Child support is an obligation each parent has for his child. Pennsylvania expects that each parent will meet this obligation by adjusting his other expenditures. If you live in Chester County and need to file for child support, you may go to the Domestic Relation Office in the Chester County Courthouse. Applications are accepted between the hours of 8:30 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.
If you plan to go to Domestic Relations to file for support, an Intake Information Sheet will need to be completed. You will be interviewed by Domestic Relations, which may take about an hour.
After you file for support, it generally takes 3-4 weeks from the date of your completed intake until the date of your conference.
On the date of your support conference, you will be required to bring your most recent tax return, your paystubs for the last six months, a written verification of child care expenses, proof of any medical insurance coverage that you may have and any information relating to your professional licenses.
The conference officer will calculate the child support amount owed by law using the parties’ incomes and the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines. Pennsylvania uses support guidelines to reduce litigation by making child support results consistent and predictable.
If you are looking to hire an attorney or need assistance with the Domestic Relations process, contact us at (610) 692-8700.