Child Support
In Pennsylvania, the non-custodial parent of unemancipated children has an absolute duty to pay child support to the custodial parent. Child support is payable until a child reaches eighteen years of age or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If a child is physically or mentally disabled, child support may be payable for a longer period of time. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that children of separated and divorced parents are financially provided for during and following the divorce.
Child support is determined in accordance with the Pennsylvania child support guidelines. The guidelines are income based and reflect the amount of money that a non-custodial parent will pay in child support based upon his or her income or earning capacity. A parent cannot refuse to work because he or she does not wish to pay child support, nor can a parent quit a job or take a lower paying job to reduce the amount of support they must pay for their children.
Income for Pennsylvania support purposes includes:
- Wages
- Salaries
- Overtime pay
- Workers’ compensation
- Unemployment compensation
- Bonuses
- Interest
- Commissions
- Rental income
- Retirement income
- Income from an interest in a business
- Entitlements to lump sum awards
If a person has unreported income such as tips or is paid in cash this income is also considered in the support calculations. If a parent does not have any income, but is capable of working, the parent will be assessed with an earning capacity that is equivalent to what that parent could earn given his or her education, employment history and skills. While child support is determined by the Pennsylvania guidelines, an experienced child support attorney will be able to advise you of any deviations from the guidelines that you would be entitled to, as well as how to be sure that all income that should be included in the support calculation is taken into account.
Child support is often one of the more contentious issues between former spouses. It is imperative that you have the representation of an experienced child support attorney who can assist you in ensuring that the child support award in your case is fair and appropriate. The Law Offices of Williams and Scheetz has the experience necessary to ensure that you receive excellent representation in your support case. Please contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
