Pennsylvania Child Support Calculator

How PA's Income Shares Model Works

Pennsylvania determines your child support amount using the 'Income Shares Model,' which is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-1. The court combines both your and the other parent's net monthly incomes to find a basic support obligation, then divides it between you based on your percentage share of the combined income.

Shared Custody & The 110-Night Rule

In Pennsylvania, shared physical custody can reduce a child support obligation once a parent has the children for at least 30% of the year, which is equivalent to 110 overnights. Under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(c), the support reduction starts at the 110-overnight threshold and gradually increases up to a maximum adjustment when a parent has 40% (146 overnights) or more of the time.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-1 et seq.
Shared Custody Threshold Adjustment begins at 110 overnights (30% time)
Age Support Ends Age 18 and graduation from high school, whichever occurs later.
Modification Standard Material and Substantial Change in Circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions About PA Support


At what age does child support end in PA?

Child support in Pennsylvania ends when the child turns 18 and graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. This duty of support is established by 23 Pa.C.S. § 4321(2) and generally does not extend into college unless agreed upon by the parents.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in PA?

A Pennsylvania court will typically assign an 'earning capacity' to an unemployed or underemployed parent, based on their work history, education, and local job opportunities. Under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(d)(4), this imputed income is used to calculate support as if the parent were employed, unless their unemployment is not willful.

How do I modify a child support order in PA?

You can modify a child support order in Pennsylvania by proving a 'material and substantial change in circumstances' has occurred since the last order was entered. Governed by 23 Pa.C.S. § 4352(a), this standard can be met by events like a significant income change, job loss, or a change in custody.

Does PA child support cover college expenses?

No, Pennsylvania law does not mandate that parents pay for college expenses as part of a child support order. Support for post-secondary education can only be enforced if the parents have a separate, written agreement to cover these costs, as permitted by 23 Pa.C.S. § 4327.

How does PA handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable work-related childcare costs are added to the basic support obligation and divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6 outlines this process, ensuring both parents contribute fairly to these necessary additional expenses.