Experienced Child Support Attorneys In Pennsylvania
Child support can become a major issue during and after a separation or divorce. Parents may disagree about how much support should be paid, what expenses it should cover or whether an existing order is still fair. At Sinatra & Istik Law Office, PLLC, our experienced and compassionate family law attorneys help parents understand their rights and responsibilities and find practical ways to address support issues.
Child support typically helps cover a child’s basic needs, including food, housing, clothing, education, healthcare and other necessary expenses. The amount of support can depend on factors such as each parent’s income, custody arrangement and the child’s needs. Whether you need to establish child support, receive payments or respond to a support obligation, we are ready to represent you and protect your interests.
Child Support Calculations And Considerations In Pennsylvania
Both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children, regardless of their relationship status with one another. If you are about to go through child custody proceedings, chances are good that child support will also be a factor in your case.
Like most other states, Pennsylvania utilizes a formula to calculate child support amounts. Factors considered include:
- The percentage of time each parent has custody
- Each parent’s income
- Child-related expenses like medical insurance, day care, and school-related costs, food and shelter
- Any other significant costs unique to the child (such as extraordinary medical expenses)
After the support conference, the officer issues a recommended support order. If either parent disagrees with the recommendation, they have 20 days from the date of receipt or mailing to file an objection and request a de novo hearing before a Support Master or Judge.
Whether you expect to receive child support or pay it, one of our attorneys will help you ensure that the state receives accurate information and is aware of any factors that might warrant deviating from the formula. The end goal is to ensure your children have the resources they need and that the child support award is fair and sustainable for both parents.
How Is Child Support Modified?
A child support order may be modified when a parent demonstrates a material and substantial change in circumstances. Pennsylvania also provides an automatic review every three years, which allows a parent to seek modification without proving a change in circumstances. Several changes may support a request for modification, depending on the circumstances:
- Income changes: A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income may affect the amount of support owed.
- Employment changes: Losing a job, changing jobs or becoming unable to work may affect a parent’s ability to pay.
- Custody changes: A significant change in parenting time may affect how support is calculated.
- Child-related expenses: Changes in healthcare, education or other necessary expenses may affect the amount of support.
- Changes in the child’s needs: A child’s financial needs may change as the child grows older.
A modification does not happen automatically when a parent’s circumstances change. Parents must follow the appropriate process to request a change to the existing order. In Pennsylvania, a parent can file a petition for modification with the county Domestic Relations Section (DRS) handling the support order. The DRS may schedule a modification conference where the parties provide financial and other relevant information.
How Do Courts Enforce Child Support?
When a parent does not make required payments, the court can take steps to enforce the child support order. These enforcement measures can help collect unpaid support and encourage the parent to keep up with future payments.
Enforcement may involve income withholding, which directs an employer or another source of income to withhold support payments. Other enforcement measures may be available based on the circumstances. If unpaid support continues to build, the parent who owes support may face additional legal consequences. The court may also address overdue payments through a formal enforcement proceeding. If you are owed child support, keep records of missed or incomplete payments and any related communications.
Take The Next Step With Experienced Legal Guidance
Child support issues can affect your family’s financial stability and your child’s well-being. Whether you need to establish support, seek a modification or enforce an existing order, you do not have to navigate the process by yourself.
From our office in Cranberry Township, Sinatra & Istik Law Office, PLLC, serves clients throughout the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Call us today at 412-557-7647 or send us an email to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys.