Child support is often a difficult topic to address. Throughout the process, it is important to keep in mind that child support is meant to ensure that your child’s needs are met.
Typically, when you think about child support, you think about the support of an unemancipated, minor child (under the age of 18 and/or still in school). Accuracy in calculation of child support depends on the accuracy of information provided by each parent.
Child support calculations in Pennsylvania consider a number of variables, including:
- Number of children;
- Amount of each parent’s custodial time;
- Net monthly income (or earning capacity) of each parent;
- Cost of medical insurance for the child;
- Cost of childcare for the child; and
- Whether the payor parent has other children for whom he or she is paying child support.
In addition to basic child support, a child support order typically provides for the sharing of unreimbursed medical expenses (physician co-pays, medication costs, etc.) and will sometimes provide for the sharing of extracurricular expenses, psychotherapy costs and other anticipated needs particular to your child.
Support for adult children who have graduated from high school and attained the age of 18 years is not mandated by Pennsylvania law. However, parents often wish to secure support for their children through the negotiation of a Marital Settlement Agreement.
Unique issues, such as support of a disabled adult child, can also be addressed through the courts. We can help you identify whether this option is available to you and your child.
At this office, our attorneys have the experience to skillfully represent your interests and to advocate on your behalf.