Child Support Guidelines In Pennsylvania
The laws governing child support are different from state to state. If you are a divorced parent living in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand Pennsylvania’s unique child support guidelines.
Depending upon your circumstances, your child support arrangement could look very different from someone else’s. This is why it’s important to seek professional counsel on your matter so that you can feel certain that you have an advocate and your rights are preserved.
If you or someone you know is seeking additional child support information, there are some common questions you may have. Take a look at our frequently asked child support questions below. And if these do not provide you with all of the answers you need, please give us a call today at (717) 790-2048.
Child Support FAQs
How do I know that the amount of the child support order is fair?
Child support is based upon guidelines. The State Legislature uses an income shares model that is reviewed every four years. They attempt to determine the proper amount of support using this model that combines parties’ net monthly incomes and determines what an intact family would spend at their combined incomes. It may not always seem fair but the legislature does their best to make sure that all parties are treated equally based on their incomes.
What if there is shared custody of the child(ren)?
Child support can still be paid by the party with the higher income when there is shared custody, but the higher earning party will receive a 20% reduction based on a 50/50 schedule. A reduction is available if the higher earning party has anywhere from 40% to 50% of the custody of the children.
How Far Can Child Support Be Backdated?
Child support is backdated from the date of filing. There are a few, rare exceptions to this rule but it is almost always backdated only to the date of filing.
How Is Back Child Support Collected?
Back child support, or child support that is not paid, generally stays on the books and can be collected through the interception of tax refunds or at the time someone is attempting to close on a loan for a house. Arrears can also be reduced to a judgement and a party can attempt to collect on that judgement through the same methods as any creditor. You can read more on retroactive child support here.
How Many Child Support Payments Can Be Missed?
Collection action is usually started if a person falls more than 30 days behind in their payments.
When is child support no longer collected?
Child support in Pennsylvania ends when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later.
How Can Colgan & Associates Help You With Child Support
If you or someone you know if seeking child support help, the best advice is to always speak with a knowledgeable and experienced family lawyer. Their education and insight will help ensure you have the right information to make a decision on your matter. And if that decision is to take your matter before the courts, your family lawyer will be there to help guide you every step of the way.
At Colgan & Associates, our team of respected family lawyers stands ready to help you address your matter, quickly and fairly. If you are looking for answers to your child custody questions, please give us a call today. Your first phone consultation is always free and there is no obligation. Call us now at (717) 790-2048
