THE COURTS
Title 231—RULES OF
CIVIL PROCEDURE
PART I. GENERAL
[ 231 PA. CODE CH. 1910 ]
Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure Relating to Domestic Relations Matters; Recommendation 116
[42 Pa.B. 1642]
[Saturday, March 31, 2012]The Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee is planning to recommend that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania amend the Rules of Civil Procedure relating to domestic relations matters as set forth herein. This proposal has not been submitted for review by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Notes and explanatory comments which appear with proposed amendments have been inserted by the committee for the convenience of those using the rules. Reports, notes and comments will not constitute part of the rules and will not be officially adopted or promulgated by the Supreme Court.
The committee solicits and welcomes comments and suggestions from all interested persons prior to submission of this proposal to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Please submit written comments no later than Friday, August 3, 2012 directed to:
Patricia A. Miles, Esquire
Counsel, Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 6200
P. O. Box 62635
Harrisburg, PA 17106-2635
Fax: 717 231-9531
E-mail: domesticrules@pacourts.usDeleted material is bold and [bracketed]. New material is bold.
By the Domestic Relations
Procedural Rules CommitteeHONORABLE KEVIN M. DOUGHERTY,
Vice-Chair
Annex A
TITLE 231. RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
PART I. GENERAL
CHAPTER 1910. ACTIONS FOR SUPPORT Rule 1910.16-1. Amount of Support. Support Guidelines.
(a) Applicability of the Support Guidelines.
* * * * * (2) In actions in which the plaintiff is a public body or private agency pursuant to Rule 1910.3, the amount of the order shall be calculated under the guidelines based upon each obligor's net monthly income as defined in Rule 1910.16-2, with the public or private entity's income as zero. In such cases, each parent shall be treated as a separate obligor and a parent's obligation will be based upon his or her own monthly net income without regard to the income of the other parent.
(i) The amount of basic child support owed to other children not in placement shall be deducted from each parent's net income before calculating support for the child or children in placement, including the amount of direct support the guidelines assume will be provided by the custodial parent.
Example 1. Mother and Father have three children and do not live in the same household. Mother has primary custody of two children and net income of $2,000 per month. Father's net monthly income is $3,000. The parties' third child is in foster care placement. Pursuant to the schedule at Rule 1910.16-3, the basic child support amount for the two children with Mother is [$1,350] $1,369. As Father's income is 60% of the parties' combined monthly net income, his basic support obligation to Mother is [$810] $821 per month. The guidelines assume that Mother will provide [$540] $548 per month in direct expenditures to the two children in her home. The agency/obligee brings an action against each parent for the support of the child in placement. Father/obligor's income will be [$2,190] $2,179 for purposes of this calculation ($3,000 net less [$810] $821 in support for the children with Mother). Because the agency/obligee's income is zero, Father's support for the child in placement will be 100% of the schedule amount of basic support for one child at the [$2,190] $2,179 income level, or [$528] $520 per month. Mother/obligor's income will be [$1,460] $1,452 for purposes of this calculation ($2,000 net less [$540] $548 in direct support to the children in her custody). Her support obligation will be 100% of the schedule amount for one child at that income level, or [$354] $348 per month.
Example 2. Mother and Father have two children in placement. Father owes child support of $500 per month for two children of a former marriage. At the same income levels as above, Father's income for determining his obligation to the children in placement would be $2,500 ($3,000 less $500 support for two children of prior marriage). His obligation to the agency would be [$866] $848 per month (100% of the schedule amount for two children at the $2,500 per month income level). Mother's income would not be diminished as she owes no other child support. She would owe [$698] $685 for the children in placement (100% of the schedule amount for two children at the $2,000 income level).
(ii) If the parents reside in the same household, their respective obligations to the children who remain in the household and are not in placement shall be calculated according to the guidelines, with the parent having the higher income as the obligor, and that amount shall be deducted from the parents' net monthly incomes for purposes of calculating support for the child(ren) in placement.
Example 3. Mother and Father have four children, two of whom are in placement. Mother's net monthly income is $4,000 and Father's is [$2,000] $3,000. The basic support amount for the two children in the home is [$1,483] $1,628, according to the schedule at Rule 1910.16-3. As Mother's income is [67%] 57% of the parties' combined net monthly incomes, her share would be [$994] $928, and Father's [33%] 43% share would be [$489] $700. Mother's income for purposes of calculating support for the two children in placement would be [$3,006] $3,072 ($4,000 less [$994] $928). She would pay 100% of the basic child support at that income level, or [$1,033] $1,032, for the children in placement. Father's income would be [$1,511] $2,300 ([$2,000] $3,000 less [$489] $700) and his obligation to the children in placement would be [$531] $782.
