How Is Child Support Calculated & Enforced in Family Law Cases?
Sept. 24, 2025
Child support is a crucial aspect of family law cases, specifically to make sure that children are financially provided for by both parents. However, navigating the child support process can often be overwhelming for families already dealing with challenging financial situations.
Pennsylvania follows a strict process for determining child support payments, so it's crucial to understand how child support is calculated and how it is enforced when one party intentionally or unintentionally violates a court-ordered payment plan.
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, our attorneys are experienced in handling child support cases in Pennsylvania. From how child support is calculated to how it’s enforced, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide you with the information and guidance you need to protect your children and advocate for their best interests.
Child Support Obligations in Pennsylvania
Child support is designed to make sure children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even when families are divided by divorce or separation.
Pennsylvania follows specific guidelines set by the state to calculate child support, which aim to promote consistency and fairness when determining how much each parent is responsible for contributing.
How Child Support Is Calculated
In Pennsylvania, child support is calculated using the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines, which are based on the Income Shares Model. This model assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income as they would if the family were intact. Here’s how the calculation typically works:
Determine both parents' monthly net income: The court will determine each parent’s gross income. This can include wages, salaries, bonuses, self-employment income, pensions, Social Security benefits, and other sources of income. From the gross income, allowable deductions (like taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and existing support obligations for other children) are subtracted to calculate each parent’s net monthly income.
Combine the parents’ net income: The net incomes of both parents are combined to establish a total household income. This total determines the basic child support obligation based on the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines chart.
Allocate support proportionally: Each parent’s share of the total child support obligation is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. For instance, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they would typically be responsible for contributing 60% of the child support obligation.
Consider additional expenses: Certain expenses, such as child care costs, health insurance premiums, and unreimbursed medical expenses for the child, will be divided between parents based on their respective income shares.
While these guidelines are the usual basis for determining child support, the court may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances. For example, if a child has unique medical, educational, or other needs, or if the guideline-calculated amount would create an undue financial burden on a parent, the court has discretion to adjust the support obligation.
Factors Considered in Child Support Cases
While the basic calculation is automated when calculating child support in Pennsylvania, the court may consider several additional factors to make adjustments to the final amount. These may include the following.
The reasonable needs of the child.
The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the family remained intact.
Any extraordinary needs of the child or the parents.
The custody arrangement and the amount of overnights the child spends with each parent.
Understanding how these factors play into the calculation can help parents better anticipate their financial responsibilities.
How Is Child Support Enforced in Pennsylvania?
Making sure that child support is paid on time is essential for the well-being of the child. Therefore, enforcing child support orders is taken very seriously in Pennsylvania. If a parent fails to comply with their payment obligations, there are various mechanisms in place to ensure payments are made. Some common methods of enforcement include:
Wage garnishment (income withholding orders): This is one of the primary ways support payments are collected. Payments can be automatically deducted from the paying parent’s paycheck and sent to the Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit, which will then distribute the funds to the receiving parent.
Contempt of court: If a parent fails to pay child support, the receiving parent can file a petition for contempt. The court may impose sanctions or penalties, including fines or even incarceration, for willful non-payment.
License suspension: The state can suspend a delinquent parent’s driver’s license, professional licenses, or recreational licenses as a penalty for non-payment.
Tax refund interception: In some cases, past-due child support can be intercepted from federal or state tax refunds.
Liens on property: In some cases, the court can place a lien on the non-paying parent’s real estate or other property.
Credit reporting: Late or missed payments are reported to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact the non-compliant parent’s credit score.
Resolving Disputes and Modifications for Child Support Obligations
Sometimes, life circumstances change, and a parent may find themselves unable to meet their child support obligations. Job loss, income changes, or significant additional expenses are all valid reasons to seek a modification of child support. However, until the order is officially modified by the court, the original obligation remains enforceable.
If you're unable to pay or believe the amount needs to be adjusted, it’s crucial to act quickly by filing a petition for modification. Ignoring the issue can lead to compounding arrears and make matters more challenging down the line.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney Today
At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we offer compassionate guidance through the child support process to make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent. Whether you need help establishing, enforcing, or modifying a child support order, we are ready to assist. Our team leverages years of experience in Pennsylvania family law to deliver tailored solutions that make sense for your unique situation.
With locations in Allison Park and Conway, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Cranberry Township, Butler County, Beaver County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help with your family law case.