Child Support Lawyer in Philadelphia
Strategic Guidance To Protect Your Rights & Your Child’s Future
Smart strategy for lasting peace of mind.
Helping Parents Secure the Support Their Children Need
Child support isn’t just a financial calculation; the right amount depends on how income is documented, how custody time is structured, and how Philadelphia’s Domestic Relations Office processes the order.
If you’re looking for a child support lawyer in Philadelphia, Jennifer Wallner-Saltzman, Caitlin B. Fox, and the attorneys at Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman have been handling these matters in Philadelphia courts for over 40 years, representing both parents seeking support and those facing enforcement or modification proceedings.
Schedule a consultation today.
“I highly recommend them as they are dedicated to fighting for the rights of parents.” — What Our Clients Are Saying
Is A Child Support Lawyer Needed For Your Case?
An experienced child support lawyer protects your rights and ensures the final financial arrangement accurately reflects your family’s true circumstances. While the state uses a standard formula, a lawyer is essential for navigating the complex local court procedures and financial nuances that a simple calculator ignores.
A child support attorney is highly recommended if you are dealing with:
- Divorce or marital separation
- Complex child custody issues
- Self-employment or hidden income
- Disputes over private school or childcare
- Unpaid back-support collection
- Modifying an outdated court order
Ultimately, decisions made during your initial family court appearance can impact your household budget for years to come. Pennsylvania law imposes a duty of financial support on both parents under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4321, regardless of marital status or custody arrangement. Having professional advocacy from the start ensures your child receives the financial stability they deserve without putting your own financial health at risk.
How Is Child Support Calculated in PA?
Child support in Philadelphia is based on the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines. The court looks at each parent’s monthly net income, the number of children involved, and the custody schedule.
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model to calculate support obligations. Under Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.16-3, the amount is determined by both parents’ combined monthly net income and the number of children, not by either parent’s income alone.
The final amount may also be affected by:
- Income, bonuses, commissions, and business income
- Health insurance and medical support
- Child care costs
- Educational costs
- Custody schedule and parenting time
- Taxes, spousal support, and other financial obligations
The family law team at Schwartz Fox & Saltzman ensures every financial variable is accurately presented so your final support order is fair and fully protects your child’s needs.
Calculating Child Support Costs Complex Income & Self-Employed Cases
When a parent is self-employed or high-earning, the Philadelphia Family Court looks past basic tax returns to audit true earning capacity. Local courts actively “add back” personal expenses paid through a business—such as company vehicles, travel, and meals—directly into that parent’s gross income calculation.
For variable or high incomes, our attorneys must utilize multi-year averaging and distinct lifestyle evaluations rather than relying on a rigid formula grid. The family law team at Schwartz Fox & Saltzman uses forensic financial discovery to uncover hidden cash flows and ensure your final support order is based on absolute financial reality.
Guidance From Our Child Support Lawyers
You Filed Your Child Support Case. What Happens Next?
Most child support cases follow a structured path from the initial filing to a final court order. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared before the process begins.
Here’s how the process often works:
- Filing the Child Support Complaint: One parent files a support complaint to start the case.
- Child Support Conference: In Philadelphia, many cases begin with the Family Court’s Domestic Relations Section. During the child support conference, both parents provide income, expense, and custody information.
- Calculation Under State Guidelines: Child support is calculated using both parents’ net monthly income, parenting time, and eligible expenses.
- Support Hearing (If Needed): If parents cannot agree, a judge reviews the evidence and decides the support amount.
- Final Order of Support: The court enters an order outlining payment amounts, timing, and any additional obligations.
- Enforcement or Modifications: If payments are missed or circumstances change, the court can enforce or modify the order.
Modifying or Enforcing a Child Support Order
A support order may need to change as your family’s circumstances change. Pennsylvania law permits modification whenever there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Under Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.16-5, the court can also deviate from the guideline amount if the standard calculation would be unjust given the specific facts of the case.
Common reasons to modify a child support order include:
- Job loss, income changes, bonuses, or new employment
- Changes in the custody schedule or parenting time
- Medical emergencies, disability, or new child-related expenses
- The addition of new children
- Changes in state law or guideline calculations
- Periodic review of an existing order
If the other parent is not paying, the court can also take steps to enforce the order and address back-owed support.
At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, we help parents request changes, respond to modification petitions, and pursue enforcement when payments are missed.
Why Families Turn to Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman
When your child’s financial stability is at stake, you need a team that understands both the numbers and the legal strategy behind them.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 40+ collective years in family law handling complex support and parenting matters
- Strategic advocacy rooted in preparation for conferences, hearings, and negotiations
- Deep knowledge of Pennsylvania support law for modifications, enforcement, and deviations
- Full-service family law guidance across divorce, custody, support, mediation, and more
- Clear communication from start to finish so you always understand your next step
Whether you’re filing, responding, modifying, or enforcing an order, our Philadelphia child support lawyers help protect your rights and your child’s needs.
Serving Families Across Philadelphia and the Surrounding Counties
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Bryn Mawr
- Bucks County
- Center City
- Chestnut Hill
- Delaware County
- Haverford
- Manayunk & Roxborough
- Merion Station
- Montgomery County
- Narberth
- North Philadelphia
- Northeast Philadelphia
- South Philadelphia
- Villanova
- West Philadelphia
- Wynnewood
What Parents Ask Most About Child Support
Is it worth getting a lawyer for child support cases?
Yes, especially if your case involves high income, self-employment, disputed custody, or unpaid support. A child support lawyer can help you calculate the right amount, file for modifications, or take action to enforce an existing order. Even in less complex cases, legal guidance ensures your rights and your child’s needs are fully protected.
What happens if child support is not paid?
If child support is not paid, the court may take enforcement action to collect overdue support. Courts may enforce unpaid child support through wage garnishment, license suspension, or other court-ordered remedies, depending on the circumstances.
What questions should I ask my lawyer about child support?
You should ask how your income and custody situation will affect the support amount, whether you qualify for a modification, and what enforcement options are available if payments are missed. It is also helpful to ask about what documentation to gather, how long the process may take, and when support is expected to end under your specific circumstances.
Can you appeal a child support order in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you may appeal a child support order if you believe the court made an error or did not consider important information. Appeals and requests for reconsideration are time-sensitive and must follow specific court procedures, so it’s important to act quickly and consult an attorney familiar with Pennsylvania family law.
Child Support Is Personal. Work With an Attorney Who Listens.
Whether you need to establish a support order, update an existing agreement, or enforce unpaid child support, the child custody and support lawyers at Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman are here to help.
Our attorneys represent parents throughout Philadelphia County and understand how local court procedures can impact the outcome of a case.
We combine decades of experience with a personalized approach to protect your rights and your child’s financial future.
Schedule a confidential consultation and get the guidance you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.