How to Estimate Child Support in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, child support is intended to cover the entirety of a child’s needs. This includes food, clothing, shelter, and daycare needs, with a support obligation lasting until the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school (whichever is later). Support payments are estimated based on the combined net income of both parents. To equalize the financial contributions made by both parents, the non-custodial parent typically pays support to the custodial parent.
If you are concerned that you may not be able to afford your support payment or are seeking a support order, Purdy Law is here to help. With experience in both the courtroom and as skilled mediators, our child support attorneys are ready to put their knowledge to work for you.
What income is calculated for a PA child support?
Child support is paid to provide for a child’s reasonable needs. Typically, the non-custodial parent pays the custodial parent (the parent with whom the child lives) a monthly support amount. The state’s support guidelines are based on the “income shares” model, which attempts to have both parents make equal contributions to their child’s care. Essentially, the model calculates support based on what each parent would pay if the family were to remain intact.
Gross income will be calculated based on a six-month average, which may include any of the following:
- Wages, salaries, bonuses, fees, and commissions
- Net income from businesses or real estate purchases
- Interests, rents, royalties, and dividends
- Pensions and all forms of retirement
- Interest earned from an estate or trust
- Social Security disability, Social Security retirement, temporary or permanent disability, workers’ compensation, and unemployment benefits
- Alimony (if applicable)
- Entitlements to money or lump sum awards, including lottery winnings, income tax refunds, awards, verdicts, and insurance settlements
- Public assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
From there, the following deductions will be subtracted from each parent’s monthly gross income to calculate their individual monthly net income. Deductions include:
- Federal, state, and local income taxes
- Unemployment compensation taxes and Local Services Taxes
- Social Security and Medicare payments (F.I.C.A.)
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Mandatory union dues
- Alimony is paid to the other parent
Pennsylvania’s Child Support Schedule
Due to this complexity, the state has established a child support schedule to help parents estimate their monthly payments. The basic support schedule is based on parents’ combined net income and the number of children being supported. The chart provides for incomes ranging from $1,100 to $30,000, with higher earners paying substantially more in support.
Each parent is obligated to pay proportionate support based on the percentage of the combined net income they contributed. So, a non-custodial parent who makes 80% of the combined net income will be responsible for 80% of the total support obligation.
Each Family Situation is Unique
Although the support schedule provides a general idea of the support you will owe, other factors can alter your obligation. Extenuating circumstances, such as having a child with special needs or incurring expenses for private school, may reduce the amount of support owed. If you are seeking to obtain a support modification or are having trouble making your support payments, you need someone who can advocate for you. At Purdy Law, we will provide the guidance you need even in the most complex situations.
Child Support Attorneys Advocating for Your Needs
Support cases require tenacious representation, which is what you will get when you work with the Harrisburg child support lawyers at Purdy Law. Whether you have recently gotten divorced or are seeking to change your support amount, our Harrisburg child custody lawyers have you covered. To schedule a consultation with one of our family law attorneys, please feel free to contact us online or call (717) 674-2885.