Child & Spousal Support
CHILD & SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Child Support calculations are governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure. According to Rule 1910.16-1, the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines set forth the amount of support which a spouse or parent should pay on the basis of both parties' monthly net incomes and the number of persons being supported. Pennsylvania has a standard support guidelines formula which dictates the amount which should be paid.
What is Income for Support?
Pursuant to Rule 1910.16-2, income for support includes: (1) Wages, salaries, bonuses, fees, and commissions; (2) net income from business or dealings in property; (3) interest, rents, royalties, and dividends; (4) pensions and all forms of retirement; (5) income from an interest in an estate or trust; (6) social security disability benefits, social security retirement benefits, temporary and permanent disability benefits, worker's compensation and unemployment compensation; (7) alimony, if appropriate (8) other entitlements to money or lump sum awards, without regard to source, including lottery winnings, income tax refunds, insurance, settlements, awards, verdicts, and any form of payment due and collectible by an individual regardless of source.
Deductions from Monthly Net Income.
Pursuant to 1910.16-2(c) deductions from monthly net income include: (a) Federal, state, and local income taxes; (b) FICA payments (social security, medicare, and self-employment taxes) and non-voluntary retirement payments. (c) union dues; and (d) alimony paid to the other party.
