Experienced Allentown Family Law Attorney For Your Child Support Matters
Child support is a critical part of any divorce involving children. Both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their child, and this responsibility is typically formalized through a court order. Supporting your child’s financial needs is not just about following the law – it’s about securing their future.
At Crouthamel Law Offices, 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 fairly distribute the financial responsibility. These elements include:
- Both parents’ incomes
- The number of children
- Health insurance costs
- Education expenses
- Child care costs
- Everyday 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.
Allentown Child Support FAQ
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 even out 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. It can help to cover the costs they face, such as providing food, transportation and housing to 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, health care needs and the like.
What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?
You may need to take legal action to have the order enforced, such as using a civil contempt order. Courts then have certain powers they can use, such as 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 the child support payments are taken out of 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 to this process is the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. Under this act, courts can enforce child support orders even over state lines. One parent may still live in Pennsylvania and the other may have moved to New York, but 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 states that child support is necessary until the child is 18. Most college students would then 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 610-857-7490 to schedule a consultation or send an email at your convenience.
