Child Support
Child support is the obligation to make payments for the financial care and support of your child during and/or after a separation or divorce. Generally, the parent with whom the child does not live (non-custodial parent) pays the parent with whom the child lives (custodial parent). A mother and/or a father can be ordered to pay child support.
The child support payments are intended to cover expenses for the child including the cost of Food, Clothing, Housing, Education, Health insurance, Medical care, Activities, Child care and Special needs.
Pennsylvania uses guidelines to calculate how much a parent should pay for child support. Generally, the amount of support to be awarded is based upon the parties’ monthly net income. The guidelines are also based on the parents’ net assets (property, investments), the child's medical expenses, medical insurance costs, daycare costs, the amount of time the child spends with the non-custodial parent and the child’s age. Child support or alimony from a prior marriage may also be considered.
Child support payments usually stop when a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from High School, whichever occurs last. A court can order child support for a longer period of time if a child is disabled and requires care beyond the age of eighteen.
If you need a knowledgeable and experienced child support attorney, contact us today for your free consultation.