In Pennsylvania, noncustodial parents are required by law to submit child support payments each month. Select cases require the parents to submit their payments to the court directly. Specific factors play a role in the calculations of child support payments. The court defines the exact value of the payments at the end of the divorce case. A child support lawyer in Lancaster County, PA enforces the rights of custodial parents to receive these payments.
The Income of Both Parents
The income of both parents plays a role in the calculation of child support payments. The purpose of the payments is to ensure that the child receives adequate financial support. Typically, the payment for the first child is 10% of the noncustodial parent’s income. However, if the custodial parent’s income is considerably greater, the court may make an adjustment.
The Total Number of Children
Cases in which multiple children are present require a payment to provide support for each child. The standard for these additional payments starts with an additional 5% of the noncustodial parent’s income per child. However, the law prevents the payments to exceed 60% of the noncustodial parent’s gross income.
Medical Treatments and Special Requirements
Children with challenging medical treatments and other special requirements require additional funding. Typically, these payments are not included in the child support award. They are addressed separately in the divorce agreement. The laws require each parent to submit equal payments for these requirements.
Payments for Private School and College
A divorce agreement may also address tuition for private schools or colleges. Private schooling that doesn’t exceed the child’s senior year in high school is addressed as part of the divorce agreement. However, college tuition may be required according to separate arrangements. These payments could be included in child support orders for children who continue to live with the custodial parent while attending college.
In Pennsylvania, child support payments are required to provide financial support for children after a divorce. The value of the payments is based on a specific percentage of the noncustodial parent’s income. Petitioners who need to enforce their right to these payments contact a child support lawyer in Lancaster County, PA through the Law Office of Melissa R. Montgomery right now.