Child support is not optional in PA. It is legally required and meant to ensure that your children receive the financial resources they need, even when their parents live apart. Child support issues often feel immensely overwhelming, especially when emotions are high or the other parent isn’t cooperating. At McDonald Myers Law, our Harrisburg, PA, child support attorneys can help you understand what to expect, advocate for a fair outcome, and make sure your child’s needs are front and center.
Understanding How Child Support Works in Harrisburg, PA
PA uses an income shares model to calculate child support. This means both parents’ incomes are considered, and the total support obligation is divided proportionally based on how much you and your co-parent earn. The formula also takes into account key factors, such as how many children you have, existing custody and support arrangements, childcare expenses, and health insurance costs.
You can request child support regardless of the relationship history between you and the other parent. The court will schedule a conference to determine each parent’s income and apply the guideline formula. In some cases, one parent may try to hide income, work under the table, or underreport earnings. In other cases, there may be expenses or other factors that warrant a deviation from the guideline calculation.
This is where guidance from our Harrisburg, PA, child support lawyers can be beneficial. We have helped clients uncover hidden income sources, obtain subpoenas for financial records, and ensure that the support amount is truly fair and accurate.
Enforcing Child Support in Harrisburg, PA, When Your Co-Parent Won’t Pay
You have legal options if your co-parent falls behind on payments. PA courts take enforcement seriously, and the state has multiple tools to recover what you’re entitled to. These include income withholding orders, seizure of bank accounts or tax refunds, driver’s license or passport suspension, and contempt of court proceedings.
However, enforcement doesn’t always happen automatically, especially if you are looking to recover payment for unreimbursed medical expenses. If you’re not receiving the support your child is entitled to, our Harrisburg, PA, child support attorneys can help you take action. At McDonald Myers Law, we have helped parents file enforcement petitions, present evidence of nonpayment, and work with the court to compel compliance.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order in Harrisburg, PA
Child support isn’t set in stone. You can request a modification if your financial circumstances or custody arrangement has changed significantly. Common reasons include job loss or change in income, changes in childcare expenses, a child aging out of support, and a shift in custody time. Whatever your reason for modification, our Harrisburg, PA, child support lawyers can help you.
How Our Harrisburg, PA, Child Support Attorneys Can Help You Navigate Child Support Issues
Whether you’re initiating, modifying, or enforcing child support, our Harrisburg, PA, child support lawyers can help you avoid errors and delays. They can likewise:
- Make sure your income is accurately represented, and the formula is correctly applied.
- Help uncover hidden income and assets.
- Negotiate temporary agreements during times of financial stress.
- Advocate for your child’s needs in conferences or court hearings.
Even when you and the other parent agree in principle, working with us ensures that your agreement is legally enforceable and protects both parties down the line.
Our Harrisburg, PA, Child Support Lawyers Can Help Secure Your Children’s Future
If you’re dealing with a child support issue, our Harrisburg, PA, child support attorneys at the McDonald Myers Law are here to help. Dial 717-704-9077 or reach us online to arrange your confidential consultation appointment.
