At the law offices of Louis Wm. Martini, Jr., P.C., in Pennsylvania, we know that children are entitled to financial support from both parents. We also know that you, as a divorcing parent, are concerned about how to obtain and enforce a fair child support order that will provide you with the resources you need to raise your children.
Child support issues usually arise during your divorce, especially if you and your spouse have custody disputes. Sometimes you need to go to court to protect your financial rights.
Child support guidelines
The State of Pennsylvania has guidelines for determining the amount of monthly child support both you and your spouse are responsible for. These guidelines take into account several factors including the following:
- The income and/or earning capacity of both you and your spouse
- The terms of your child custody order
- The number of children you have
- Your child care expenses
Parents with high incomes usually have increased child support obligations. These are based not only on increased earning ability, but also unique child care costs such as private school tuition or sporting lessons.
Rule 1910.16-3 of the Pennsylvania Code applies to couples whose combined monthly income is $30,000 or less. Rule 1910.16-3.1(a) applies to high income couples where the combined monthly income of you and your spouse exceeds $30,000.
Per Rule 1910.16-4, your spouse’s child support obligation is determined by means of a form containing the following four sections:
- Basic child support
- Adjustment for substantial or shared custody
- Additional expenses
- Spousal support
For more information about child custody and support, please visit this page of our website.