Pennsylvania Child Support Calculations
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 28, 2025
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When parents divorce or separate, one of the most contentious issues to decide is child support. You can't calculate child support until you have a custody arrangement. Once the parties determine custody, the courts can calculate child support.
In most child support cases, the non-custodial parent (NCP) must make monthly payments. This is because the parent with primary physical custody spends more overnights with the kids.
You must understand how they determine child support because most child support obligations stay in place until the child is 18. If you believe you're experiencing special circumstances, you'll want to raise them during the initial child support hearing.
Here, we'll explain how family law judges in Pennsylvania determine how much child support the NCP must pay each month. We will also explain the rights and duties of the obligor and the obligee.
If you have a child support issue, contact a Pennsylvania family law attorney right away. They can help protect your rights.
Pennsylvania Follows the Income-Shares Model
Pennsylvania calculates child support, like many other states, using the income shares model. The Pennsylvania child support guidelines assume that children will enjoy the same proportion of parental income as they did when their parents were together.
Pennsylvania bases its guidelines on net income rather than gross income. Using the state's child support estimator, you can get an idea of how much child support you'll owe. But you must remember that other factors affect the actual amount of child support you must pay.
The basic child support obligation depends on:
- Parents' combined monthly net income
- Which parent has primary custody of the children
- Custodial schedule
- Which parent will pay health insurance premiums
- Childcare expenses
- Medical expenses
- Which parent has the higher income
Whether either party is getting alimony pendente lite
- Extra expenses, such as for a special-needs child or private school tuition
- The number of children
When the parents go to court to determine child support, the judge considers all these things. After hearing from both sides, the judge decides the amount of child support and the basic child support schedule. The judge then issues the child support order, which is enforceable like any other court order.
PA Child Support at a Glance
You want to seek legal advice because the Pennsylvania statutes can be difficult to understand. The chart below summarizes Pennsylvania's laws on child support calculation.
Statute | |
---|---|
Monthly income | Sources of income include:
The parents can deduct specific expenses once the court establishes the parties’ net income. Some of the permissible income deductions include:
|
Custodial schedule | Shared parenting time adjustments — Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that allow adjustments for obligors with at least 40% physical custody. Multiple family adjustments — Pennsylvania's guidelines say the court can reduce a parent's child support obligation if it is more than half of their monthly net income. |
Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a Pennsylvania family law attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Attorney About Child Support Calculations
Getting a handle on child support issues is so important because it has a lasting impact on your child's life. If you have questions and concerns about Pennsylvania's child support calculations or other related matters, talk to an experienced child support attorney today.
Pennsylvania Child Support Calculations: Related Resources
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