Modifications and Enforcement of Child Support
Child Support
Child support in Pennsylvania is money paid to the custodial parent for the support, maintenance, and education of the children. Voluntary gifts and payment of rent, which benefit the child when the child is with you, may not be considered support. Child support ceases with emancipation of the child by state law or as agreed by the parties.
Enforcement
Child support orders may be enforceable by a variety of means, such as wage attachment, execution, liens on property, or contempt. They are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, but unpaid support may be collectable for only a limited period of time, by statute.
Modification
Until emancipation of the child, the court has the power to modify custody and child support in Pennsylvania whenever circumstances make such change proper. The same factors used in making the initial award are considered for modification. Modification generally requires a significant change of circumstances. These factors could result in a change of the custodial arrangement or an increase or decrease in the support obligation. Remarriage of either parent does not automatically result in a change of circumstances.
Gold-Bikin, Lynne Z. & Kolodny, Stephen, The Divorce Trial Manuel, Chicago: ABA Book Publishing, 2004. Print.
