What you need to know about child support in PA

Family situations are often complex on their own. However, when children are involved it can become even more complicated. When a marriage ends, or if a child's parents aren't together, it often means that one individual is paying child support to the other.

In the state of Pennsylvania, child support is typically a payment made once a month from one parent to the other in order to help raise the child. The non-custodial parent, or the parent that the child spends less time with makes the payments to the parent who cares for the child most of the time. The law believes that the parent who spends most of his or her time with the child, or children, is likely spending money directly on the child for things like food, housing, clothing, school supplies, and much more.

When child support is requested by the custodial parent, a judge will need to determine if, and how much, child support will be awarded. Judges usually take many items into consideration, including needs and fixed payments, whether or not either parent has other children to support, household income, the age of the child, medical expenses, and the standard of living for the child. In addition to determining the initial child support payment, these items are also considered if either party requests a change in the child support payment. In PA there is basically a fixed schedule of support amounts depending on the income of the parties. Determining income can be very trying at times.

If you are considering asking a court to grant, or change, child support it's suggested to have a good attorney on your side. In many cases, this will be one of many family law matters that you'll need help navigating. An attorney who knows your sitation can help you present your case and increase your chance of getting the outcome you want.

For more information on family law matters such as spousal support and alimony and child support call Attorney Jack Rounick today. Mr. Rounick not only understands the laws in Pennsylvania, he is experienced in helping clients understand the process and works hard to ensure that his clients best interests are represented at negotiating tables and in courtrooms across Southeastern PA.

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