Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania’s Child Support Guidelines actually include a formula which covers all earners, including those who make over $30,000 a month.
However, those in the State College area who make a lot of money or have saved up considerable wealth frequently will run into more complicated child support issues that will involve more than just reviewing paystubs and running them through a formula.
High-earners frequently receive income from a number of sources
In addition to holding regular jobs, high-earners will frequently make money from other sources as well. Many people own their own businesses or a share in a business organizations. Others have investments such as real estate or other business interests.
Income from these interests should be included in child support calculations. However, figuring exactly how much income these items are generated can be difficult to figure out.
For example, a business owner is supposed to pay support on his or her net income from the business.
However, there can be some difference between what appears on a business’s tax returns and how a business’s income should be calculated for child support purposes.
For instance, some tax deductions that a business is allowed to take might not be appropriate when considering child support.
Moreover, unfortunately, sometimes owners may manipulate business records in order to avoid paying alimony or child support. It could take an experienced family law legal professional to untangle these sorts of underhanded strategies.
Deviations from the Guidelines may be appropriate in some cases
Moreover, as with any other type of child support case, parents with high-value assets may have reasons to deviate from Pennsylvania’s Child Support Guidelines.
For example, a child may have special needs or may be accustomed to a higher standard of living than what would be possible with a strict application of the Guidelines. On the other hand, the Guidelines may require a parent to pay too much child support.