Common Support Questions: How is the amount of a child support payment calculated?
By Attorney Anna L. Knych
The amount of a child support payment is determined using support guidelines established by the Commonwealth. In Pennsylvania, the guidelines are based on an “income shares” model. This model assumes that a child who does not live with both parents should receive the same proportion of his or her parental income that he or she would have received if the parents lived together. The guidelines show the average amount spent on children in homes where the parents live together and represent the average amount spent on children for food, housing, transportation, clothing, and other miscellaneous items. This amount is adjusted at each income level, and based on the number of children, as studies have shown that the amount spent on children fluctuates as the incomes of the parents change.
With this background in mind, the calculation of a child support payment is based on a simple formula. Initially, the basic support obligation for the children is established using the guidelines. This is the total amount of support that the children should receive from both parents based on the total net income of the parents and the number of children. That basic total support obligation is then shared between the parties based on the proportional amount of their incomes. For example, suppose the obligor (the person paying) makes $3,000.00 a month, the obligee (the person receiving the payment) makes $1,000.00 a month and the guideline basic support obligation is $1,000.00. The combined income each month is $4,000.00 and the obligor’s income is 75% of that total. Therefore, the obligor is responsible for 75% of the total child support obligation, or $750.00 per month.
Once the initial support calculation has been completed, some adjustments may be made depending on factors other than the parties’ incomes and the number of children. These adjustments are called deviations. Common deviations are for shared custody, daycare costs, and the payment of the marital mortgage. These deviations can cause either an increase or a decrease in the total amount of the support payment depending on the circumstances; there are many factors which determine whether or not a specific deviation will apply to a specific case.
The information in this blog post is only intended to give a general understanding of how child support is calculated in Pennsylvania. There are many factors which can affect the amount you should receive or that you owe as child support. If you are involved in a child support action, it is important to consult an attorney. Walters & Galloway, PLLC has extensive experience representing parties involved in support cases. Our attorneys will be happy to further discuss with you the procedure involved in your case and the specific facts that may be relevant to address at a support conference.
