child support attorney

The cost of raising a child can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. Caring for a child and providing everything they need to thrive can be expensive, which can make getting a divorce even harder. Many parents don’t have the means to provide for their children on their own, which is why child support is needed when parents separate.

Getting a divorce does not mean that one parent is no longer obligated to care or provide for their child. If you’re separating from your spouse and have minor children, you need a child support attorney who can help you navigate this process. At Lermitte & Lubin, our Wilkes-Barre/Scranton child support attorneys can help you fight for an amount that’s fair.

How is Child Support Determined in PA?

Even if you do not have custody of your child, you still have a duty towards them. A custodial parent typically receives child support payments from the non-custodial parent. However, how much child support a custodial parent receives can vary. The amount you’ll receive or are required to pay is unique to your family’s situation.

In Pennsylvania, the amount of child support a parent is required to pay can largely depend on both parents’ net income and the number of children they have. A few factors that can also influence how much child support is necessary include:

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  • Custodial arrangements
  • Other support obligations
  • The child’s age
  • Medical expenses
  • Daycare costs
  • Standard of living costs

As child support can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, you want to ensure that you’re receiving or paying a fair amount. At Lermitte & Lubin, we understand how important it is for you and your child that every factor that goes into determining child support be carefully considered. Every child deserves to be properly supported by their parents, and our NEPA child support attorneys can help ensure it.

What Happens if Child Support Goes Unpaid?

Typically, parents pay child support until the child turns 18 or when the child graduates high school, whichever comes later. For some families, child support may end sooner or later than this.

However, some parents may attempt to stop paying child support before their legal obligation is over. Pennsylvania takes child support payments seriously, and those who don’t pay what they owe can face severe consequences.

If a parent fails to pay child support, the consequences they may face include:

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  • Wage garnishment
  • Fines
  • Denial of tax refunds
  • License suspension, including driver’s licenses and professional licenses
  • Liens on property
  • Denial of certain government benefits
  • Arrest warrants
  • Jail time

Can Child Support Arrangements Change?

Of course, the situation your family is in when a child support arrangement is created may change. In some cases, child support payments may be modified. Some changes in circumstances that can require a child support modification include a parent losing their job, getting a new job, having a new child, or the child having a change in needs.

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Ensure Your Child is Provided for with Lermitte & Lubin

Divorce is always more complicated when minor children are involved. While separating might be the best thing for your family, the last thing you want is for your child to not have the financial resources they need. Parents are responsible for their children regardless of whether or not they stay married. The child support attorneys of Lermitte & Lubin can help with child support matters so that your child’s best interests are always looked after.

Contact our Wilkes-Barre/Scranton child support attorneys today for assistance.

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