CHILD SUPPORT

Both fathers and mothers have the responsibility to support their children. In determining the financial obligation of the parents to pay child support, the Court will review the earnings, earning capacity and the needs of each parent along with the needs of the child. The Court may also consider factors such as parent's physical disability, or caring for young children at home.

If the parent who does not have custody of the child is voluntarily paying child support and the other parent is comfortable with this arrangement, the support obligation can continue as a private matter between the parties. However, if there is difficulty with the child support responsibility, the parent who has the children the majority of the time can petition the local Domestic Relations Office for a Support Order.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM at (814) 459-4411.

At a support intake conference, the Support Officer will review the parties' incomes, along with Pennsylvania guidelines for support, in an attempt to have the parties reach an agreement for appropriate support. If no agreement can be reached, the Support Officer will recommend an order to the court which either party can subsequently appeal. This support obligation may include the requirement for one or both parents to maintain hospitalization coverage for the child or to pay a portion of the child's uninsured medical expenses. The Court may also consider issues such as private or parochial school tuition and day care costs. Pursuant to a Federal Law, if the support is paid through the court, the wages of the non-custodial parent are automatically attached. In the case of a self-employed individual, if they do not pay their support obligation, they can be held in contempt, fined and/or jailed.

Child support can always be modified according to a change in the parties' financial circumstances and the child's needs. The obligation to pay child support usually stops when the child reaches the age of 18 and graduates from high school. However, the support obligation may continue if the child is physically or mentally disabled and is unable to support himself.

If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.

Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411.