In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, child support is determined based on the income of both parents and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. When parents have a 50/50 custody arrangement, it means that each parent has the child for an equal amount of time. In such cases, the court may decide to deviate from the standard child support guidelines.
According to Pennsylvania law, when parents share physical custody equally, the court may adjust the basic child support obligation based on:
- The direct expenses incurred by each parent in exercising custody – The difference between the parents’ incomes
- Any other relevant factors
The court may also consider the cost of providing for the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. If one parent earns significantly more than the other, they may be required to pay a larger portion of these costs.
It is important to note that a 50/50 custody arrangement does not automatically mean that there will be no child support obligation. The court will still consider each parent’s income and expenses when making a determination.
In Luzerne County, parents can use the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines to estimate their child support obligation. However, if they have a 50/50 custody arrangement or any other unique circumstances, it is recommended that they consult with an experienced family law attorney at The Mulligan Law Firm.