A lot of things change when a Pennsylvania family goes from living together as a single unit to deciding to live in separate households with custody, alimony and child support arrangements. This decision brings with it a lot of uncertainty and confusion, as individuals begin their journey into the unknown, often alone. Where couples previously may have been able to calmly discuss matters, child custody and support decisions can make them turn acrimonious towards one another.
When does child support end?
As discussed previously on this blog, the Pennsylvania resident with primary custody of their children will most likely receive child support from the other parent. One of the reasons regular child support payments are so important is because it allows the custodial parent to create a schedule and routine around it. For example, extracurricular activities or childcare services can be scheduled based on knowing how much one is going to receive and when. Therefore, not knowing when such important payments are going to be terminated can cause instability in one's life.
Factors to consider in child support calculations
Raising a child in today's tough economic times can be financially stressful for many parents. Daily expenses add up, not including the costs of extracurricular activities, doctor's visits and school events. Where a couple living together as a unit can manage their time and budget so that either both are working or one individual's salary can cover all the expenses, this changes after the couple separates. One parent, often the custodial parent, is left trying to cover most of the child's expenses.
What expenses can child support cover?
Some couples who go through a divorce in Pennsylvania arrive at child support orders after contentious arguments in court. Others are able to negotiate an agreement on the amount and frequency of child support payments between themselves. However, some of our readers may wonder, after the child support order is in place, what expenses can child support be used to cover?
The basics about child support in Pennsylvania
Child support issues in a divorce case can cause quite a bit of concern for Pennsylvania residents. After all, you are not only ending a relationship with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you are also addressing issues like child custody and child support that will likely affect your children for years to come. It is important for our readers to know the basics about child support in Pennsylvania.
Know your options when it comes to child support
Pennsylvania residents who are going through a divorce have a lot on their minds. There are important issues to address in divorce cases, such as property division, alimony and child custody. An issue that is equally important is the determination of the amount and duration of child support payments.
