Greater Philadelphia Child Support Attorneys
Practice Areas
Compassionate Child Support Lawyers Serving The Greater Philadelphia Area
When you’re dealing with child support concerns in Pennsylvania, having the right child support attorneys on your side can make all the difference. At Conway Schadler, we help families throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area understand their rights and take the proper steps when it comes to child support payments, modifications, enforcement, and related family law matters.
Whether you’re a custodial parent seeking support or a non-custodial parent trying to meet your child support obligation, our law firm provides guidance that fits your unique situation and protects your child’s best interests.
Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Greater Philadelphia child support attorney today.
Understanding Child Support Guidelines in Pennsylvania
In each child support case, Pennsylvania courts follow specific guidelines to determine fair and consistent payment amounts. These child support guidelines consider factors such as income, child custody arrangements, and other obligations like spousal support.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a financial obligation that requires the non-custodial parent to make regular payments to help cover the costs of raising their child. These payments typically contribute to housing, food, clothing, education, and medical care.
Our Eagleville child support lawyers can help clarify how payment amounts are determined and assist with enforcing or modifying existing orders to reflect changes in income or parenting time.
Who Pays Child Support in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the parent who does not have primary physical custody is generally responsible for child support payments to help cover the child’s everyday support needs. In shared custody cases, the parent with the higher income may still be required to pay child support to help balance the cost of raising the child.
How Is Child Support Calculated in PA?
Like many states, Pennsylvania uses an Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. Courts use the child support guidelines provided in Rule 1910.16-1 of the Pennsylvania Code. These guidelines consider each parent’s income, the number of children involved, and the amount of parenting time each parent has. The Court uses a formula to calculate a basic amount, but the final child support obligation can vary depending on the specific facts of the child support case.
Factors That Influence Child Support Obligations
Several factors can influence the amount of child support a parent may be required to pay. The Court considers each family’s unique circumstances to make sure the child support obligation is fair and meets the child’s needs. Here are some common factors that may affect child support payments:
- Each parent’s income and earning ability
- The number of children involved in the child support case
- The amount of parenting time or custody each parent has
- Health insurance costs for the child
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Educational costs or special needs of the child
- Spousal support or other legal obligations either parent may have
When creating a child support agreement, our attorneys work closely with each client to make sure all relevant details are considered.
Modifying or Enforcing a Child Support Agreement in PA
Life changes, and sometimes your child support agreement needs to change with it. Whether you’re trying to adjust a child support order due to a change in income or need help ensuring the other parent fulfills their child support obligations, understanding your rights is essential.
When Can You Modify a Child Support Order?
Under Pennsylvania Rule 1910.19, you can request that the court modify your child support order if there has been a significant change in your income, job status, custody arrangement, or the child’s needs. For example, if you lose your job, gain a higher-paying position, or your child develops a medical condition requiring extra care, the court may agree to adjust the child support obligation.
At Conway Schadler, we help our family law clients prepare and file modification requests based on their specific situation. A trusted child support lawyer from our team can gather financial records, review parenting time arrangements, and present the necessary information to the court to support your request.
How to Enforce a Child Support Order in Greater Philadelphia Counties
If the other parent has stopped making child support payments, there are steps you can take to protect your child’s financial well-being. In Pennsylvania, the Court can enforce child support orders through actions like wage garnishment, seizing tax refunds, or suspending driver’s and professional licenses.
Our experienced family law attorneys act quickly to pursue enforcement and help you recover the support your child depends on. We understand how stressful these legal issues can be, and we’re here to provide the guidance and representation you need to move forward.
What Happens If a Parent Fails to Make Child Support Payments?
In Pennsylvania, missed child support payments are taken seriously, and the court may impose penalties such as wage garnishment, liens, interest on overdue amounts, license suspensions, and even jail time in extreme cases. Whether you’re owed back payments or facing repeated delays, our Eagleville, PA, lawyers will help you take action through the appropriate legal channels.
How Our Greater Philadelphia Family Law Attorneys Can Help With Your Child Support Case
The Eagleville family law attorneys at Conway Schadler are here to assist you with every aspect of your child support case, whether you’re requesting new child support orders, modifying an existing child support agreement, or addressing missed child support payments. We take the time to understand your specific situation, explain how Pennsylvania’s child support guidelines apply to your case, and provide clear, honest advice throughout the process.
Eagleville, PA Child Support FAQs
How Much is Child Support for One Kid in PA?
In Pennsylvania, child support payments for one child are based on the combined income of both parents. The exact amount depends on your specific situation, including income, custody arrangement, and the child’s needs.
How Far Behind in Child Support Before a Warrant is Issued in PA?
If a parent falls seriously behind on child support payments, the court may issue a warrant, especially if other enforcement efforts fail. There is no set number of missed payments, but repeated failure can result in legal action.
If I Make $1,000 a Week, How Much Child Support Do I Pay?
If you earn $1,000 per week, your child support obligation will be calculated using the PA child support guidelines, which factor in your income, the other parent’s income, and parenting time. A child support lawyer can help estimate the amount based on your specific situation.
If I Pay Child Support, Can I Claim My Child on Taxes?
Making regular child support payments does not automatically give the non-custodial parent the right to claim the child on taxes. That right usually belongs to the custodial parent. However, parents can agree to a different arrangement, which should be clearly outlined in the child support agreement to avoid future legal issues.
When Does Child Support End in PA?
In Pennsylvania, the duty to pay child support usually ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Some child support orders may continue longer if the child has special needs or the court orders extended support.
Contact Conway Schadler for All Your Child Support Needs in The Greater Philadelphia Region
If you’re dealing with child support issues in Greater Philadelphia, the family law attorneys at Conway Schadler are here to help you take the next step. We offer a tailored approach that focuses on your child’s needs and your unique financial situation. Whether you need to start a child support case, change an existing agreement, or enforce a court order, we provide clear communication and effective representation every step of the way.
Let our legal team help you find the right solution for your family law matters. Call 484-997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
