What Can a Child Support Lawyer Do?

Dealing with family law issues such as divorce and child support can be challenging. At Gross McGinley, LLP, our child support attorneys in Pennsylvania help parents understand their rights and financial obligations. A family law attorney explains what we do and how we help you navigate the legal system.

Understanding Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines

Under Pennsylvania law, both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children until they turn 18. There are circumstances where child support may extend past the age of majority and graduation from high school. One example is the scenario where the parties have entered into a written agreement that includes terms where a parent commits to continuing support payments through the child’s college years. If an agreement to support them through college was part of a divorce settlement, parents may be required to continue providing financial support as outlined in the agreement until they turn 18 or graduate from high school, whichever occurs later.

Although the amount of child support payments varies depending on the circumstances, there are some basic rules you should know. Child support in Pennsylvania is based on the income shares model. This means that ideally, children should get the same portion of their parents’ income they would have received if the parents lived together. Some important factors that are considered when calculating child support in Pennsylvania include:

• The parents’ combined net income
• Number of children
• Custody and visitation schedules
• Expenses such as childcare, medical costs, and health insurance
• Whether a parent has other child support and alimony obligations
• Any special requirements specific to the child’s needs

Determining child support amounts can be a complex process. Having a child support lawyer help you navigate the complexities of Pennsylvania law can help you make informed decisions and ensure your children’s best interests are protected.

Legal Representation in Court

Child support cases often involve court appearances, especially if there’s a dispute about the amount or terms of the support. A family law attorney can represent you in court, present arguments and evidence, and advocate for the best interest of your child. An experienced child support attorney will be familiar with local family court judges and know the best way to present your case to achieve a fair outcome.

Modification of Child Support Orders

There are many different reasons why a child support order may need to be modified, including decreased or increased income, changes in the child’s expenses, and additional support obligations. A Pennsylvania child support lawyer can file a petition for modification and assist you throughout the process.

Child Support Enforcement

Unfortunately, it is all too common for parents to shirk their responsibilities when it comes to child support payments. If your child’s parent fails to meet their child support obligations, a family law attorney can help you take action. This may involve filing a petition for contempt of court, wage garnishment, or other legal measures to ensure that the noncustodial parent fulfills their financial responsibilities. In Pennsylvania, they also may face consequences such as losing driving privileges, suspension of professional licenses, property liens, and jail time.

Negotiations and Mediation

Mediation and arbitration can be effective tools to settle legal disputes outside of court in all types of cases. A child support lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and help you reach an agreement that keeps everyone’s interests in mind. This can save everyone a lot of time, money, and headaches, and result in a more amicable solution.

Protect Your Rights

Although children’s best interests are always a priority, it’s important to ensure parents’ rights are protected as well. Whether you’re the custodial or noncustodial parent, your child support attorney works to safeguard your rights and advocates for your interests. A Pennsylvania child support lawyer can also ensure you’re treated fairly when it comes to child custody arrangements, divorce, alimony, and other family law matters. Having a family law attorney by your side to offer counsel and guidance throughout these processes can take some of the weight off your shoulders and help preserve your financial security.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation With a Child Support Lawyer in PA

At Gross McGinley, LLP, we provide a wide range of legal services, including criminal defense, family law, business law, litigation, estate planning, business and employment law, real estate, and more. We’re dedicated to helping families in Pennsylvania resolve child support issues in the most effective way possible. For more than four decades, we’ve provided exceptional legal services to clients in the Lehigh Valley. Our client-centered approach and commitment to collaboration and teamwork set us apart from other law firms in Pennsylvania. We believe in serving all our clients with compassion, integrity, and respect. To schedule a consultation with a child support attorney in Pennsylvania, call us at 610-820-5450 or contact us online.