Prioritizing Financial Fairness

Our attorneys have a combined experience of more than 46 years in helping clients resolve difficult issues, many of them being economical in nature. Child support and alimony (spousal support) are among the most contentious areas.

The initial establishment of support amounts and possible future modifications based on financial changes are areas in which we can be of service. There are numerous factors that can impact these support levels, and you should have an experienced lawyer familiar with these issues.

In Pennsylvania, child support follows a formula based on the monthly after-tax incomes or earning abilities of the both parents. But there are other factors that can influence the outcome. Clients need to be made aware of these factors in order to ensure that they get the proper level of support over time.

Child support normally is payable until a child reaches 18 years or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If an adult child, however, has special needs, child support could be payable for a longer period of time.

Three Approaches To Alimony

Child support is mandatory in our state; alimony is not. Pennsylvania recognizes three kinds of alimony:

• Rehabilitative alimony, awarded to a financially dependent former spouse when time is needed for that person to “rehabilitate” himself or herself through education or work.
• Permanent alimony, made to a financially dependent former spouse for the rest of that person’s life.
• Reimbursement alimony, reimbursing former spouses for expenses they incurred for the benefit of the other spouse, such as when one spouse pays most of the marital debt load, or when a spouse supported the family while the other pursued an education or career.

Both child support and alimony are complex topics with many factors that can impact your outcome. The more your lawyer knows about precedents that bear on your case, the greater the advantage to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support And Alimony In Gettysburg And Hanover

Families in Gettysburg and Hanover often have practical questions about how child support and alimony work in Pennsylvania. The answers below address common concerns and help clarify what parties can expect.

Under what circumstances can support be modified?

Child support and alimony orders are not always permanent. Pennsylvania courts allow modifications when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common reasons include a significant increase or decrease in income, job loss, promotion or retirement. Changes in a child’s needs, such as new medical expenses or educational costs, may also justify a modification of child support.

For alimony, remarriage of the receiving spouse or cohabitation with a new partner can affect ongoing payments. Courts may also consider changes in health or earning ability. A party seeking modification must file a formal request and provide documentation supporting the change. Until a court approves a modification, the existing order remains fully enforceable.

What happens if a parent or spouse fails to pay alimony or child support?

Failure to pay court-ordered support can result in serious legal consequences. Pennsylvania courts have multiple enforcement options available to address nonpayment. These may include wage attachment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s or professional licenses and liens against bank accounts or property. In more serious situations, the court may initiate contempt proceedings. A finding of contempt can lead to fines, mandatory payment plans or incarceration until compliance is achieved.

What expenses does child support cover?

Child support is intended to contribute to a child’s basic living needs and overall well-being. Payments typically help cover housing, food, clothing and other everyday expenses associated with raising a child. Support orders often account for health insurance costs, unreimbursed medical expenses and work-related child care.

Depending on the family’s circumstances, support may also factor in educational needs or certain extracurricular activities. While support is not tracked on an item-by-item basis, Pennsylvania’s guidelines are designed to reflect the real cost of supporting a child and to divide that responsibility fairly between parents.

How long is alimony typically paid?

Alimony duration depends on the type awarded and the circumstances of the marriage. Rehabilitative alimony is usually temporary and meant to support a spouse while they work toward financial independence. Reimbursement alimony ends once specific expenses are repaid. Permanent alimony may continue longer but can end due to remarriage, death or a later court order based on changed circumstances.

Contact Our Firm Today

For answers to your child support or alimony questions, contact the Gettysburg and Hanover alimony attorneys at Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC, by email – or text or call us at 717-253-9182.