Official PA child support guidelines use an income shares model where both parents contribute proportionally based on net monthly income, number of children, and custody time. Overnight visits and shared custody can significantly reduce the base support obligation. Fathers can use the online calculator to estimate obligations before filing. Access the guidelines and calculator free at pacourts.us or through your county domestic relations office.
Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.
Child Support in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.
More Child Support in Pennsylvania
PA Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE) — Statewide agency overseeing child support collection and enforcement across all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Services include locating non-cust
Allegheny County Support Section — Manages child support cases for the Pittsburgh metro area including establishment of new orders, modifications, and enforcement. Conducts su
Delaware County Domestic Relations — Processes child support and alimony cases for Delaware County, providing intake services, support conferences, and enforcement actions inclu
Lancaster County Domestic Relations — Manages child support services for Lancaster County including paternity establishment, new support orders, modifications, and enforcement. L
PA Child Support Modification Info — Either parent can request a child support modification when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances such as job loss, ma
Berks County Domestic Relations (Reading) — Handles child support and spousal support cases for Berks County residents, conducting support conferences and enforcing existing court orde
Child Support — Common Questions
How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.