Pennsylvania Child Support Calculator

Pennsylvania uses the income shares model under Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-3. Both parents' monthly net incomes are combined to determine a basic support obligation from the statewide schedule. That obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. Additional expenses such as childcare and health insurance are added before splitting the obligation.

Net income in PA includes all forms of earned and unearned income minus certain deductions. Gross income covers wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, pensions, interest, dividends, rental income, and more. Allowable deductions include federal, state, and local taxes, FICA contributions, mandatory union dues, and alimony paid to the other party or a prior spouse.

Shared custody occurs when the obligor (non-custodial parent) has the child for 40% or more of the overnight stays per year (approximately 146+ overnights). Under Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-4(c), shared custody triggers an adjustment formula that accounts for the increased expenses the obligor incurs during their custodial time, typically resulting in a lower support payment.

Yes, either parent can petition the court for a modification of the child support order when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant changes in either parent's income, changes in custody arrangements, changes in childcare or medical costs, a child reaching 18, or either parent's remarriage. Pennsylvania courts review the current guidelines and apply them to the updated financial situation.

In Pennsylvania, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond age 18 unless the child is still in high school. Support may continue beyond 18 for a child with a physical or mental disability. Pennsylvania courts may also order educational support for a child attending college, though this is handled separately from the basic child support guidelines.

Yes. Under Pennsylvania rules, reasonable childcare expenses necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, and the cost of health insurance coverage for the child, are added to the basic support obligation before it is divided between the parents. These additional expenses can significantly increase the total obligation.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Pennsylvania child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered support may differ because judges have discretion to deviate from the guidelines based on factors such as unusual needs of the child, extraordinary expenses, the parties' assets and liabilities, and other relevant circumstances under Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-5. Consult a Pennsylvania family law attorney for an accurate assessment.