Child support is a legal obligation of a parent to provide financial support to their child. In Pennsylvania, the process of applying for child support can be initiated by either parent. The first step is to file a petition with the Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the child resides. The petition must include certain information, such as the names and addresses of the parents, the child’s date of birth, and the amount of child support being sought. Once the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to determine the amount of child support that will be ordered.
There are a number of factors that the court will consider when determining the amount of child support, including the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the child’s standard of living. The court will also consider any special circumstances, such as the child’s health or educational needs. Once the court has determined the amount of child support, it will issue an order that requires the non-custodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent.
