Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines

The calculation follows these steps: 1. **Determine each parent's net monthly income** (gross minus taxes, mandatory deductions, and existing support obligations) 2. **Combine both parents' net incomes** 3. **Look up the basic support amount** in the guidelines chart based on combined income and number of children 4. **Allocate proportionally** based on each parent's share of combined income 5. **Add additional expenses** (childcare, health insurance, unreimbursed medical) 6. **Apply any custody adjustments** The parent with less custody time typically pays the calculated amount to the other parent.

**Included in income**: - Wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions - Self-employment income - Interest and dividends - Rental income - Pension and retirement payments - Social Security benefits - Unemployment compensation - Workers' compensation - Alimony received - Trust income **Deductions from gross income**: - Federal, state, and local income taxes - FICA (Social Security and Medicare) - Union dues - Alimony paid to a former spouse - Support paid for other children

Pennsylvania's guidelines have a cap: **$30,000 combined monthly net income** (roughly $360,000/year combined). Above this threshold: - The guidelines chart stops - The court has discretion to determine support - The basic needs of the child are deemed met at the cap amount - Additional support may be ordered based on the child's needs, the parents' standard of living, and other factors High-income cases often involve expert testimony about the child's actual needs and reasonable lifestyle.

Courts may deviate from the guidelines based on factors including: - **Extraordinary medical or educational needs** of the child - **Assets of the child** - **Unusual needs or expenses** of either parent - **Best interests of the child** when the child is not yet living with the custodial parent - **Child's age** (older children may have higher needs) - **Private school tuition** or other special educational expenses - **Travel expenses** for custody exchanges The court must state reasons for any deviation from the guidelines.