Child support is closely related to the topic of custody. Whether you are the one paying or receiving support, it can be reassuring to know that Summit Legal Aid can help with the methodology for how support is calculated, potentially saving you anxiety about how this will affect your budget.
CHILD SUPPORT
When Child Support Is Required
Child support is generally required when one parent or custodian has custody of a child for more than 50% of the time. In a 50/50 custody arrangement, the parent with the higher income may still be required to pay some support.
The parent or custodian with less custodial time will pay support based on a formula set by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. This formula considers two main factors:
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The number of children
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The combined monthly income of both parties
The court may also consider potential future earnings based on education, experience, and other factors.
Partial Custody Exception
If the parent with partial custody has the children for 40–50% of overnights, they may qualify for a reduction in the support owed.
What Child Support Covers
Support usually includes:
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A monthly monetary obligation
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Healthcare coverage for the child(ren)
Support funds are assumed to go toward housing, food, utilities, clothing, and other essential needs of the children. Parents receiving support are not required to provide an accounting of how the money is spent.
How to Request Child Support
You can request child support through your county’s Domestic Relations Section. Their staff will help you complete and submit a petition.
You can also request an increase in support, but you must show a “significant change in circumstances,” such as:
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Loss of employment
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The other parent receiving a significant raise
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Increased expenses for the children
Enforcement of Child Support
If a parent stops paying support:
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Notify your county’s Domestic Relations Section, which will enforce the order.
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If the matter goes to court, the parent who fails to pay can be held in contempt and may face penalties, including up to six months in jail.
Duration of Child Support
Child support continues until the child:
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Turns 18, or
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Graduates from high school—whichever happens later.
Because support is for the benefit of the child, parents cannot agree to waive it.
Summit Legal Aid Can Help
Our child support lawyers can provide telephone or in-person advice for child support, including advice on the law as it applies to your case and guidance about evidence and procedures. However, we don’t have resources to assist in court, except in rare circumstances where an extraordinary factual or legal issue requires our help.
While your local Domestic Relations Section does not provide legal advice or representation, they have staff designated to provide administrative and enforcement support to guide you through the process.
The Court Process by County
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at the Armstrong County Courthouse at 500 E. Market Street, Kittanning, PA 16201
For local rules, go to co.armstrong.pa.us
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at 236 JAMESWAY ROAD, EBENSBURG, PA 15931
For local rules, go to cambriacountypa.gov
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at 160 South 2nd Avenue, Suite B, Clarion, PA 16214.
For local rules, go to co.clarion.pa.us
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at the Public Service Building, 22 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA. Upon filing, a support hearing officer will be assigned. For local rules, go to www.co.fayette.pa.us
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at the Fort Jackson Building, 19 South Washington Street, Waynesburg, PA. Upon filing, a support hearing officer will be assigned. If no agreement is reached and a hearing is requested, a Judge will hold a hearing. Requests to modify an order issued within the last 6 months must be made by motion to court, showing a substantial change of circumstances. For local rules, go to www.co.greene.pa.us.
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at 280 Indian Springs Road, Indiana, PA 15701
For local rules, go to indianacountypa.gov
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at 186 Main Street, Suite 1, Brookville, PA 15825.
For local rules, go to jeffersoncountypa.gov
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 200, Somerset, PA. For local rules, go to www.co.somerset.pa.us.
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at the Family Court Center, 29 West Cherry Avenue, Washington, PA. Upon filing, a support conference officer will be assigned for a conference, after which a recommended order will be issued if no agreement is reached. Each party will be able to request a hearing with a Support Hearing Officer after receiving that recommended order. If a party disagrees with the recommended order after the hearing, an argument can be requested before the assigned Judge. Requests to modify an order issued within the last 6 months must be made by motion to court, showing a substantial change of circumstances. For local rules, go to www.washingtoncourts.us.
Child support forms can be obtained and filed at the Domestic Relations Section located at 2 N Main Street, Third Floor, Washington, PA 15601.
For local rules, go to westmorelandcountypa.gov
WE CAN HELP
Depending on the issue, we can give you advice, represent you in court, or help you fill out complicated legal paperwork. And if you qualify, our services will be free to you.
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