Pennsylvania Child Support Program

If you were searching for the term “Pennsylvania Child Support” or a similar term you are in the right place. It is important to know that the Pennsylvania laws have recently changed as far as child support is concerned. This article will breakdown these laws in plain English. Going through eighteen years of battling against the child support beast, I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share with you.

Before you enter the belly of the beast, or you begin to battle against the system it is important that you understand the chain of command. The BCSE or The Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Child Support Enforcement is in charge of the Pennsylvania Child Support program. It is the job of state and federal laws to govern the way that child support orders are created and enforced. These are the same laws that govern they way that child support is collected.

Things in Pennsylvania are a little different than most other cities in the United States. It is handled via the county Domestic Relations Sections also known as DRS’s of the Court of Common Pleas. The DRS is like the one stop shop for child support. They establish paternity and enforce support orders. DRS will also help with the completion of the original application and help you schedule any necessary appointments.

It is best to use the DSR if the noncustodial parent lives in another area of Pennsylvania or in another state. The DSR can even be of assistance if the noncustodial parent resides in another country. You should always keep accurate records when dealing with your child support case.

A complaint for support must be filed with the courts. The DSR requires proof of the paternity if the mother is unmarried. Once your paperwork has been filed with the courts DSR will then send notices to the parents. In most cases child support is owed starting from the date that the complaint was filed. It is good to note that some counties in Pennsylvania may have fees associated with the filing process. If for some reason you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request that the fee be waived by filing a petition. This process is known as the In Forma Pauperis.

You need to take time to look at the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines. They were created with the idea that the kids of separated, single or divorced parents should receive the exact same amount of child support as if the couple were still together. The DRS receives their guidelines from the State Supreme Court, it is those guidelines that are used to calculate how much support should be paid by the parent.

Child support is determined by the courts based on the child’s needs. The parent, usually the noncustodial parent is responsible for support until the child turns eighteen or graduates high school. Either parent can be held responsible for the child’s medical insurance depending on the situation. In some situation one of the parents may have free insurance through their work place. Insurance can also be ordered if it is at a reasonable cost which is not to exceed 5% of the net monthly income.

For more information regarding Pennsylvania Child Support take a look around the site. Over the years we have researched information on various aspects of child support and a variety of child support systems around the world. You are sure to find the information that you are looking for. If you have any information that you would like to add or that you  are seeking please feel free to contact us.