What Expenses Does Child Support Cover in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
As a parent, you want to be actively involved in the upbringing of your child, even if your marriage with your spouse has come to an end. Pennsylvania courts require each parent to contribute financially to their children to ensure that their basic needs are met. Since the custodial parent (the parent the child lives with) is already providing the child’s needs, the noncustodial parent has a legal obligation to pay support.
Purdy Law Office is committed to helping your child’s best interests. Whether you are paying, receiving support, or seeking a support modification, our Harrisburg child support lawyers are here to discuss your legal rights.
Expenses Covered By Child Support in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Child support is a monthly payment that is generally made by the noncustodial parent to a custodial parent, contributing to a child’s needs. Generally, child support covers the following:
Educational Needs
Child support may cover books, school supplies, and school lunches. If your child attends private school, then child support may be used to cover tuition.
Food, Clothing, and Shelter
Support payments should cover basic necessities, promoting a happy and stable home environment. Besides covering food and clothing, child support checks can be used to pay rent or be put towards mortgage payments.
Childcare Services
The custodial parent should not have to place their career on hold. Support checks can be used toward daycare, preschool, or to pay a babysitter.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurriculars such as competitive sports, youth organizations (such as Boy Scouts or Girls Scouts), and outdoor clubs generally have annual member fees and uniform, travel, and equipment costs. If your child participates in any of these recreational activities, part of the support payment will be allocated to cover these fees.
Medical Care
Child support payments may be used to cover medical costs such as health insurance premiums and co-pays for doctor’s visits. Under Pa. Code Rule 1910.16-6, if the paying parent carries the health insurance, then that parent’s share will be deducted from his or her child support obligation.
Why is Child Support Ordered?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania believes that each party should contribute equally to a child’s daily needs and any additional costs in raising them. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania calculates support based on the Income Shares Model. The Income Shares Model revolves around the concept of determining what contribution the noncustodial parent would make towards their child’s needs if the parent still resided with the child.
Harrisburg Child Support Lawyers Placing Your Child’s Needs First
You may be familiar with the adage that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Although this type of emotional support system is not available to every parent, the law can order your child’s other parent to provide you with financial assistance. These payments can help you afford basic necessities for your child while also giving them the education and extracurricular experiences they need to flourish.
If you have any questions or concerns about current support payments, our Harrisburg child support attorneys are more than happy to assist you. To get started, contact Purdy Law Office today to schedule your initial consultation.