How is child support calculated in Pennsylvania?

Question

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania   child support   is governed by   23 Pa. C.S. §§ 4321-4322   and the detailed   Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1910.16-1   through   1910.16-7  , applying the   Income Shares model  .    1. The Calculation   1. Determine each parent's   monthly net income   under Rule 1910.16-2 (gross income less federal/state/local income tax, FICA, non-voluntary retirement, alimony paid, mandatory union dues). 2.   Combine   the net incomes. 3. Find the   Basic Child Support Obligation   on the Schedule at   Rule 1910.16-3  , based on combined income and number of children. 4. Each parent's   share   is the basic obligation × their proportional income. 5. The   non-custodial   parent pays their share.    2. Substantial Parenting Time Adjustment (Rule 1910.16-4(c))   If the non-custodial parent exercises   40% or more   of overnights, the support obligation is reduced by an additional 10% (and continues sliding down). At a true   50/50   split, the higher-earner pays support based on the   difference   in incomes.    3. Add-Ons (Rule 1910.16-6)   -   Childcare   expenses (work-related) -   Health insurance premium   for the child (allocated) -   Unreimbursed medical   expenses exceeding $250 per child per year -   Private school, summer camp, college expenses   in the court's discretion    4. Duration (23 Pa. C.S. § 4321; 23 Pa. C.S. § 5005)   Support continues until the child: - Reaches   age 18  , OR -   Graduates from high school  , whichever occurs   later  .  Pennsylvania does   not   require parents to pay college support absent a binding agreement ( Blue v. Blue , 532 Pa. 521 (1992);  Curtis v. Kline , 542 Pa. 249 (1995) struck down the prior post-secondary statute).    5. Self-Support Reserve (Rule 1910.16-2(e))   The obligor must retain at least the   federal poverty level   for one person (Self-Support Reserve), and a   Computed Allowance Minimum   prevents leaving the obligor below subsistence.    6. Modification (23 Pa. C.S. § 4352)   Modification on a   material and substantial change of circumstances  . PA Title IV-D orders are subject to a   3-year review   by Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU).    7. Imputed Earning Capacity (Rule 1910.16-2(d)(4))   Voluntary unemployment/underemployment allows imputation based on age, education, training, health, work history, and local job market.  This is legal information, not legal advice.