According to Pennsylvania law, both parents are obligated to financially support their minor children. Child support in Pennsylvania is a priority obligation that requires parents to extend their financial resources to meet their obligations until the child reaches 18 years of age or finishes high school. A father’s child support lawyer in Camp Hill can help ensure your child support obligation is not beyond your means. Without a separate contract, parents are not obligated to pay for a child’s college education.
The formula for Pennsylvania child support
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model of support, as outlined in the Pennsylvania code. The Pennsylvania child support formula calculates the number of children and both parents’ combined monthly net income to establish a basic support amount. The parents then split responsibility for this amount, in direct proportion to their income shares. Usually, the non-custodial parent pays the amount determined by the formula to the custodial parent.
Additional Pennsylvania child support calculations
Pennsylvania law also identifies special situations that can impact the child support calculation.
If the child spends 40% of their time with the non-custodial parent, the statute recognizes that the non-custodial parent is paying more for necessities, and the formula is adjusted. The court may also add additional expenses to the basic support award and divide responsibility for them. Unusual circumstances of low income and high income are also considered in the formula. The factors considered in these unique circumstances:
- Any unusual needs
- Other household income
- The ages of the children
- Each parents’ assets and liabilities
- The standards of living of each parent and children
- Any other factors affecting BIC
A child support attorney in Camp Hill understands how to navigate the complicated child support process.
Modifying a child support award
The amount of child support will not change, unless there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. The parent requesting a modification must introduce evidence showing how the new circumstances warrant a change.
Contact an experienced South Central PA child support attorney
If you are concerned about your ability to meet the amount of child support payments calculated by the court, contact The Guy’s Attorney John F. King, Esq. For more than 20 years, he has been dedicated to men’s child support issues.