Child Support in PennsylvaniaNovember 11, 2012
Types of Child Support:
There are two types of support in Pennsylvania family law matters –
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
This post explains child support. See our post on Spousal Support for more information on spousal support and alimony.
Child Support:
Pennsylvania law requires parents to support their children financially. Generally, the courts do not resolve support issues unless one parent has left the family home or the parents are unable to decide these issues among themselves.
Under Pennsylvania law, the Courts use a formula, the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines, to calculate the amount of support owed. In doing so, the Courts consider many factors, including the non-custodial parent’s income and the number of children involved. In addition, if a parent obligated to pay support fails to pay, legal action and court intervention may be necessary.
Child Support is payable until a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later.
