Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Child Support in Pennsylvania
If you are raising a child and require financial assistance, you can file for child support against the child’s other parent. Filing for support requires that you provide various information, which can be time-consuming and even confusing. The court process can be intimidating, making you wonder if it is even worth the hassle.
At Purdy Law, our child support attorneys have successfully guided our clients through the legal process of seeking support. Our legal team has handled the most complex matters, helping our clients access the resources they need. In this blog, our attorneys provide a step-by-step breakdown of the filing process to help familiarize you with the support requirements.
File a Petition
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania allows you to file a support application online with the Domestic Relations Office. You will be asked to provide information regarding your demographic details, marital status, employment status, and other relevant questions. The online application will initiate the petition process, although nothing is officially filed until the Domestic Relations Staff (DRS) reviews and accepts your application. To streamline the process, our child support lawyers recommend that you collect all pertinent documentation related to your income (i.e., pay stubs and tax returns) and any current custody orders.
Serve the Other Party
By serving the other party with court papers, the child’s other parent will be made aware of the court proceedings. Papers may be hand-delivered or mailed, although our legal team recommends that you adhere to the Rules of Court to avoid any hiccups. You must file a Proof of Service, which confirms the method of service you used. Once the other party is served, they will generally have 30 days to respond.
Attend Child Support Conference
Next, you will attend a conference to discuss the amount of support you are seeking. The conference provides an opportunity for both parties to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. You must bring documentation to support your petition, which a child support attorney can assist you in gathering.
Discovery Takes Place
If neither party can reach an agreement during the conference, the court may request additional information. Known as the discovery process, it involves the exchange of financial records, employment information, and other relevant documentation. This will allow a judge to make an informed decision before issuing a ruling. Pennsylvania law permits the court to contact each party’s employers to verify their income.
Attend Child Support Hearing
If a resolution cannot be reached at the conference, then a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, both you and your ex will present your cases to a judge. This will include introducing all relevant evidence and having witnesses testify on your behalf. Both attorneys are allowed to conduct cross-examination, in which they question the other party’s witnesses. If the court requests expert witness testimony, typically a child psychologist or social worker, this may prolong the process.
Practical Guidance During the Legal Process
It is essential to have legal representation at this hearing so that your case can be presented effectively. After the hearing, the court will issue a ruling, which may take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of your case. Any failure to follow court procedures at any point in the process could result in your case being dismissed. To ensure that your case is handled correctly, it is advisable to retain the services of our experienced child support lawyers. Hiring representation can help you obtain a support order that works for your financial situation.
Contact Our Child Support Attorneys Today
Issues concerning child support are often wrapped up in intense emotions, making it difficult to think clearly. Our Harrisburg child support lawyers have seen the burden that single parents face in raising their children without financial assistance. We believe that both parents have an obligation to tend to their child’s needs, which is why we take a personal interest in each case. If you and your ex are disputing support contributions, Purdy Law would like to speak with you.
To schedule your consultation with one of our family law attorneys, feel free to contact us online or by phone at (717) 674-2885.