Child Support

In Pennsylvania, child support is calculated according to the Income Shares Model. This model is based on the premise that a child should be entitled to the same level of support as if their parents lived together. Children should not suffer because their parent’s separated, divorced or did not marry. The amount of support a child receives is based on his/her parents combined income. Factors such as the minor children each parent has and the ability to pay child support is also taken into consideration. The parent who does not have primary custody of the child typically pays support.

When calculating child support, the court will consider the following information:

 Each parent’s income

 Daycare expenses

 Childcare cost

 Medical insurance cost

 Social security benefits the child receives

 The child’s living arrangements

 Other support obligations

 Standard of living

 The child’s age

 Shared custodial arrangements

Child support is paid to cover expenses related to the food, shelter and clothing of the child (bare necessities). It also covers child care, medical treatment, and extracurricular activity costs of the child. The payment of child support is reviewed every four years from the date it is ordered.

Child support payments typically are withheld from the parent’s paycheck by the Domestic Relations Office. If a parent is in arrears or behind on their payments the office may also take the parent’s state and federal tax refund and order banks to turn over assets. The state can also prohibit a parent from obtaining a license or imprison him/her for the failure to pay child support. If your child’s parent has failed to pay child support, contact us for a consultation. We can review your case and provide you with guidance on how to obtain assistance.