Child support is largely based on parents’ income. At a child support hearing, both parents are required to bring federal income tax returns, including W-2s, and pay stubs for the preceding six months.
But what constitutes income for child support purposes? According to Pennsylvania law, income includes:
–wages, salaries, bonuses, fees and commissions;
–net income from business or dealings in property;
–interest, rents, royalties and dividends;
–pensions and all forms of retirement;
–income from an interest in an estate or trust;
–Social Security disability benefits;
–Social Security retirement benefits;
–temporary and permanent disability benefits;
–workers’ compensation;
–unemployment compensation;
–alimony;
–lottery winnings;
–income tax refunds; and
–insurance compensation or settlements.
Income does not include, however, public assistance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, Social Security payments for a child, and foster care payments.
For more information on child support in Pennsylvania, contact Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.