Pennsylvania Child Support Changes 2022
By: Mesina Brees Rutstein of the Law Office & Mediation Services of Elissa C. Goldberg
Pennsylvania child support guidelines will be changing effective January 1, 2022. Below are a few examples of statewide changes that will influence divorce law and support calculations.
Basic Child Support Schedule. According to the updated Pennsylvania’s Basic Child Support Schedule (Pa. R.C.P. Rule 1910.16-3), child support obligations will be changing from current calculations. Financial responsibilities of the Obligor (the person who makes the support payments) can significantly vary depending on income level.
In Pennsylvania, support is always calculated taking into account both parents’ incomes. When analyzing income levels under the new guidelines, individuals with monthly net income levels lower than $3,850 will see decreased support obligations. Parties with a combined monthly net income of $4,000 to $9,050 will see less than a 10% increase for one child and less than a 15% increase for more than one child.
Parties with a $10,000 to $15,000 combined monthly net income will see a 15% increase for one child and a 23% increase for two children. The largest percentage jump from the current guidelines, particularly when there are two or more children, will be seen by individuals with a combined monthly net income of $20,300 to $22,600. These individuals will see an approximate 27% to 30% increase in child support obligations.
Reduced Income and Fluctuating Earnings. When an individual intentionally fails to obtain or maintain appropriate employment, the Judge may assign to the individual an income equal to the party’s earning capacity.
In determining a party’s earning capacity, the Judge will consider the party’s:
- Child care responsibilities and expenses
- Assets
- Residence
- Employment and earnings history
- Job skills
- Educational attainment
- Literacy
- Age
- Health
- Criminal record and other employment barriers
- Record of seeking work
- Local job market, including the availability of employers who are willing to hire the party
- Local community prevailing earnings level and
- Any other relevant factors
As Pennsylvania family law continues to change to keep current with societal needs, I strive to keep you in the know about your rights. Our goal is to guide you through your divorce, mediation or custody/child support case with as little stress and as much peace and success as possible. If you wish to schedule a free first consultation, please contact my office at 215-345-5259 and we will be happy to assist you.
Until then, my staff and I wish you a safe New Year’s Holiday.
Law Office of Elissa C. Goldberg
107 North Broad Street, Suite 211
Doylestown, PA 18901