Pennsylvania Child Support
Estimate for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares model.
Official schedule: 231 Pa. Code 1910.16-3 (Basic Child Support Schedule). Values are the PRE-AMENDMENT schedule published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, Doc. No. 25-1132a (Administrative Order No. 5 of 2025, Vol. 55 Issue 34, Aug. 23, 2025) - the version explicitly marked 'to be deleted' (effective 2024; the 2025 amendment takes effect later). (2024)
View calculation breakdown
| Combined parental income | $9,000 |
|---|---|
| Total basic obligation (schedule) | $2,152 |
| Obligor income share | 55.6% |
| Obligor basic obligation | $1,196 |
| Estimated monthly support | $1,196 |
How the basic obligation splits between parents
Estimated monthly support by number of children
§ How Pennsylvania calculates support
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares model under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16 (Basic Child Support Schedule at 1910.16-3), based on each parent's MONTHLY NET income (gross minus federal/state/local income taxes, FICA, unemployment tax, mandatory retirement, union dues, and alimony paid to the other party). The schedule covers combined net incomes up to $30,000/month; above that, a high-income formula applies (e.g., one child = $2,839 + 8.6% of net income above $30,000). A substantial or shared physical custody reduction applies when the obligor has 40%+ overnights. The 2026 guidelines set a self-support reserve of $1,255/month; a nominal $10/month order applies at or below it.
Content verified against official sources on 2026-08-09.
✦ How to open or modify a case in Pennsylvania
- File with the Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas in the appropriate county (filing a new case costs about $40.25, added to the obligor's balance; no fee to file a modification).
- Both parents exchange financial information (Income and Expense Statements, pay stubs, tax returns) and the case goes to a support conference with a conference officer.
- The conference officer applies the guidelines (net income, schedule, add-ons) and recommends an amount; either party may agree or request a hearing within 20 days.
- A support master or judge enters the order; the guideline amount is a rebuttable presumption and deviations require written findings under 1910.16-5.
- Payments are collected and distributed through the state support system (income withholding is standard).
- Request a modification on a substantial change in circumstances; guidelines are reviewed every four years (most recent review effective Jan. 6, 2021; 2026 update).
◈ Illustrative examples
Scenario: Parents' combined monthly net income is $35,000 with one child. The obligor earns $21,000 (60%) and the other parent $14,000 (40%).
Walk-through: Because combined net exceeds $30,000, the high-income formula applies: one child = $2,839 + 8.6% × ($35,000 − $30,000) = $2,839 + $430 = $3,269/month. The obligor pays 60%: 0.60 × $3,269 = $1,961/month, plus their share of add-ons.
Takeaway: Above $30,000 combined net monthly income, Pennsylvania uses a statutory percentage formula rather than the schedule, still split proportionally.
Scenario: Obligor net income $5,000, other parent $2,300, two children; combined obligation is $1,701. The obligor has 40% of overnights (146/year).
Walk-through: Under the basic formula the obligor's share is 68% = $1,157. With 40%+ overnights, the Part II shared-custody formula reduces the obligor's percentage share to 58% = $987. At 50/50 overnights the share drops to 48% = $816.
Takeaway: When the obligor has 40% or more overnights, Pennsylvania presumes a reduction in the basic obligation to reflect their direct costs.
? Frequently asked questions
↗ Official policy & agency links
Sources verified: https://www.humanservices.dhs.pa.gov/CSWS/CSWS_controller.aspx?SelectionIdBottom=7&PageId=CSWS/support_estimator_disclaimer.ascx&Preference=Desktop&Owner=Client · https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol51/51-36/1453.html · https://legalclarity.org/pa-child-support-calculator-estimate-your-payment