Child Support Attorney Serving Montgomery and Bucks Counties

Child support is intended to make sure both parents contribute financially to raising their children. But determining the right amount is not always as simple as putting two salaries into a calculator.

Christina J. Corr, P.C. represents parents in Montgomery and Bucks Counties in child support matters. We help clients understand how Pennsylvania’s support guidelines apply to their circumstances, identify the financial information that matters and prepare for support conferences and hearings.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania uses statewide child support guidelines that consider the parents’ incomes and the number of children being supported.

The guideline calculation is an important starting point, but it may not tell the whole story. The amount of support can also be affected by the custody schedule, childcare expenses, health insurance and other circumstances.

We help clients understand not only the estimated guideline amount, but also whether there are additional issues that should be addressed.

Determining Income

One of the most important questions in a support case is often: What is each parent actually earning?

For employees with regular salaries, income may be relatively straightforward. The analysis can become more complicated when a parent is self-employed, owns a business, receives bonuses or commissions, works multiple jobs or has income that varies substantially from year to year.

We review the available financial records and help clients determine what income should reasonably be used for support purposes.

Earning Capacity

Support disputes sometimes arise when a parent is unemployed, working reduced hours or earning substantially less than he or she previously earned.

Pennsylvania law permits an earning capacity to be considered in appropriate circumstances. That does not mean that every person who changes jobs or earns less will automatically be treated as though he or she earns more.

The reasons for the employment change, the person’s education and work history, available employment and other circumstances should be considered. These cases require a careful review of the facts rather than assumptions about what someone should be earning.

Childcare, Health Insurance and Other Expenses

The basic support amount may not include every expense associated with raising a child.

Work-related childcare, health insurance premiums and certain other expenses may be allocated between the parents in addition to basic support. Depending on the case, private school tuition, extracurricular activities or other unusual expenses may also be addressed.

We help clients determine which expenses should be included and how they should be divided.

When Custody Affects Child Support

The amount of time children spend with each parent can affect the support calculation.

Shared physical custody does not necessarily eliminate child support. If parents have different incomes, one parent may still have a support obligation even when parenting time is divided relatively equally.

Because custody and support interact in specific ways under Pennsylvania law, it is important to use the actual custody arrangement when evaluating support.

Modifying an Existing Support Order

A support order may need to be reviewed when circumstances change.

A significant change in income, employment, custody, childcare expenses or health insurance may justify a modification. Waiting too long to address a change can have financial consequences because support modifications are generally tied to when the request for modification is filed.

We help clients evaluate whether a modification is appropriate and prepare the financial information necessary to support the request.

Preparing for a Support Conference or Hearing

Accurate financial information is important.

Before a support proceeding, we help clients identify the documents needed to establish income and expenses and evaluate the other party’s financial information. When income is disputed, careful preparation can make a significant difference.

Our goal is to present the financial picture clearly and focus on the issues that will actually affect the support calculation.

Get a Clear Understanding of Your Child Support Case

Whether you are requesting support, paying support or seeking to modify an existing order, you should understand how the calculation was reached and whether it accurately reflects your circumstances.

Contact Christina J. Corr, P.C. to discuss a child support matter in Montgomery County or Bucks County, Pennsylvania.