In Pennsylvania, child support orders are often based on “support guidelines”. The Pennsylvania child support guidelines are a set of rules used to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid by one parent to the other, at various income levels for the family overall. The guidelines are based on the combined monthly “net income” of the parents and the number of children.
Our Montgomery County, PA family law firm will guide you through the child support process with skill, energy, and compassion. Our law firm also accepts child custody and support matters in Bucks, Chester, and Philadelphia counties. Learn more about firm founder Inna Materese.
Related Client Review: “Our family retained Inna Materese for custodial related issues. Inna is always prepared, very knowledgeable, professional and reliable. Inna fights for her clients and gets results. You can trust in her to do what is right. She always has our family’s best interest at heart. Inna is very responsive and addresses issues as they arise. She takes the time to explain things in detail and provides confidence. She is the attorney you want in your corner!” Lawrence W. (June 2021)
Child Support Calculations: Income, Deductions & Formula
In Pennsylvania, net income available for support (NIAS) is the amount of income that is available to be used to calculate child support payments. NIAS is calculated by subtracting certain deductions from a person’s gross income from any source whatsoever. These deductions include:
· Federal, state, and local taxes
· Mandatory retirement contributions and union dues
Other deductions are factored into the guidelines calculation, but not necessarily deducted dollar-for-dollar from one’s income available for support. These include:
· Health insurance premiums
· Child care expenses
· Work-related expenses
The specific deductions that are allowed to be subtracted from gross income vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. For example, a self-employed parent may be able to deduct certain business expenses from their gross income. Once the deductions have been subtracted from gross income, the remaining amount is the NIAS.
Formula to Determine Child Support Obligations
The basic child support guidelines obligation is determined by using the following formula:
Basic child support obligation = (combined monthly net income) * (percentage share of the obligor)
The Pennsylvania child support guidelines are a starting point for calculating child support. The actual amount of child support that is ordered may be different from the basic child support obligation, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The NIAS is used to calculate child support payments, but it is not the only factor that the court considers. The court also considers support paid by one parent for children from a prior relationship, factors that may cause the court to deviate from the guidelines, and other income-related information.
To understand your NIAS and how it factors into the child support guidelines calculation, it is important to speak to an experienced family law attorney who is well-versed in child support law and local practices in the county where your case takes place.
Montgomery County, PA Family & Divorce Law Firm
At Materese Family Law, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the custody of your kids. Your kids need a solution based on their needs. We are diligent in our pursuit of the best child custody and support outcome for your children.
Through any child custody or support matter, Materese Family Law provides a comprehensive, thoughtful, and deliberate approach to reaching resolution. Contact us to discuss your case.
Our Montgomery County Family Law Firm accepts clients across the county, including: Ambler, Blue Bell, Collegeville, Fort Washington, Jenkintown, King of Prussia, Lansdale, Oreland, Plymouth Meeting, Willow Grove, as well as the Main Line: Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Merion, Narberth.
Pennsylvania Family & Divorce Law
Our Montgomery County family law firm handles family law matters across the county including: Ambler, Blue Bell, Collegeville, Fort Washington, Jenkintown, King of Prussia, Lansdale, Oreland, Plymouth Meeting, Willow Grove, as well as the Main Line areas of Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Merion, and Narberth. Clients also accepted in Bucks County, Chester County, and Philadelphia.
View All Services
