Pennsylvania Family Law Guide
Support • APL • Custody • Procedure
Child Support Calculator
Income Shares engine with shared custody credit and add-on reimbursements.
Model Child Support →Spousal Support / APL Calculator
Applies the 30% / 40% formulas after child support adjustments.
Estimate APL →Child Support (Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-1 to 1910.16-3)
Pennsylvania’s Income Shares model derives baseline support from the statewide schedule. The obligor’s percentage share of the combined net income determines the presumptive support amount. Credits adjust the obligation when the obligor exercises substantial parenting time.
Combine net income, locate the Basic Child Support Obligation, and apportion by each parent’s income share.
When the obligor has ≥146 overnights, subtract a 30% credit and reduce the obligation according to Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-4.
If combined monthly net income exceeds $30,000, use Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-3.1 formulas instead of the schedule.
Spousal Support & APL (Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-4, 1910.16-5)
Spousal support and alimony pendente lite (APL) provide interim financial assistance. They use guideline formulas but remain subject to judicial discretion. Child support is calculated first, ensuring children’s needs take priority.
When child support is paid, guideline spousal support/APL equals 30% of the difference in net incomes after child support.
Without dependent children, guideline spousal support/APL equals 40% of the net income difference.
Courts may deviate based on Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-5 factors such as unusual needs, assets, or standard of living.
Custody & Parenting Time
Custody decisions focus on the child’s best interests. Pennsylvania courts evaluate 16 statutory factors (23 Pa.C.S. § 5328), including safety, stability, and parental cooperation. Parenting plans should address transportation, communication, holiday schedules, and conflict resolution.
- Stability and continuity in the child’s education, family life, and community
- Each parent’s availability and willingness to care for the child
- History of caregiving responsibilities
- Sibling relationships and extended family involvement
- Presence of abuse, neglect, or substance misuse
- Child’s preference, when mature enough to express a well-reasoned choice
Procedural Highlights
Divorce proceedings begin with a Complaint in Divorce. Support actions may be filed through the Domestic Relations Section (DRS) or integrated into the divorce case.
A support conference officer reviews financial affidavits, applies guidelines, and proposes an order. Parties may demand a hearing before a judge or hearing officer.
Financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, business records, and expense statements support support calculations and equitable distribution.
Support orders remain modifiable upon a material and substantial change in circumstances. APL generally ends at final decree; spousal support may transform into alimony.
Essential Resources
When to Engage Counsel
Retain counsel promptly if your case involves relocation, business valuation, complex income streams, or potential deviations from guideline support. Courts expect detailed financial evidence and may adjust support based on equitable considerations.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association and county bar associations offer lawyer referral services. Low-income litigants can contact the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network or local pro bono programs for support.