Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

reduction of child support

i pay child support for 6 children. i havent seen 3 of them in 7 years & have no clue of where they even are. i havent seen 1 of the 6 children @ all in her life. the only 2 i have any contact with are my boys from last wife. i get them every other weekend. i would like to know if i have any chance of me NOT paying child support for the 1st four or @ least having the support lowered. domestic relations takes 55% of my pay check every week & between taxes, health care & child support, i do not have enough money to live off of. please help.


Asked on 4/26/04, 8:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Ilene Young Young Law Offices

Re: reduction of child support

As a rule, lack of visitation may not be used to end a support obligation. You may be able to have the support lowered if your circumstances have changed since the most recent order. Additionally, the obligation of support in Pennsylvania terminates at the age of 18 absent exceptional circumstances. You may file to end your support order when your children reach 18.

There is also a provision in the Pennsylvania Support Statute which provides for a Calculated Minimum Allowance (CAM) amount of $550.00. This amount is what is presumed to be required for the payor's minimum living expenses and support orders may not leave him less than this amount. However, this may be lowered if the court finds that the payor's needs are minimal.

Ilene Young, Esquire/ Civil & Family Practice 215-444-0445 Offices in Bucks & Montgomery County

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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 5/01/04, 10:07 pm


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