Child Support and Modification
Equitable Child Support Representation
Leonid Mikityanskiy is an experienced Bucks County child support attorney with over 15 years of providing expert legal representation in matters related to establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders and agreements in Bucks County and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. We understand the complexities involved in child support cases and are committed to ensuring fair and equitable solutions for our clients.
Understanding Child Support in Pennsylvania
Child support is a financial obligation that the non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent to cover the expenses associated with raising a child. This payment is typically made monthly until the child reaches adulthood or becomes emancipated. A child is generally considered an adult at age 18 in Pennsylvania if the child has graduated from high school, remains unmarried, and is not financially independent.
Key Aspects of Child Support:
- Establishment of Support – Child support obligations arise during divorce proceedings or when unmarried parents need to establish support obligations. Paternity may need to be confirmed if the father is not named on the birth certificate.
- Payment Process – Support payments may be made directly to the custodial parent or through Pennsylvania’s centralized State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCDU) if there is a court order.
- Calculation of Child Support – Pennsylvania’s child support is determined by guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (Rule 1910.16-1 et seq.). Calculations consider income levels, assets, liabilities, and other factors. Parents may agree to deviate from these guidelines, but deviations must be justified and approved by the court.
Considerations in Child Support Orders and Agreements:
- Other support obligations and household income.
- Ages and special needs of the children.
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance.
- Standard of living and best interests of the children.
- Education expenses, including private and religious schools.
- Childcare and extracurricular activities.
- Health insurance and unreimbursed healthcare expenses.
Enforcement and Violations of Child Support in Bucks County
If a non-custodial parent fails to meet their child support obligations, enforcement measures may include wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, or even suspension of licenses and jail time for contempt of court.
Child Support Modification in Bucks County
Child support orders can be modified when there is a significant, involuntary change in circumstances:
- Changes in residential custody or the child’s needs.
- Significant income changes of either parent.
- Loss of employment or new employment opportunities.
- Increased Medical or Educational Expenses
A modification petition must be filed in court, and any changes are retroactive to the filing date. It’s important to file promptly to avoid accumulating arrears. Verbal agreements between the parties to modify a child support order are not legally effective.
