Child support orders in Pennsylvania are court-enforced and legally binding. If a parent in Pike County falls behind on payments—or stops paying altogether—the court has broad authority to enforce compliance.
At Clause Law Group, we help both payors and recipients of child support navigate enforcement actions, defenses, and modifications throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing—or trying to enforce—child support obligations in Pike County.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Pennsylvania
Child support is based on:
- Both parents’ monthly net incomes
- The number of children
- Custody arrangement
- Childcare, health insurance, and extraordinary expenses
The Pennsylvania Support Guidelines are set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16 and apply uniformly throughout the state, including in Pike County.
What Happens When You Fall Behind?
📍 Enforcement Begins at the Pike County Domestic Relations Office (DRO)
Address:
Pike County Courthouse
412 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337
Phone: (570) 296-6511
Penalties for Non-Payment of Child Support
If you miss payments, the court may initiate one or more of the following:
1. Wage Garnishment
Your employer can be ordered to withhold support directly from your paycheck.
2. Driver’s License Suspension
The court can suspend your PA driver’s license—and even hunting or professional licenses.
3. Intercepting Tax Refunds
Federal and state tax refunds may be intercepted to cover unpaid support.
4. Contempt of Court
This is a serious civil remedy. You may be:
- Ordered to appear for a contempt hearing
- Fined or jailed for up to six months
- Required to pay attorney’s fees and court costs
5. Credit Reporting
Unpaid child support can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting your credit score and borrowing ability.
Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Child Support?
Yes. If the court finds that you willfully failed to pay despite having the means, you can be jailed for contempt of court. Incarceration is usually a last resort, but it’s legally permitted under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4345.
Defending Against Enforcement Actions
If you’re behind due to:
- Job loss
- Illness
- Change in circumstances
…you may file a Petition to Modify Support rather than ignore the obligation. Judges appreciate proactive steps and documented efforts to remain compliant.
Modifying Your Support Obligation
You can request a modification if:
- Your income has changed significantly
- Custody has changed
- The child’s expenses have increased or decreased
Tip: Don’t wait. Modifications are not retroactive to the date of income change—only to the date of filing.
Helping Pike County Parents Enforce or Adjust Support
Whether you’re seeking payment or need help defending against enforcement, Clause Law Group offers sound legal guidance tailored to your situation. We serve parents in Milford, Dingmans Ferry, Matamoras, and throughout Pike County.
📞 Call (570) 676-5212
📍 Offices in Newfoundland, PA
📨 Schedule a child support consultation
