{"id":375966,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-child-support-enforcement-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-27T15:45:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T20:45:49","slug":"pennsylvania-child-support-enforcement-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-child-support-enforcement-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When parents separate or divorce, they must decide on two critical issues: child custody and child support. Ideally, the parents can negotiate child support between themselves. If this isn\u2019t possible, they\u2019ll have to go before a judge who will determine how much child support the non-custodial parent (NCP) must pay.<\/p>\r\n

Once the judge decides, they\u2019ll issue a child support order. This order is enforceable like any other court order. If the paying parent fails to make their child support payments on time, they\u2019ll face severe consequences.<\/p>\r\n

This article will explain what to do if your child\u2019s other parent fails to meet their child support obligation. It also examines your options if you\u2019re the NCP and cannot afford to make your support payments.<\/p>\r\n

Child Support Obligations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Once a family law judge issues a child support order<\/a>, it becomes a legal obligation. The other parent can take legal action if the paying parent doesn\u2019t comply with the child support order. In Pennsylvania, the Domestic Relations Section (DRS)<\/a> and your local Child Support Enforcement office oversee the collection and disbursement of past-due child support.<\/p>\r\n

If you aren\u2019t receiving your PA child support on time, you can petition the County Court of Common Pleas for help. Under Pennsylvania\u2019s Bureau of Child Support Enforcement Program<\/a>, parents who fall behind on child support may be subject to the following enforcement actions:<\/p>\r\n