Philadelphia Child Support Services: Legal Guidance You Need

Skilled Advocacy for Child Support Matters in Moorestown

Child support can be an issue in any Pennsylvania divorce or paternity case. Under Pennsylvania law, parents are expected to financially support their children, and state guidelines have been set up to calculate support payments. Generally, payments are made from the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. It is ordered to provide sharing in the expenses of raising the child and ensuring that the child’s standard of living is maintained despite divorce or lack of marriage between parents.

If you need legal counsel regarding child support, whether it’s to seek, enforce, contest, or modify payments, you can turn to William Kirby Law, Family Law Attorneys, serving parents throughout Philadelphia. Our firm is well-versed in the laws and court precedents concerning this important issue and has provided guidance and advocacy for many clients involved in child support disputes and issues. We offer responsive support and genuine care in helping you reach the best possible outcome for your case. 

Need help with child support matters? Contact us at (215) 515-9901 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.

Understanding When Child Support Payments End in Pennsylvania

Child support payments are generally required to be paid until the child reaches the age of 18 or finishes high school. Payments may be required to continue in cases where the child has physical or mental disabilities. Support payments are generally established as part of the divorce process. However, child support cases can be initiated for children born outside of marriage, in which case the noncustodial parent must be located and paternity established.

Key Factors Courts Consider for Child Support Determination

Child support is generally determined based on the needs of the child and a parent’s ability to provide payment. Under state guidelines, factors that determine payment amounts include:

• Income of both parents
• Living arrangements or visitation schedule
• Cost of daycare
• Medical insurance expenses
• Amount of child support or alimony being paid for former marriages or relationships
• Number of children being supported

Child support may be ordered by the court even in cases where a parent is not working. It may also be ordered to be paid by both parents for a child not in their care. The formula can be complicated in cases where physical custody is evenly or close to evenly split.

Enforcing Child Support Orders in Pennsylvania

When a parent fails to pay child support, the receiving parent has legal options to enforce the order. Pennsylvania takes child support enforcement seriously, and the court provides several methods to ensure payments are made.

Legal actions available for unpaid child support:

• Filing a petition for enforcement with the court
• Requesting a contempt hearing, where the non-paying parent must explain the missed payments
• Reporting nonpayment to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Child Support Enforcement

Methods of enforcement:

• Wage garnishment: The court can order an employer to deduct child support directly from the parent's paycheck.
• Tax refund interception: Past-due child support can be taken from state or federal tax refunds.
• Seizure of assets: Bank accounts, property, or other financial assets may be used to cover unpaid support.
• License suspension: Driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and even hunting or fishing licenses can be suspended.
• Passport denial: The government can prevent a parent from obtaining or renewing a passport if they owe a significant amount of child support.

If nonpayment continues, the court can hold the parent in contempt, leading to fines or even jail time.

How to Apply for Child Support in Pennsylvania

Applying for child support is a straightforward process, but it requires gathering important information and following legal steps.

Steps to file a child support claim:

1. Gather necessary documents: This includes proof of income, the child’s birth certificate, and any relevant custody agreements.
2. Complete an application: You can apply online through the Pennsylvania Child Support Program or visit your local Domestic Relations Office.
3. Attend a support conference: Both parents will be required to provide financial information so that the court can calculate the appropriate amount.
4. Obtain a support order: The court will issue a child support order based on state guidelines.

The entire process can take several weeks, depending on how quickly both parents provide the required information.

Paternity and Child Support

Before a court can order child support, paternity must be legally established if the parents were not married at the time of the child's birth.

Ways to establish paternity:

• Voluntary acknowledgment: Both parents can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital or later.
• Court-ordered DNA testing: If paternity is disputed, the court may require a DNA test to determine the biological father.

Why paternity matters in child support cases:

• Establishes the father’s legal rights and responsibilities
• Allows the child to receive financial support, medical benefits, and inheritance rights
• Grants the father the right to seek custody or visitation

Understanding these processes can help parents navigate child support issues effectively.

Modifying Child Support Orders in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

Life is dynamic, and circumstances change. Recognizing this, Pennsylvania law allows for the modification of child support orders when there is a significant change in circumstances. This could include a significant change in income, job loss, or changes in the child's needs. If you find yourself facing such changes, our skilled child support attorney in Philadelphia can guide you through the process of pursuing a modification.