Not just the basics – but all costs for your child’s well-being.
Child Support
Child support, as defined by the State of PA, covers only the basics – that’s food, clothing, and shelter in a household. As loving parents, there’s much more to decide. Provide for your children without any court intervention whatsoever - now and into the future.
What We Help You Work Out in Mediaiton
Who pays child support and how much?
To determine this, we focus on basic needs of the children based on the family budgets in the two households. As a starting point for negotiations, we provide you with the state-mandated calculation. All costs over and above the basics are also resolved, including who should cover health insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses and activities for the children.
What do we do when circumstances change?
Children grow and their needs will change. Your income may also change. That's why your agreement is modifiable, even after your divorce is final. We also make sure you include special provisions in your agreement to address these changes.
Need help with deciding parenting and custody issues?
Why use Mediation for Child Support
It’s good practice. Once you are divorced, you still need to work together in the best interest of your kids. Mediation is an excellent training ground for learning to make decisions while parenting apart.
It’s more likely to be followed. Studies show that parents who mediate are more likely to pay child support than if a mandatory court order were issued. That’s because the mediation process allows you, as parents, to create your own agreement on your own terms.
All the “extras” are decided. In PA, the state formula for child support only covers the basics – food, clothing, and shelter. As concerned parents, you also care about what’s essential for your child’s development and well-being - things like health insurance, college, camp, music lessons, or bar mitzvah. These expenses can be much more difficult to work out without help.
You can modify it later on. Children’s needs change as they grow. When you can’t agree later on, you can always mediate payment modifications.
“They kept us focused on what is in the best interest of our children.”
