If you are re-married does your spouse’s income get considered in establishing an order?
A.
If you have remarried, your new spouse’s income may be considered if determining total household income. It is not factored into the actual support guideline calculation.
Q.
Why does the Lackawanna County Bureau of Childrens’ Services require clients to open cases through the court if they have an agreement or just don’t want contact with the other party?
A.
They have a standard policy of filing for support for children who are receiving subsidized child care.
Q.
If a person has a bench warrant on him, can he be picked up in another state?
A.
Bench Warrants issued by a Judge of the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas are enforceable only within the Commonwealth.
Q.
Payment print-outs are very hard to read. I cannot understand the codes and we need to know how much money went out to the person. Is there an easier way to obtain this information?
A.
You may call the SCDU AVR on a regular basis to obtain payment information.
The phone number for the SCDU AVR is 1-877-727-7238.
Q.
I pay the bills in my home and I need information on my husband’s case. Why can’t I get this information? I am told this cannot be given to a third-party.
A.
All information remains confidential and may only be provided to the parties in the case.
Q.
If you are under age 18 can you file for support?
A.
Yes. However, you need a parent/guardian present when you file and at your conference.
Q.
If you are under 18, do you have to pay support?
A.
Yes. You may have a support order entered against you. A parent/guardian should accompany the minor during Domestic Relations proceedings.
Q.
What enforcement action can be taken against a minor?
A.
A minor may be listed for Enforcement Court, may have his wages attached, and may have other enforcement measures taken against him.
Q.
If a child on the order turns 18, is the defendant still responsible for arrears?
A.
Yes, unless the parties agree otherwise.
Q.
If a case is closed, can it be reopened?
A.
Yes, by filing a new complaint.
Q.
How is welfare involved with support?
A.
Welfare recipients sign over their rights to support. While they receive cash welfare, support payments are paid to the Department of Public Welfare.
Q.
If you give your child up for adoption, do you have to pay support?
A.
No. However, if there are arrears up to the date of the adoption, they must still be paid.
Q.
Can you file for support if the person is in jail?
A.
Yes. However, it is not likely that you will receive support until the defendant has been released.
Q.
If the money is not used properly by the plaintiff, what can be done?
A.
In entering support obligations, no consideration is made concerning how the plaintiff uses the support money.
Q.
If an acknowledgment of paternity is signed and later you find out that you are not the father, are you still responsible to pay support?
A.
Yes.
Q.
If the guardian is a grandparent, is he responsible for paying the child support?
A.
No.
Q.
What are some ways to collect support besides payroll deduction?
A.
Unemployment Compensation attachment, Workers Compensation attachment, Liens, Enforcement Court, IRS refunds, credit card, pay by phone, and electronic funds transfer.
Q.
Does your credit get ruined because of support?
A.
Unpaid child support is reportable to the credit bureau.
Q.
Why is my Driver’s License Suspended?
A.
Parents who are three months or more behind in child support payments can face suspension of their driver’s licenses until they pay their obligations.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience, provide social media features and deliver advertising offers that are relevant to you. If you continue without changing your browser settings, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy. You may disable cookies at any time.