Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Domestic Relations

I'm a single mom who is on 3 sides of D.R. Of my youngest child I am the plaintiff of my youngest son I'm the defendant, of my two older children Im paying DPW back because the father isnt in PA. 75% of my income is being taken which leaves me w/ anywhere from 19.00 to 40.00 a week to raise my ten year old. Her father is in a different county owing me 15,000.00 w/an active bench warrant & inforcement has done nothing to look for him. With my youngest son my mother raised him for 14 years. Since last October custody of him went to my exfatherinlaw (not related). My exhusband is deceased. My son was concieved by rape & I was a severly battered wife. My 10 year olds father built the two court rooms & courted a girl who is still employeed there. I was arrested for contempt even though I have been paying everything ask of me & when the order was corrected to the legal 55% it was changed right back by the exgirlfriend. I retained legal aid for the case in regards to my 10yearold. They have represented me for years. Two months ago they showed up in court against me representing my exfather in law. Im at the end of my rope, I dont know what to do or who to turn to. I cant support my 10 yr old Please Help! Me Thank You. Sincerely, Heather


Asked on 6/17/04, 1:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Ilene Young Young Law Offices

Re: Domestic Relations

You are enmeshed in a complicated and difficult situation. It is clear that you need the assistance of an experienced domestic relations attorney, but I realize that the cost is prohibitive.

It is difficult to offer advice in this matter. One aspect of support law, however, is highly relevant in your case. For low income payors, the state imposes a limitation on the amount of support order based upon the requirement that the payor is entitled to keep $550.00 per month for his or her own living expenses. This is called a Calculated Minimum Amount, or CAM for short, and should be brought to the attention of the support officer in low income cases. If your support orders are leaving you with less than this amount of income per month, your orders are not in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules for Support Calculation.

Ilene Young, Esquire/ Civil & Family Practice

215-444-0445

As you are not a client of our firm, discussion of the above topic is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations, different counties, or in different states. If you have a specific concern or legal problem, do not rely on these materials. Be sure to seek the advice of an attorney about your particular situation and facts.

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Answered on 6/23/04, 9:17 pm


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