Harrisburg Child Support Lawyer

Comprehensive Child Support Guidance in PA

You may believe that child support is determined by simply applying the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines. You plug in each parent's income, the number of children, some additional data and... presto! You owe (or receive) a set dollar amount each month. In reality, it is not that simple. There is much more to determining the amount of support. It is more subjective and particular to each situation than you may think. In many cases, the amount of support you either pay or receive depends upon the knowledge, skill and experience of your attorney.

Professional Child Support Assistance

At Scaringi Law, our attorneys know how child support works in practice. We can therefore, look beyond the guidelines to make sure that your child support accurately reflects your true circumstances whether you'll be making or receiving the payments. If you could use legal advice that goes past the mechanical formulas to define your rights or responsibilities, contact our office in Harrisburg or Newport, to ask about our initial consults.

Most child support obligations are determined by a conference officer, who will usually apply the guidelines formula in the absence of any more specific information. Our job as your counsel is to make sure that your child support payment reflects the realities of your situation, even if the guidelines won't necessarily accommodate them.

We'll know well in advance of your support conference whether you need to receive payments greater than the guidelines require. Alternatively, you might have good reason to request a monthly obligation significantly less than the guidelines amount. Either way, you can count on our attorneys to present your position to the conference officer in clear terms and with complete documentation.

We can request upward or downward adjustments to the guidelines for any of a number of reasons, including:

Income of the receiving parent
Paying parent is self-employed
Special medical or educational needs of the child
Concessions on property division issues
Expected change in the financial circumstances of either parent

Our goal in child support cases is to make sure that you're receiving what you actually need from the other parent to provide for your child's needs, or to work toward a payment obligation that accurately reflects your practical ability to pay in light of your child's needs and other resources. Our lawyers are also ready to help you with the modification or enforcement of child support obligations whenever changed circumstances or unexcused defaults require it.

Duration of Child Support Obligations in Pennsylvania

The duration of child support in Pennsylvania is generally until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, there can be exceptions and variations based on individual circumstances.

In situations where a child possesses unique needs or faces a disability, child support may extend beyond the age of 18. If the child is unable to achieve self-sufficiency due to physical or mental disabilities, the court might mandate ongoing support without a predetermined endpoint.

Additionally, if the child is emancipated before turning 18, such as by getting married, joining the military, or becoming economically self-sufficient, child support obligations may terminate.

Parents may opt for an alternative conclusion date for child support through a court-approved written agreement. This adaptable approach empowers parents to customize child support arrangements based on their family's distinct needs and situations.

It's crucial for parents to understand their rights and obligations regarding child support in Pennsylvania. Consulting with an experienced Harrisburg child support lawyer can provide guidance on the relevant laws and help ensure that child support arrangements are fair and appropriate for all parties involved.

Contact Our Harrisburg Child Support Attorney Today

For more information about our ability to render effective advice and advocacy on custody and child support issues in Philadelphia, contact Scaringi Law in Newport, or Harrisburg today to ask about our initial consults.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can child support agreements be modified in Pennsylvania?

Yes, child support agreements can be modified in Pennsylvania if there are significant changes in circumstances. This could include changes in income, employment status, or the needs of the child. If either parent experiences a substantial change that affects their ability to pay or the needs of the child, they can petition the court for a modification. It is essential to provide documentation supporting the request for modification. Working with a qualified attorney can help ensure that the modification process is handled correctly and that the new support amount reflects the current situation.

What should I do if my child support payments are not being met?

If you find that child support payments are not being met, it is important to take action promptly. You can seek legal assistance to enforce the child support order. This may involve filing a petition with the court to address the non-payment. The court can take various actions, including garnishing wages or placing liens on property to ensure compliance. Additionally, if your financial situation has changed, you may need to request a modification of the support order. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate this process effectively and ensure that your child's needs are met.