How it works · official guideline
How child support is calculated in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania awards child support under a statewide guideline adopted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16-1 and following), which by statute places primary emphasis on the parties' net incomes and earning capacities. The guideline amount is presumed correct unless a written or on-the-record finding shows it would be unjust or inappropriate.[1]
Pennsylvania’s model
Not verified yet
Official calculator · Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child Support Enforcement
Estimate My Child Support Amount (Pennsylvania Child Support Program, PA DHS)Link checked October 26, 2026
Why no calculator here? We publish a calculator only after it reproduces the state’s official numbers exactly. We haven’t matched Pennsylvania’s yet, so use the official calculator for a number.
From the official text
The rules behind Pennsylvania’s numbers
The guideline is 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322. Open each rule to read the exact words.
- Income counted
Primary emphasis on net incomes and earning capacities
The statute directs the guideline to focus mainly on the parties' net incomes and earning capacities, with deviations allowed for unusual needs, extraordinary expenses and other factors such as assets.[1]
Official text · 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322(a)
“the guideline shall place primary emphasis on the net incomes and earning capacities of the parties, with allowable deviations for unusual needs, extraordinary expenses and other factors, such as the parties' assets, as warrant special attention.”
- Review cycle
Guideline reviewed at least every four years
The guideline must be reviewed at least once every four years.[1]
Official text · 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322(a)
“The guideline so developed shall be reviewed at least once every four years.”
- Departing from the guideline
Guideline amount presumed correct; rebutted by a finding it is unjust or inappropriate
The guideline amount is presumed correct; a written or on-the-record finding, based on Supreme Court criteria, that it would be unjust or inappropriate rebuts the presumption.[1]
Official text · 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322(b)
“There shall be a rebuttable presumption, in any judicial or expedited process, that the amount of the award which would result from the application of such guideline is the correct amount of support to be awarded.”
Guideline: 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322 (Pennsylvania General Assembly), checked October 26, 2026.
Estimate and general information only — not legal advice. MediationList is a directory, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Guidelines change; confirm with the official calculator (sources checked October 26, 2026). See also divorce laws in Pennsylvania and child support in every state.
Sources
Pennsylvania’s child support guideline, rules and official tools, read on the official sites, with the date we checked each.