Child Support and Spousal Support

child_spousal_support_montgomery_countyThere are many questions clients have with regards to child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and alimony.

Pennsylvania has guidelines which are used to calculate child support. Parents have a duty to support their children until they turn 18 or graduate from high school, whichever occurs last. There is no obligation for parents to support their children after turning age 18 or graduating from high school.

In addition to child support, during separation or Divorce proceedings, you may be entitled to child support or alimony pendente lite. Like child support, spousal support and alimony pendente lite begins with the filing of a Complaint in Support. A conference will typically be scheduled which you or your attorney must attend and provide, in addition to other documents requested by Domestic Relations, the following:

1. A true copy of your most recent Federal Income Tax Return, including W-2s;
2. Your pay stubs for the proceeding six (6) months; and
3. Proof of medical coverage, which you may or may not have available to you.

The conference officer assigned will typically input the financial information and calculate a support obligation based on Pennsylvania guidelines.
Our offices utilize Family Law Software to assist clients in accurately estimating any support due. Typically, you are able to avoid the Support Conference, as we have assisted many clients in settling their matter by coming to an agreement. This can save you unnecessary costs, as well as allow you to continue to day-to-day life without interruption, such as taking the day from work to attend an hour long conference.

Unlike child support and spousal support, there are no guidelines associated with the awarding of alimony; however, there are many factors which are taken into consideration by the Court.

For more information regarding child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite and alimony, call us. We are available to discuss these issues, as well as the specific Rules that apply to them.