Support

Prior to visiting our office, you should attempt to have the following information:

1. A copy of your last Federal and State Income Tax Return.
2. A copy of a year-to-date statement from your employer(s) for the current year. If self employed, a Profit and Loss statement through the most recently completed month.
3. Verification of any child care expenses that may be paid if the child care is made necessary by your employment or the employment of the other party.
4. Proof of any medical, dental and eye care coverage that you may carry or have available as well as specific costs of any such coverage. If the coverage is for you and child(ren) and/or spouse, be able to break down the separate costs for coverage of you vs. spouse vs. child(ren).
5. A list of any unusual expenses that you may pay for yourself, spouse or child(ren). This may include such items as camps, schooling and unusual or recurring medical expenses.
6. If a support complaint is already filed, a record of all money paid by you to the other party, or received from the other party, from the time of the filing of the complaint. This may be in the form of money or items purchased.
7. If available, also obtain a copy of the other party's year-to-date income statement and a year-end statement for the prior calendar year.
8. A copy of any prior agreements between you and the other party and/or any prior support orders.
9. If you pay or receive child support for children of any other relationship, provide a copy of the same.
10. Additional information may be required to pursue or defend a claim for a support.

Only a full review of your actual situation with an attorney familiar with the current Pennsylvania Guidelines and interpretations of the law can provide you with a good projection as to the likely results of a hearing.

Support for children and spouse is controlled by Guidelines adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. These Guidelines are to be reviewed and revised at least every four years. The most recent major revisions went into effect April 1, 1999.

Click on one of the links below for the Domestic Relations Department in your county: