The financial support of children is a fundamental obligation of parenthood.
At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., our job is to ensure that our clients, both those paying child support and those receiving it, are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. We advise and represent clients in all matters involving child support, including:
- Determination of the child support level
- Modifications in child support
- Paternity and child support
- Income evaluation of parties
Call 215-752-6200, book online, or contact us to schedule a call for a general, confidential consultation with Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., in Bucks County.
CHILD SUPPORT AND THE LAW
In Pennsylvania, the required level of child support is determined by formulas in the law which changes periodically. Support in Pennsylvania is until a child is 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. These formulas are based on the incomes of the parents and the number of children, adjusted for certain expenses such as school tuition, medical expenses, day care and summer camp expenses. These expenses are allocated between the parties based on their incomes and abilities to pay. Shared custody arrangements may also affect the amount of support owed by one parent to the other.
You can calculate the required child support level yourself, with the help of the child support estimator on the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Child Support Enforcement. But child support is not always a clear-cut matter as incomes are not always clear-cut, especially in self-employment cases. An attorney at our firm can evaluate your situation and represent you before the court with the goal of obtaining a fair child support order that reflects your true circumstances.
MODIFICATIONS IN CHILD SUPPORT
After a divorce, your life and the needs of your children can change. For example, when a significant change in income occurs due to a parent’s job promotion or layoff, you can obtain a modification in the child support payment.
At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we believe that no one should receive less child support or be made to pay more support than is required by law unless the parties agree. A lawyer at our firm can usually obtain a modification in the support level efficiently and for an affordable fee. Some aspects of child support are more complex however such as when a parent is self-employed or has hidden income.
