Tag Archive for: domestic relations

PASCDU

If you are paying or receiving support in Pennsylvania you are likely dealing with PASCDU. The acronym stands for the Pennsylvania Statewide Collection and Disbursement Unit. They are responsible for collecting support from the payors and giving support to the payees. Payors are warned at the time an award is established that they will not receive credit for direct payments to the payee and all payments must go through PASCDU. Payors should receive information on sending payments to PASCDU at their support conference or hearing. Local domestic relations offices may be able to accept payments as well. Wage garnishment is the preferred method of collection for support. Once it is set up, payors do not need to worry about sending payments in any longer as the support due will be automatically withheld from their pay.

Payees should receive information on receiving payments from PASCDU at the support proceeding. They can elect to receive the money on an electronic card similar to a debit card or they can provide their bank information to allow for direct deposit. If electing to receive support via direct deposit, the payee must have their bank complete an enrollment form. PASCDU keeps track of all payments in and out and will generate contempt petitions if payments fall behind. For parties having issues with support the first step to take is to contact your local domestic relations office. PASCDU is located in Harrisburg. Additional information is available online at https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/CSWS/

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Filing for Support

The first step in seeking support is to file a complaint with the Domestic Relations office. You can go to the office located in your county for assistance in filing. Through the child support program website you are now able to start a request for support online. Once a complaint is submitted, an initial support conference is scheduled for approximately four weeks later. Any support will be retroactive to the filing date so parties requesting support are not prejudiced during this time frame.

Both parties are directed to bring proof of income to their initial conference. This includes recent pay stubs and last filed tax return and W-2. Proof of certain expenses is requested as well. Relevant expenses may include health insurance premiums, mortgage payments, child care costs, and private school tuition. Parties who are unable to appear in person may request to appear by phone provided all the requested income and expense information is supplied in advance of the conference. The conference officer will use the information provided to do a calculation pursuant to the Pennsylvania guidelines. Parties can accept the calculation and enter a final order at the conference. Alternatively, parties can request a hearing if there are unresolved issues following the conference.

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County Differences: Support

There are some differences in procedure among the different counties even though the same law applies. One example is as it relates to support proceedings. Bucks County uses a two-tier system for handling support matters. The first step involves a conference before a court officer. At the conference level, both parties are required to bring proof of their income in the form of pay stubs, tax returns, W-2’s, etc. The officer presiding over the conference will use the income information provided to determine the net income of the parties and subsequently run a calculation based on the state-wide guidelines for support. If the parties are agreeable to the support number generated by the calculations, they can sign a final order for support in that amount. If either party is not agreeable, the next step is a hearing before a Judge.

Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties use a three-tier system in support cases. The first step is a conference as is the case in Bucks County. The second step is a Masters Hearing. The Master is not a Judge but an attorney specially trained in support matters. The Master will hold a hearing where they can hear testimony from both parties and review exhibits. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Master will make a report outlining recommendations for support. The parties receive a copy of the recommendations and are advised that if they do not file exceptions to the recommendations within the time frame allotted, the recommendation becomes a Final Order. If exceptions to the Master’s recommendation are filed, then the matter proceeds to the third-step which is a hearing before a Judge.

Click here to read more on support.

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