Family Law · Child Support
Does Shared Custody Mean No Child Support in Pennsylvania
Many parents assume that if custody is shared equally, child support disappears. Pennsylvania law does not work that way. Even when parents divide parenting time evenly, support may still be owed depending on the parties’ respective incomes and the financial circumstances of each household.
Child support in Pennsylvania is determined under the Pennsylvania child support guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes and the custody arrangement. Shared custody changes the calculation, but it does not automatically eliminate support.
At Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A., we represent parents in custody and support matters throughout Allegheny County. Many disputes arise when parents assume shared custody automatically eliminates support, only to discover the guidelines operate differently.
A fifty-fifty custody schedule does not automatically cancel child support. When one parent earns substantially more than the other, the guidelines may still require support payments even with equal parenting time.
If custody negotiations or a support conference are approaching, call 412-351-4422 or schedule a consultation before the recommendation is entered.
How Shared Custody Affects the Calculation
Pennsylvania’s support guidelines recognize that when the obligor parent exercises substantial custody time, both households are incurring expenses for the child. For that reason, the guidelines allow a reduction when the obligor has at least forty percent of the annual overnights. How those overnights are structured depends on the custody schedule the court orders or the parents agree to.
This adjustment acknowledges that each parent is supporting the child directly during their custodial time. However, it does not erase the support obligation altogether.
Income Differences Still Matter
Even when parents share custody equally, child support may still be ordered if there is a meaningful difference in income between the households. The purpose of support is to ensure the child benefits from the financial resources of both parents.
If one parent earns significantly more than the other, the guidelines may require that parent to contribute financially even though parenting time is equal.
Additional Expenses Can Affect the Outcome
Support orders also allocate certain child-related expenses between the parents. Health insurance premiums, childcare expenses required for employment, and extraordinary medical costs are commonly included in the calculation.
These expenses may create a support obligation even in situations where the guideline base amount would otherwise be modest. For a full breakdown of what the support obligation covers, see that page.
The DRS Conference Process
In Allegheny County, child support matters are typically addressed through the Domestic Relations Section. A conference officer reviews income documentation, applies the guideline formula, and issues a recommended order.
Either parent has twenty days to file exceptions and request review by a judge. If circumstances change after the order is entered, either parent may petition to modify the support order. If no exceptions are filed, the recommendation becomes the order of court.
This article relates to our work in Child Custody and Support and Family Law and Divorce. For how support is calculated, see how child support is calculated in Pennsylvania. For when support ends, see when child support ends.