Child Support

Under the law in Pennsylvania, parents have a responsibility and obligation to support their children until the children are 18 years old or graduate from high school, whichever occurs later.  Child support is calculated using a formula called the Child Support Guidelines.  The dollar amount determined is based on the number of minor children between the parents and the net monthly incomes of the parties. Whether or not the parents are or have ever been married is not a factor in the calculations.

If and when there is a change in the financial circumstances of either parent, either party may petition the court to change the support order and recalculate the support amount to either increase or decrease the child support obligation to reflect the change in the financial circumstance.

Variances can be made from the recommended calculations from the Child Support Guidelines for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons could include:

• custodial time enjoyed by each parent
• childcare expenses
• mortgage obligations
• medical expenses
• children from another relationship

Attorney Stephen Barcavage can guide you through these murky waters to ensure that the support payment that you pay or receive is fair under the circumstances of your case.