Reliable Legal Support for Child Support Matters in West Chester, PA

Child support is an important part of making sure children continue to receive financial care and stability after a separation or divorce. Whether you are requesting support or responding to a petition, understanding Pennsylvania’s guidelines can help you approach the process with confidence.

At Patton & Iacobucci Family Law, we represent parents in West Chester in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. Our attorneys focus on building fair and legally sound arrangements that reflect the child’s needs and each parent’s financial situation.

How Child Support Works in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, both parents are expected to contribute to the financial support of their children. Child support is based on the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines, which use a formula to determine payment amounts. This formula takes into account:

• Each parent’s income and earning potential
• The number of children covered by the support order
• The child’s ongoing needs, such as healthcare and education
• The custody arrangement and the amount of time each parent spends with the child

Support payments are intended to cover basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, medical expenses, and schooling. The goal is to ensure that the child continues to benefit from consistent financial care, even when parents live apart.

Establishing a Child Support Order

Child support is often established during divorce or custody proceedings. If the parents cannot agree on terms, the court will calculate the support amount based on financial records and state guidelines. This process generally involves:

• Filing a Petition: One parent files a request for child support with the court.
• Submitting Financial Documents: Both parties provide evidence of income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial information.
• Determination of Support: The court uses the submitted information and applies the state’s formula to set a fair and reasonable amount.

Our attorneys help parents prepare the necessary documents and ensure that the information presented to the court accurately reflects their financial circumstances.

Modifying an Existing Support Order

A support order may need to be updated when financial or personal circumstances change. Some common reasons for requesting a modification include:

• Job loss or significant changes in income
• Increased or decreased parenting time
• Changes in the child’s medical, educational, or daily needs
• New financial responsibilities or hardships

To request a modification, a parent must show that a substantial change has occurred. Our legal team helps prepare and submit these requests while making sure your updated support arrangement continues to serve your child’s best interests.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent is not making court-ordered support payments, enforcement may be necessary. Pennsylvania courts have several tools to ensure compliance, including:

• Wage garnishment or direct income withholding
• Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
• Seizure of tax refunds or lottery winnings
• Filing contempt actions, which may result in fines or other court penalties

We work with clients to take the necessary legal steps to enforce orders and help secure the financial support that has been ordered for their child.

How Patton & Iacobucci Family Law Can Help

Explaining Your Rights and Responsibilities

We provide clear guidance on how child support laws apply to your case, so you understand what to expect and how to move forward.

Representation in Support Hearings

If your case requires a court appearance, we will represent you throughout the process and advocate for a fair and reasonable outcome based on your circumstances.

Support Order Modifications

When life changes, your support order may need to change too. We help parents request modifications and present the necessary evidence to the court.

Child Support Enforcement

If payments are not being made, we help you pursue enforcement actions through the proper legal channels to ensure your child’s needs are met.

Speak With a Child Support Attorney in West Chester

Navigating child support can be challenging, but having the right legal support can make the process more manageable. Patton & Iacobucci Family Law is here to help you understand your options and pursue a fair solution that supports your child’s financial well-being.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced child support attorney in West Chester, PA.