Child Support Lawyers in Reading, PA – Ensuring Fair and Just Support Agreements
Raising a child requires financial stability, and when parents separate or divorce, child support plays a crucial role in ensuring that a child’s needs are met. Whether you are seeking child support, defending against unfair demands, or requesting a modification, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference in securing a fair and legally sound agreement.
At Nevins & McAllister, our child support lawyers in Reading, PA provide skilled legal representation to help parents navigate complex child support cases. We advocate for fair financial arrangements that prioritize the well-being of the child while protecting the rights and financial interests of our clients.
If you need legal guidance regarding child support, call Nevins & McAllister at 610-372-5128 to schedule a confidential consultation today.
Understanding Child Support Laws in Pennsylvania
Child support laws in Pennsylvania ensure that both parents contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, whether they are married, divorced, or unmarried. These payments help cover essential expenses such as:
- Housing and utilities
- Food and clothing
- Healthcare and medical expenses
- Educational costs and school supplies
- Daycare and childcare services
The Pennsylvania child support system follows strict legal guidelines to determine the amount each parent is required to pay. Courts take into account income, custody arrangements, and the child’s specific needs when issuing child support orders.
At Nevins & McAllister, we help parents navigate the legal process to ensure a fair and accurate child support arrangement.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses a guideline-based formula to determine child support payments. Several factors influence the final support amount, including:
1. Parental Income
The court considers the gross income of both parents, which includes:
- Salaries and wages
- Bonuses and commissions
- Business or self-employment earnings
- Rental property income
- Social Security or disability benefits
2. Custody Arrangements
- Primary Custody – The non-custodial parent usually pays child support to the custodial parent.
- Shared Custody – In cases of 50/50 custody, support may still be required depending on income disparities.
3. Number of Children
The number of children impacts the total support obligation, with multiple children requiring increased payments.
4. Special Needs and Medical Expenses
If a child has extraordinary medical or educational needs, the court may adjust the standard support calculation accordingly.
5. Other Financial Obligations
- Parents may receive credit for additional expenses, such as health insurance premiums or daycare costs.
- Support orders can also factor in alimony payments from a prior divorce.
Since every case is unique, working with a child support attorney ensures that all financial factors are properly accounted for in your case.
Filing for Child Support in Reading, PA
If you need to establish child support, Nevins & McAllister will guide you through the legal process, which includes:
1. Filing a Child Support Application
- A petition for child support is submitted to the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Office.
- Both parents must provide income verification and financial disclosures.
2. Attending the Support Conference
- Parents attend a support conference to determine the appropriate payment amount.
- If both parties agree, a court order is issued without further hearings.
3. Court Hearing (If Necessary)
- If no agreement is reached, the case goes before a family court judge for a final ruling.
- Legal representation is crucial to ensure your financial interests are protected during the hearing.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
Life circumstances change, and sometimes a child support order needs to be modified due to:
- A significant change in income (job loss, promotion, disability, etc.).
- A change in custody arrangements (more or less parenting time).
- The child’s financial needs increasing (medical treatments, educational costs).
- The receiving parent remarrying or experiencing financial changes.
If you need a child support modification, Nevins & McAllister can help file a petition and present evidence to justify a fair adjustment.
Enforcing Child Support Payments
If a parent fails to pay child support, enforcement actions may be necessary. The Pennsylvania court system can impose penalties, including:
- Wage garnishment – Support payments are automatically deducted from the parent’s paycheck.
- Driver’s license suspension – Non-paying parents may lose their driving privileges.
- Tax refund interception – Past-due child support can be collected from federal and state tax refunds.
- Contempt of court charges – If a parent refuses to pay, they may face fines or jail time.
If you need help enforcing a child support order, our child support attorneys in Reading, PA can take legal action to secure unpaid support payments.
Defending Against Unfair Child Support Claims
Some parents find themselves facing unfair or excessive child support demands. If you believe a child support order is unreasonable, we can help by:
- Verifying income accuracy – Ensuring that all financial disclosures are correct.
- Challenging miscalculated expenses – Some support calculations include inaccurate costs or false claims.
- Negotiating reasonable support terms – We fight for fair financial obligations that align with your income and parental role.
At Nevins & McAllister, we ensure that support orders are fair and legally justified based on accurate financial data.
How Our Child Support Lawyers Can Help You
Navigating child support disputes can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are involved. Our legal team provides:
- Personalized Legal Strategies – Every family situation is different. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and develop a custom legal approach.
- Strong Advocacy in Court – Whether negotiating support payments or representing you in court, we fight to protect your financial future and parental rights. – Efficient Dispute Resolution
- We aim to resolve child support conflicts efficiently, minimizing stress and legal costs for our clients.
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania Family Law – With years of experience handling child support cases, we ensure that your case is handled professionally and effectively.
Get Trusted Legal Support – Contact Our Reading Child Support Attorneys Now
Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce child support, having an experienced attorney ensures a fair and legally sound resolution. Call Nevins & McAllister at 610-372-5128 to schedule a confidential consultation and let us help you secure a child support arrangement that works for you and your family.