The laws surrounding child support in Pennsylvania are complex and confusing. While there are many misconceptions regarding child support, it is intended to provide financial support to the child instead of the other parent. If you have questions regarding what child support specifically covers, consult an experienced Philadelphia child support attorney.
In this article, the Pennsylvania child support attorneys at Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, LLC delve into the details to provide a clear understanding of what child support is intended to cover.
What Child Support Typically Covers in Pennsylvania
People often think the receiving parents can use child support payments for personal expenses. The reality is child support is designed to ensure a child receives the same amount of financial support as if both parents remained together. Under Pennsylvania law, child support can be used to pay for various expenses concerning the care of a child. However, it is important to know that the court will generally not monitor or inquire about how a parent spends their support money.
Basic Necessities
Child support can be used for essentials such as housing and food. A parent can also use child support payments to pay for items such as clothing, shoes and other items. These necessities are essential to ensure a child receives a stable living environment.
Medical Expenses & Needs
Under Pennsylvania law (Rule 1910.16-6), child support can be used to pay for medical medical services and other needs such as health insurance premiums. Medical services can include primary care provider visits, dental, and vision.
Education Expenses
Child support is used to pay private school tuition, if your child attends private, rather than public, schools. Additionally, a parent can use child support to pay for other expenses such as school materials, textbooks, uniforms, meals, and other educational materials. Child support aims to support your child’s academic journey and development by covering these expenses.
Childcare Services
Childcare can be an essential component of a child’s upbringing. This can be especially true if one or both parents work. In Pennsylvania, child support can be used to pay for services such as nannies, preschool and daycare.
Transportation
Child support can be used to cover transportation expenses. Specifically, the parent who created the need for transportation may be responsible for the associated costs. Whether it’s commuting to school, extracurricular activities, or custodial visits with the other parent, this aspect of child support helps maintain a seamless and secure transportation system.
Entertainment & Recreation
Pennsylvania law (Rule 1910.16-5(b)(9)) allows deviation from the child support guidelines based on “other relevant and appropriate factors, including the child’s best interest.” Pennsylvania courts have held child support can be used to pay for recreational activities. However, a court must find the activity is essential for the child’s well-being.
Special Needs
Children with special needs usually require additional financial support throughout their lifetime. A parent may be legally required to provide financial support after a child turns 18 if the child cannot support themselves. Specifically, the child must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from obtaining gainful employment.
Other Expenses Based on the Child Support Agreement
A child support arrangement can be flexible and include additional expenses based on the specific circumstances and agreements between the parents. For example, child support can be used to pay for a child’s college tuition. Agreements can ensure a child’s needs and circumstances are considered, providing a tailored approach to child support.
Shared Child Custody & Support Payments
Normally, the non-custodial parent must pay child support to the parent with primary physical custody. However, there are situations when parents have “shared” or “equal” custody arrangements. Understanding child support in the context of 50/50 custody agreements is essential for co-parenting situations.
Determining Child Support Amount
Child support is not determined arbitrarily. Instead, payments are calculated pursuant to Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines (Rule 1910.16-4). In cases where parents have 50/50 custody, the higher-earning parent is still required to pay child support.
Child Support Modification in Pennsylvania
The terms of a child support order can only be changed by filing a petition to modify (Rule 1910.19). The parent seeking a modification must show a “material and substantial change in circumstances.” A change in circumstances can include job loss, increased earnings, and changes to the visitation schedule.
What Child Support Covers FAQ
Due to popular culture, there are many misconceptions regarding child support. Addressing common questions about what child support covers in Pennsylvania helps provide clarity on specific scenarios. The Philadelphia child support lawyers at SFS strive to assist all their clients with gaining a better understanding of how child support functions in various situations.
Does Child Support Cover Extracurricular Activities in PA?
Yes. Child support can be used to pay for extracurricular activities in Pennsylvania. While extracurricular activities play a crucial role in a child’s development, they must be necessary to the child’s well-being to be covered by child support.
Do You Have to Pay Child Support for College in PA?
The answer is maybe. Generally, a parent is not obligated to pay for a child’s college expenses. However, you will have to pay for your child’s college tuition if you entered into a written agreement with the other parent during the marriage.