Pennsylvania Child Support Calculator 2026
Estimate child support obligations in Pennsylvania under Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7. This free calculator applies the state's income shares model to produce an instant guideline estimate for parents, attorneys, and self-represented litigants.
Free Pennsylvania Child Support Guideline Calculator
Pennsylvania calculates child support under Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7, which combines both parents' incomes, calculates the basic child support obligation from the state's guideline schedule, and then prorates that obligation between the parents based on their percentage of combined income. Pennsylvania uses the income shares model — combined monthly net income is applied to the Basic Child Support Schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 and prorated between parents.
This calculator is used by divorcing parents, family law attorneys, mediators, and self-represented litigants who need a quick estimate of what a Pennsylvania court is likely to order. Results are guideline projections only — any formal court filing in Pennsylvania requires the official worksheet or the state's certified calculator.
👤 Parent A (Petitioner)
👤 Parent B (Respondent)
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Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania Child Support
How is child support calculated in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares approach set out in Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7. Pennsylvania uses the income shares model — combined monthly net income is applied to the Basic Child Support Schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 and prorated between parents. The court applies this formula as a rebuttable presumption, so the guideline number is the starting point in every case unless a party proves deviation is warranted.
What counts as income for child support purposes in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania's guidelines, income is defined broadly. Net income is gross income less federal, state, and local taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, non-voluntary retirement, and alimony actually paid. Courts routinely impute income where a parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, and verified documentation of wages, self-employment profit, and government benefits is required at the hearing.
Can a Pennsylvania court order child support different from the guidelines?
Yes. The guideline amount produced by Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7 is a rebuttable presumption, meaning courts can deviate when application of the formula would be unjust or inappropriate. Common grounds recognized in Pennsylvania include unusual needs of the children, extraordinary expenses, shared physical custody of 40%+ overnights, or the guideline amount being unjust or inappropriate. A deviation typically requires written findings on the record explaining the reasons for departing from the guideline amount.
Do I need an attorney to calculate child support in Pennsylvania?
No — Pennsylvania courts allow self-represented parents to complete their own child support worksheets using the state's official guideline tools. For uncontested cases where both spouses agree on the guideline amount, an online divorce service can prepare your forms for filing at a fraction of what an attorney charges. For contested cases or complex income situations, consulting a Pennsylvania family law attorney is advisable.
Understanding Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines
Child support in Pennsylvania is governed by Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16-1 through 1910.16-7. These statutes establish a rebuttable presumption that the guideline calculation produces the correct amount of support, and the Pennsylvania courts are required to apply the guidelines to every case involving minor children unless a party shows that doing so would be unjust or inappropriate under the specific facts presented.
The Pennsylvania child support formula uses the income shares model — combines both parents’ incomes, calculates the basic child support obligation from the state’s guideline schedule, and then prorates that obligation between the parents based on their percentage of combined income. Pennsylvania uses the income shares model — combined monthly net income is applied to the Basic Child Support Schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 and prorated between parents. Pennsylvania’s approach to income is specific: net income is gross income less federal, state, and local taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, non-voluntary retirement, and alimony actually paid.
Parenting time matters in Pennsylvania. When each parent has the children for a substantial share of overnights, the court applies a shared-physical-custody or extended-parenting-time adjustment, which generally reduces the paying parent’s obligation to reflect direct expenses incurred during that parent’s time. The exact threshold and math differ between Pennsylvania and other states, so the parenting schedule should be quantified accurately when running this calculator or the official worksheet.
Child support orders in Pennsylvania are not permanent — they can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances such as a change in either parent’s income, a change in custody, or a change in the children’s needs. Enforcement is handled through the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Agency and the family court, with remedies including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt proceedings for willful non-payment.