Media Child Support Lawyer
Of all the issues to be decided in a Pennsylvania divorce, child support should be the most straightforward and least contentious, since Pennsylvania law provides statutory guidelines for family law judges to use in calculating the amount of child support to be paid. Still, there are many difficulties and complications that can arise, leading one party to feel that child support is not being calculated fairly. In contentious cases, Media child support lawyer Barbara Flum Stein provides advice and representation based on over 30 years handling Pennsylvania divorce cases. Barbara Flum Stein & Associates can help make sure your children are fairly and adequately supported financially, whether you are the parent paying or receiving child support for your kids.
How Child Support Works in a Pennsylvania Divorce
Both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially, whether married or not. What this generally means in a divorce is that the non-custodial parent will be required to pay a monthly amount of child support to the parent with sole or primary physical custody. The obligation to pay support typically continues until the child turns 18, although the obligation can be extended if the child is still in high school or has special needs so that the child requires additional support.
Pennsylvania has enacted child support guidelines which determine what the monthly amount of support will be. The support amount is arrived at by applying a formula to the combined monthly net income of both parents times the number of children to be supported. The paying parent then pays a percentage of that support amount, based on the percentage of custodial time the parent has with the kids. Other factors, such as daycare expenses, children’s medical insurance, social security benefits, and the child custody arrangement can also impact the monthly support amount.
The Guidelines may seem straightforward at first glance, but they quickly become increasingly complicated as you delve deeper into the law. At Barbara Flum Stein & Associates, we can help you understand all of the elements which go into determining income to ensure that both parents’ incomes are being reported accurately. If you believe your spouse is underreporting income or hiding income sources from the court, we have the skills and abilities to uncover those assets and make sure they are properly included.
It is also important to understand that the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines are only that – guidelines. Courts are allowed to deviate from the guideline – up or down – according to the needs of the child, the earning abilities of the parents, the standard of living established during the marriage, and other factors. If you are seeking or opposing a change from the guidelines, you need knowledgeable, effective representation to make your case in court and protect your rights to a fair amount of child support.
Help is Available for Pennsylvania Child Support Matters in Delaware County
For help determining child support in your Pennsylvania divorce, or if you are requesting or challenging a change in the amount of child custody, contact Media child support lawyer Barbara Flum Stein to speak with an experienced and dedicated Delaware County family law attorney.
