Child & Spousal Support

For divorcing couples, the amount of child and spousal support they will receive or will need to provide is a top concern.  In Pennsylvania, both child and spousal support are calculated based on income, employment and other related economic factors.  It can be overwhelming to most individuals in navigating through the legal guidelines, ambiguities, special circumstances and individual concerns of this issue.  At Cohen & Cohen, we are available to advise you on your options and help negotiate a fair resolution to support your family.

We work closely with our clients before and after the divorce is final to ensure that child support payments are fair and timely paid.  This includes taking into account the special psychological and physical needs of the child and the changing circumstance of the parents.  Our spousal support attorneys recognize that financial situations change over time and we have significant experience handling post-divorce modifications of child support awards as well.

Spousal support or alimony pendente lite (APL) describes payments made by one spouse to another in order to preserve their lifestyle when the earning capacity of one is significantly greater than the earning capacity of the other. We work closely with our clients to understand their financial situation, their earning capacity and help to ensure their financial future is secure even after the divorce.


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Child Support Q & A

Below are some common questions regarding child support:

 

How is child support determined? 

There is a statutorily created formula which applies to each and every person in order to establish child support.  It is a net income driven formula therefore monthly expenses are not applicable.

 

Can the child support, custody, or parenting time change after the divorce is final? 

Child support and custody are always modifiable whether before or after the divorce is final.  Support would be changed if there was a change in financial circumstances.  Custody would be changed if it was in the best interest of the children to do so.

 

Can I get child support if I never married my child’s other parent? 

Yes, you can receive child support even if you never married the child’s other parent.  Marriage is not a condition to receiving child support.  Only that the parent who is to pay is the biological (father/mother) of the child to be supported is required.

 

Can I terminate visitation if I am not being paid the support I am owed?

No, you can not terminate visitation if you are not being paid the support that you are owed. Support and custody are two different subjects and the payment of support is not a factor considered for child custody.  It will have no impact at all.