Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Bucks County Divorce Attorney
Contact Us Today For a Consultation 215-968-6602
Bucks County Divorce Attorneys > Newtown Child Support Attorney

Newtown Child Support Attorney

Bucks County Attorneys Who Will Fight for the Rights of Children

Parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. At Kardos, Rickles & Hand, we help clients obtain fair and necessary child support awards for their children. Our Newtown child support attorneys have extensive experience helping custodial and non-custodial parents bring actions to establish paternity, enforce child support awards, seek modifications of child support due to a change of circumstances and understand the complex Melzer calculation.

Parents’ Responsibilities to Support Their Children

Whether they’re married to each other or to other partners, both parents have a legal obligation to provide financial support to their children based on what they can afford. After establishing a child custody arrangement, the court uses a complex formula mandated by the state that determines how much the non-custodial parent is responsible for contributing on a monthly basis.

Depending on certain factors, the law does sometimes allow for deviation from the formula, and furthermore, non-custodial parents can seek modification of their child support arrangements with the help of a family law attorney.

Determining Child Support

If parents are able to agree on a reasonable level of child support to be paid to the custodial parent, they can submit the agreement to the courts for approval with the help of the divorce attorney. However, in most cases, the court follows the process detailed below.

In Pennsylvania, the formula that determines a parent’s monthly child support obligation considers the following factors:

  • Each parent’s monthly income
  • The number of children the parents have
  • The percentage of time each parent spends with the child

In certain unusual situations, other factors are also considered, including the following:

  • The child’s unusual health status or medical needs
  • Medical expenses of a child not covered by insurance
  • A parent with multiple child support obligations
  • The child’s age
  • The child’s best interests

Usually, to ensure these types of factors are taken into account, the Doylestown lawyer handling the case must help his or her client submit a petition.

Modifying and Enforcing a Child Support Arrangement

If a non-custodial parent is unhappy with the support obligation, or the financial circumstances of one of the parents change, it is possible to seek a modification to the original decision. A child support attorney can help file the formal motion.

When a parent refuses to pay the support he or she owes, the custodial parent can request the use of one of a number of tools to obtain the support owed; these tools include the government’s Parent Locator Service, wage garnishment, writs of execution and even pursuit of prosecution.

Lawyers Who Protect Children’s Rights in Pennsylvania & New Jersey

Qualified, respected, responsive. If you’re dealing with a divorce or seeking child support modification or enforcement, the Bucks County child support attorneys at Kardos, Rickles & Hand can get results for you. Our office locations in Newtown, Pennsylvania make us easily accessible to clients throughout Bucks County, Montgomery County and Mercer County. Contact the firm today or call us for more information.

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn