Child Support:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you represent me in my child support matter?
- What is child support?
- How is child support calculated?
- What is considered income for child support purposes?
- I’m unemployed – do I still have to pay child support?
- What are the penalties for not paying child support?
Can you represent me in my child support matter?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm offers strong, compassionate representation in all family law matters, including child support. We help families determine the amount of child support owed and represent people in child support enforcement actions. We have extensive experience negotiating agreements, litigating cases before hearing officers, and handling appeals. To speak with a child support attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is child support?
Child support refers to the ongoing payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child. The parent with primary custody of the child may be entitled to child support. In Pennsylvania, a parent has a legal duty to pay child support until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. Child support may be payable for a longer period of time if the child is physically or mentally disabled. To learn more about your child support rights or obligations, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
How is child support calculated?
Child support is based on the monthly after-tax incomes or earning capacities of the child’s parents. The court then applies the Pennsylvania Child Support Guideline based on the total of those incomes and the number of children in the family. To calculate how much child support you may owe or receive, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is considered income for child support purposes?
Income for child support purposes includes as follows: wages, salaries, overtime pay, commissions, bonuses, rental income, retirement income, Social Security retirement or disability payments, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, income from an interest in a business, and lottery winnings. To make an appointment with a child support attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
I’m unemployed – do I still have to pay child support?
Maybe. If a parent has no income, but is capable of working, the court can order child support based on that parent’s earning capacity. In this situation, the court may estimate what the unemployed parent could earn given his or her education, skills and prior employment history. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What are the penalties for not paying child support?
You may be arrested for failing to pay child support. A court can also: suspend your driver’s license; revoke your professional license; place liens against your bank accounts; withhold your federal and state tax refunds; and impose attorney fees. If you are owed child support, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.