Philadelphia Child Support Attorney

Each year millions of parents across the country seek judicial intervention in child support matters. Courts generally adhere to an objective process when determining the proper child support amount. Whether you are a single parent seeking child support or a non-custodial parent with questions about your current support order, our family law attorneys can help to ensure that your children receive the necessary financial support congruent with your income as well as ex-partner’s earnings.

Calculation of Child Support – Pennsylvania

The core concept of child support is simple and well-known. Even people without children know the basics. Child support is a monthly payment that one parent makes to the other to help cover the various costs of raising a child. Typically, that payment is made to the custodial parent- the parent who spends the most time caring for the child. Accordingly, it is typically the non-custodial parent who makes the payment. This is because the law assumes that the custodial parent is already spending money directly on the child. When the parents have equal amounts of custodial time, the payments will be made by the parent with the higher income to the parent with the lower income.

Although the core concept of child support is simple, it can become more complex when the time comes to actually calculate the amount of child support that is due. This article will examine and explain the methodology used to calculate child support in Pennsylvania. Read More.

Calculation of Child Support – New Jersey

In New Jersey, a child support order is calculated based on the New Jersey Support Guidelines. The New Jersey Support Guidelines are generally applied in all cases. The purpose of the Guidelines is to consider exactly how much each parent must contribute to the support of a child. The Guidelines are based on a shared income approach and take into consideration the income of both parents in calculating a child support order.Other expenses which benefit the child or children may be considered in calculating a child support order such as health insurance or child care costs of the child or children.

Our knowledgeable legal team will help you compile your financial information as well as ascertain the other parent’s current situation in order to make certain your support obligation is fair in light of both party’s monthly income and lifestyle.

A Parent’s Responsibility For A Child’s College Tuition And Expenses – Pennsylvania & New Jersey

With college tuition at an all-time high, and a struggling job market forcing children to remain living with and reliant on their parents for longer than ever, an issue that has faced increased scrutiny in recent years is whether or not parents are obligated to contribute to the college expenses of their children. Although many parents will volunteer to contribute to their children’s educational futures, it can be a troubling notion that they may be legally mandated to do so by a Court Order. Many parents are concerned by the idea of being forced to contribute to the college expenses of estranged children, of children who do not give the parents a say in academic decisions, and children pursuing enormously expensive degrees. The difference in cost between a student seeking an Associate’s Degree at a local community college and a student with plans to obtain a post-graduate degree at Princeton can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a parent contemplating your financial future and the potential ramifications of divorce, it is important to understand what your financial obligations are regarding your child’s academic future. Read More.

Can a Child Force a Parent to Pay for His College Tuition

The answer to this question depends heavily on which state you reside in. Different states have different standards for determining whether and to what extent a parent is obligated to financially support their child while that child is receiving post-secondary education. Typically, the duty to support a child financially, including contribution to college expenses, does not extend beyond a child’s emancipation. In basic terms, emancipation is defined as the time when a child is expected to be self-reliant and self-supporting. However, depending on which state you reside in, the Court will apply different sets of rules in determining if a child is truly emancipated. Read More.

Modifying a Current Child Support Order

If you already have a child support order in place, a modification may be required to adjust the monthly child support obligation based on certain changes circumstances. In general, a court may modify a child support order if it finds the financial status of either party has substantially changed and the current support obligation is no longer fair. For instance, if the parent paying support suddenly becomes disabled and is no longer able to work, the court may consider reducing a child support obligation in response to the change in circumstances. Conversely, if either parent experiences a sudden increase in monthly income, the court may decide to adjust the monthly support amount accordingly. The burden of proof is on the party seeking the change to prove of the court that a modification in the child support order is warranted. Voluntary acts to reduce income to avoid child support obligations are not considered as changed circumstances warranting a modification of a child support order. If you require a modification to your child support order, our attorneys will help your compile the requisite financial documentation and present your case to the court.

Whether you are the obligor or obligee, our family law firm in Philadelphia can work with you to obtain a monthly child support amount that reflects the best interests of your children. If you are having difficulty meeting your monthly support obligation or believe your child’s parent is able to pay more than the amount in the current order, our Philadelphia PA child support attorneys will work diligently to achieve a modification of support on your behalf if you are eligible.

To speak with one of our Philadelphia family law lawyers at Pozzuolo Rodden P.C. about your child support matter, contact us today.