Child Support Attorney in Bethlehem, PA
Last updated July 2025
Child support is a critical component of any divorce involving children. Both parents have a legal obligation to support their child financially, and this responsibility is typically formalized through a court order. Supporting your child’s financial needs is not just about complying with the law – it’s about securing their future.
Attorney Alexandria “Ally” Crouthamel provides personalized legal representation that prioritizes the well-being of your Lehigh County or Northampton County family. With extensive experience in family law, she offers practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, making sure your child receives the support they need. Her commitment to compassionate advocacy and diligent representation sets her apart when dealing with sensitive child support matters.
How is Child Support Determined?
In Pennsylvania, child support is calculated based on several factors to distribute the financial responsibility fairly. These elements include:
- Both parents’ incomes
- The number of children
- Health insurance costs
- Education expenses
- Child care costs
- Daily living expenses
By carefully weighing these factors, the court aims to establish a comprehensive support order that sustains the child’s well-being and adapts to their ongoing needs as they grow.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life is unpredictable, and changes in your circumstances can impact your child support needs. If you or your ex-spouse experiences significant changes, you may be eligible to modify your child support order. Common reasons for modification include:
- Job loss or a substantial increase in income
- New medical needs for your child
- Changes in custody arrangements
- Significant shifts in educational or child care expenses
Attorney Crouthamel can help you assess whether a modification is possible and guide you through the legal process to secure an updated support arrangement that reflects your current situation.
Child Support FAQs
At Crouthamel Law Offices, attorney Crouthamel knows you may have questions about child support, and she is here to provide answers and insights. Below are a few of the questions the firm sees most often:
Who is eligible to receive child support?
Child support is typically used to equalize the financial obligations between both parents. As such, if the child lives primarily with one parent, it is that parent who may be eligible for support. This support can help cover the costs they face, such as providing food, transportation, and housing for the child. This obligation remains even if the other parent is denied visitation rights.
What expenses does child support cover?
Child support is intended to cover the child’s needs and the cost of raising them. As noted above, this often includes food, transportation, and housing. It may also include school supplies and other educational costs, clothing, healthcare needs, and the like.
What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?
You may need to take legal action to enforce the order, such as using a civil contempt order. Courts then have certain powers they can use, including freezing bank accounts or even threatening jail time for nonpayment. In some cases, a court order can garnish the other parent’s wages, meaning that child support payments are deducted from their earnings and paid directly to the custodial parent.
How is child support enforced across state lines?
If the other parent lives in a different state, federal laws may apply. The most important aspect of this process is the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Under this act, courts can enforce child support orders even across state lines. Even if one parent resides in Pennsylvania and the other has moved to New York, the support order still stands and is required by federal law.
Can child support include college expenses?
Parents can make arrangements to share these costs, but the law only stipulates that child support is necessary until the child reaches 18. As a result, most college students would not qualify.
Get the Support You Need
If you need help with child support agreements or modifications, turn to an experienced family law lawyer. Alexandria Crouthamel is here to assist you every step of the way to protect your rights and your child’s future. Call Crouthamel Law Offices today at 610-428-3386 to schedule a consultation or send an email at your convenience.
