What is the average child support payment for one child in PA?

Asked by: Bridgette Cartwright DVM  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 5/5 (17 votes)

Client Review – Pennsylvania Child Custody Matter Under the guidelines, for a combined monthly net income of $3,000, the monthly child support amount is $704 for 1 child, $1,015 for 2 children, and $1,189 for 3 children.

How much child support for 1 kid in PA?

According to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1910.16-3 if they have 1 child the base support per month for the parents combined is $993. From there the parties share of income determines their share of support.

How much do most fathers pay for child support?

Most fathers can expect to pay between 15-25% of their gross income for one child, and the amount increases with additional children.

Who pays child support for 50/50 custody in PA?

However, in Pennsylvania, an equal sharing of child custody does not eliminate the need to pay child support. In these situations, the higher-earning parent usually pays child support to the lesser-earning parent for the child's care.

Is child support in PA based on income?

Income is not always the only thing that is considered when calculating support in Pennsylvania. A support order must be based on current income and also earning capacity.

What is the Average Child Support Payment for One Child?

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How does PA decide child support?

Child support amounts are calculated using a formula based on the income of both parties. The combined net monthly incomes of the parties are used to determine the base amount of support for the number of children involved.

Does dad have to pay child support with 50/50?

It seems logical that if your custody is shared, you each cover costs for the child when the child is with you. However, in California, custody and child support are two separate components, and one parent may be required to pay child support to the other even in a 50/50 arrangement.

How much does a father have to pay for child support in Pennsylvania?

Client Review – Pennsylvania Child Custody Matter

Under the guidelines, for a combined monthly net income of $3,000, the monthly child support amount is $704 for 1 child, $1,015 for 2 children, and $1,189 for 3 children.

Do you get more child support if you have full custody?

Generally, sole physical custody is awarded to allow a child to live in one home most of the time, and continue to attend their local school. Where joint legal custody and sole physical custody exist together, the amount of child support due will not change.

What age can a child choose which parent to live with in Pennsylvania?

There is no minimum age which prompts a Pennsylvania judge to say that a child's wishes will or won't be considered. Rather, PA custody law clearly specifies that a child's custodial preference must be well-reasoned and based on maturity and judgment.

What state has the highest child support?

The state with the highest median child support payment was Massachusetts, with a median payment of $1,187 per month. Other states with relatively high median child support payments include Nevada, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Kansas, and Nebraska.

What is the biggest factor in calculating child support?

Parental Income

Both parents' gross income is a critical starting point. Income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, rental income, dividends, unemployment benefits, and more. Courts also consider non-monetary perks like housing or vehicles provided by an employer.

How many men fail to pay child support?

I recently looked this up. The statistic for the US is that 42% of child support orders are paid in full on time as ordered. 25% are not paid at all. The remainder are delinquent in some manner.

Does child support go down if the father has another baby PA?

It's important to understand that simply having another child does not automatically reduce your child support obligation. However, if your circumstances have changed, it is possible to seek a modification of the child support agreement.

What is the most money child support can take?

A: The most money child support can take in California is up to 60% of a person's wages if they are only responsible for one child. If they are responsible for two or more children, then up to 50% of their wages can be garnished. Wage garnishment can sometimes be mandated by a court order.

How long is child support in PA?

In Pennsylvania, child support obligations normally last until the child turns 18 years old, but can continue up past that age if the child is still in high school or has certain physical or mental conditions that require extra support.

How much child support will I pay if I make $1000 a week?

Using a standard calculation, an individual earning $1,000 a week might pay around $250 per month for one child, though this figure can vary significantly based on specific circumstances and local county guidelines.

Do I have to pay child support if I have 50/50 custody in California?

Joint Physical Custody

In most joint custody cases, the spouse that had the primary income in the household or the spouse that made more money will be asked to make child support payments, even if custody seems to be split fairly.

Why do mothers get custody more than fathers?

Laws giving women preferential custody rights no longer exist. Judges have guidelines used to determine what is in the best interest of the children. The gender of the parent plays no part in their decision. Today's “knowledge” that courts prefer mothers stems from past generations and media sensationalism.

How does PA calculate child support?

In Pennsylvania, courts calculate child support using a complex algebraic equation based on the relevant average cost for a family to raise a child. The equation also factors in parent income, the number of children, and more.

What not to say at a child support hearing?

While it might be tempting to make defamatory statements about your child's other parent, it is not advisable to do so. Even if what you are saying is true, it is best to allow the courts to discover any undue behaviors on the part of parents during child custody hearings.

Does child support determine custody?

No, but generally the receiving parent does have primary physical custody. Custody, child support and visitation/parenting time are all separate.

How can I prevent my father from getting 50 50 custody?

The situations that could prevent a parent from gaining shared legal custody are similar to the situations that could prevent them from gaining shared physical custody.
  1. Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse.
  2. Child abuse or neglect.
  3. Domestic violence.
  4. Mental health issues.
  5. Jail time.
  6. Relocation.

How can I pay child support with no income?

Child Support Modification on Imputed Income

You can request an adjustment to your child support order, but the court will base new child support amounts on your opportunity and ability to find similar-paying work using your previous employment as a benchmark for what you may be able to earn in the future.