: Additional expenses, such as private school fees, health insurance, etc., can affect the final amount.
Because of a law change in 2019, alimony is determined before child support. If the parent with a higher income also has primary custody of a child, that could result in an offset payment. Calculating the exact support amount depends on a wide range of factors. Having an experienced child support lawyer who understands the system can be beneficial in guiding you through this process.
Why File an Order with the Court?
You are not required to have a support order on file in Pennsylvania. However, the court can only enforce an official order. You cannot collect any past due amount should an informal arrangement with the other parent break down.
That’s why discussing your options with a child support attorney is important. They can help you get the money you need to care for your child.
Modifying Child Support
If you or the other parent has had a change in financial circumstances, such as a job change, you can request a court order modification. A qualified family law attorney can help ensure your modification request is successful.
How Do You Enforce Child Support in PA?
If the other parent hasn’t or isn’t paying child support, you can take legal action and file an enforcement action with the court. A judge will then hold a hearing to determine what, if anything, is owed.
Hiring a child support lawyer helps ensure that the enforcement action is well-written and properly filed. This will help you get the support amount you’re owed.
Why Hire a Child Support Attorney?
Whether you are filing for the first time, seeking to change an existing one, or filing to enforce a previous one, our attorneys can help ensure your case is properly represented. The child support system can be confusing, and our team can simplify the process.
Mette, Evans & Woodside – Ready to Help
If you’re looking to collect child support owed to you, contact the family law practice team at Mette, Evans & Woodside.