To that end, new or current clients often feel the amount of support paid or owed is either too little or too much depending on whether they are the payor or payee. The basis for the guidelines are abbreviated below, but they try to take into account a number of factors to treat similar families the same. Note there are many additional sections and nuance to PA Child Support Law, which a licensed Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney can explain based on actual experience and local practice.
The new guidelines under Rule 1910.16-3. Support Guidelines. Basic Child Support Schedule are here.
Briefly:
Pennsylvania’s child support guidelines are based upon the Income Shares Model. That model was developed under the Child Support Guidelines Project funded by the U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement and administered by the National Center for State Courts. The Guidelines Project Advisory Group recommended the Income Shares Model for state guidelines. At present, 37 states use the Income Shares Model as a basis for their child support guidelines.
The Income Shares Model is based upon the concept that the child of separated, divorced or never-married parents should receive the same proportion of parental income that she or he would have received if the parents lived together. A number of authoritative economic studies provide estimates of the average amount of household expenditures for children in intact households. These studies show that the proportion of household spending devoted to children is directly related to the level of household income and to the number of the children. The basic support amounts reflected in the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 represent average marginal expenditures on children for food, housing, transportation, clothing and other miscellaneous items that are needed by children and provided by their parents, including the first $250 of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred annually per child.
Child and spousal support shall be awarded pursuant to a Statewide guideline as established by general rule by the Supreme Court, so that persons similarly situated shall be treated similarly. The guideline shall be based upon the reasonable needs of the child or spouse seeking support and the ability of the obligor to provide support. In determining the reasonable needs of the child or spouse seeking support and the ability of the obligor to provide support, 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.
On August 11, 2025, The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania set forth:
“AND NOW, this 11th day of August, 2025, upon the recommendation of the Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee, the proposal having been published for public comment at 54 Pa.B. 8395 (December 28, 2024):
It is Ordered pursuant to Article V, Section 10 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania that Rules 1910.1, 1910.11, 1910.12, 1910.16-1, 1910.16-2, 1910.16-3, 1910.16-3.1,1910.16-4, 1910.16-5, 1910.16-6, 1910.16-7, 1910.19, 1910.21, 1910.27, and 1910.29 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure are amended in the attached form. This Order shall be processed in accordance with Pa.R.J.A. 103(b), and shall be
effective January 1, 2026.”
Do not hesitate to call (412.303.9566) If you have questions about the 2026 child support changes. The new guidelines under Rule 1910.16-3. Support Guidelines. Basic Child Support Schedule are here: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/231/chapter1910/s1910.16-3.html
