Money conversations are hard. When parents cannot agree, the Domestic Relations Section and the court apply Pennsylvania’s support guidelines to determine an amount of child support owed by parents. Our attorneys explain the process, prepare the documents you need, and represent you at conferences and hearings so you feel prepared at every step.
We know this time is stressful for families. Our goal is to reduce confusion, focus on your child’s needs, and resolve support issues efficiently. Whether you are seeking support, responding to a complaint, or requesting a modification, you will have steady, practical guidance.
Pennsylvania uses statewide guidelines that consider the incomes of both parents and the number of children, among other factors. The guidelines are a starting point. The court can adjust the amount of support based on real-world factors like childcare costs, health insurance, unreimbursed medical expenses, and unusual needs. We help you gather accurate income information and expense records so the calculation reflects your situation.
Most cases begin with a support complaint filed through the Domestic Relations Section in your county. After filing, the court schedules a conference where a conference officer reviews income, applies the guidelines, and provides the guideline amount. If either party disagrees or the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the case can proceed to a hearing before a master or judge for a final determination.
Support orders can include more than a base monthly amount of child support. The court may apportion childcare, health insurance premiums, and uncovered medical costs between parents. Support orders can also address costs associated with extracurricular activities. We make sure these add-ons are addressed and properly documented.
If an order becomes outdated due to a job change, schedule change, or new expenses, either parent can request a modification. The court reviews the updated information and may increase or decrease support accordingly.
At your consultation, we review your goals, the current living arrangements, and any existing custody or support orders. We identify the documents needed to support your position, including recent pay stubs, tax returns, childcare invoices, health insurance information, and proof of any special expenses.
You will leave with a plan that explains each step. We outline what to expect at a Domestic Relations conference, how to prepare for questions, and what documents to have available. Clear preparation often leads to faster, more accurate results.
If you and the other parent have already discussed terms, we can draft a negotiated agreement for submission to the court. If not, we advocate for you at the conference and, when necessary, at a hearing before a judge.
While the guidelines drive most outcomes, the court can deviate based on certain factors. We help present facts that matter to your child’s day-to-day life and to your ability to meet obligations. The following are some factors the court takes into consideration:
Presenting organized, verifiable information helps the court apply the right numbers and craft an order that aligns with your child’s needs.
Our firm regularly handles support matters in Montgomery, Lehigh, Bucks and surrounding Counties. We understand local filing practices, conference procedures, and how to prepare a complete packet for your conference officer, master, or judge. This familiarity helps avoid delays caused by missing forms or incomplete documentation.
We track deadlines, confirm service of filings, and make sure the record contains what the court needs to establish or modify your support order. If your case also involves custody or relocation, we coordinate strategy so your filings do not conflict and your child’s needs remain the focus.
If settlement efforts fail, the court will decide the appropriate amount of child support. We prepare your evidence, organize your income and expense exhibits, and present a clear explanation of any requested deviations. You will know what questions to expect and how the guidelines apply to your facts.
We handle objections to proposed orders and represent you at hearings. Our approach is practical and child-centered. We focus on the numbers the court relies on and on solutions that work in daily life, not just on paper.
Child support orders can allocate more than basic child support. Courts can also apportion:
We document these items so the order reflects real costs. Clear terms reduce future disputes and make reimbursements straightforward.
Support can be modified when circumstances change. Common reasons include a job loss, a new job with different pay, a change in parenting time, new childcare expenses, or significant health costs. The court reviews updated income and applies the guidelines again to recalculate the appropriate amount of child support.
We help you file a petition to modify or respond to one, as necessary. Bringing current documents to the conference gives the officer a complete picture. If the matter proceeds to a hearing, we present organized financial evidence and a simple, accurate calculation.
When payments fall behind, enforcement tools may include wage attachment, interception of tax refunds, license actions, and contempt proceedings. The goal is compliance, not punishment. We work to resolve arrears with realistic payment plans while protecting the child’s needs.
If you are facing enforcement, we help explain your situation to the court and seek terms you can meet. If you are seeking enforcement, we push for timely remedies that bring payments current.
Parents often have questions about how child support interacts with spousal support or alimony. Pennsylvania recognizes spousal support or alimony pendente lite while a divorce is pending, and alimony after a divorce is finalized. Each has different standards and purposes.
Because incomes and deductions can affect both calculations, coordinating the two matters is important. We explain how they fit together, run guideline scenarios, and pursue an approach that reflects your full financial picture.
Bringing these items to your conference or hearing helps the court set an accurate order and reduces follow-up requests.
Our clients value clear communication, organized filings, and practical advice. We keep you updated, prepare you for each milestone, and focus on outcomes that work for your child and your budget.
Every case is unique. We tailor our approach to your goals, whether that is a quick resolution by agreement or firm advocacy in court. You will know where your case stands and what comes next.
If you are beginning a child support case, seeking a modification, or facing enforcement, we are ready to help. Our attorneys represent parents throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties and surrounding counties with steady, thorough guidance.
Contact Winter Duffy Law to schedule a consultation. We will review your situation, explain the guidelines, and outline the path to a fair and workable support order.