* * * * *
Explanatory Comment—2012 The schedule of basic child support has been updated to reflect newer economic data. The schedule was prepared by Jane Venohr, Ph.D., the economist who assisted in the last guideline review using the same methodology. It includes an increase in the Self-Support Reserve to $931 per month, the 2012 federal poverty level for one person.
Rule 1910.16-2. Support Guidelines. Calculation of Net Income.
Generally, the amount of support to be awarded is based upon the parties' monthly net income.
* * * * * (b) Treatment of Public Assistance, SSI Benefits, Social Security Payments to a Child Due to a Parent's Death, Disability or Retirement and Foster Care Payments.
* * * * * Example 1. If the obligor has net income of $1,200 per month; the obligee has net monthly income of $800; and the child receives Social Security derivative benefits of $300 per month as a result of either the obligor's or obligee's retirement or disability, then the total combined monthly net income is $2,300. Using the schedule at Rule 1910.16-3 for one child, the amount of support is [$551] $543 per month. From that amount, subtract the amount the child is receiving in Social Security derivative benefits ([$551] $543 minus $300 equals [$251] $243). Then, apply the formula at Rule 1910.16-4 to apportion the remaining child support amount of [$251] $243 between the obligor and the obligee in proportion to their respective incomes. The obligor's $1,200 net income per month is 60% of the total of the obligor's and the obligee's combined net monthly income. Thus, the obligor's support obligation would be 60% of [$251] $243, or [$151] $146, per month.
Example 2. Two children live with Grandmother who receives $400 per month in Social Security death benefits for the children as a result of their father's death. Grandmother also receives $500 per month from a trust established by Father for the benefit of the children. Grandmother is employed and earns $2,000 net per month. Grandmother seeks support from the children's mother, who earns $1,500 net per month. For purposes of calculating Mother's support obligation, Grandmother's income will be $500, the amount she receives on behalf of the children from the trust. Therefore, the obligee's and the obligor's combined net monthly incomes total $2,000. Add to that the $400 in Social Security benefits Grandmother receives for the children to find the basic child support amount in Rule 1910.16-3. The basic support amount at the $2,400 income level for two children is [$831] $815. Subtracting from that amount the $400 in Social Security derivative benefits Grandmother receives for the children, results in a basic support amount of [$431] $415. As Mother's income is 75% of the parties' combined income of $2,000, her support obligation to Grandmother is [$323] $311 per month.
* * * * * (e) Net Income Affecting Application of the Support Guidelines.
(1) Low Income Cases.
(A) When the obligor's monthly net income and corresponding number of children fall into the shaded area of the schedule set forth in Rule 1910.16-3, the basic child support obligation shall first be calculated using the obligor's income only. For example, where the obligor has monthly net income of [$950] $1,100, the presumptive amount of support for three children is [$77] $156 per month. This amount is determined directly from the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3. Next, calculate the obligor's child support obligation as in any other case, using both parties' monthly net incomes. The lower of the two calculations shall be the obligor's basic child support obligation.
Example: The parties have two children. The obligor has net monthly income of $1,500, which falls into the shaded area of the schedule for two children. Using only the obligor's income, the amount of support for two children would be $518. Next, calculate support using both parties' incomes. The obligee has net monthly income of $2,500 so the combined net monthly income of the parties is $4,000. The basic child support amount at that income level for two children is $1,240. As the obligor's income is 38% of the combined net monthly income of the parties, the obligor's share of the basic support amount is $471. As the amount of support the obligor would pay using the obligor's income alone is more than the amount calculated using both parties' incomes, the lower amount would be awarded. Thus, the obligor's basic child support obligation is $471.
(B) In computing a basic spousal support or alimony pendente lite obligation, the presumptive amount of support shall not reduce the obligor's net income below the Self-Support Reserve of [$867] $931 per month. For example, if the obligor earns $1,000 per month and the obligee earns $300 per month, the formula in Part IV of Rule 1910.16-4 would result in a support obligation of $280 per month. Since this amount leaves the obligor with only $720 per month, it must be adjusted so that the obligor retains at least [$867] $931 per month. The presumptive minimum amount of spousal support, therefore, is [$133] $69 per month in this case.
(C) When the obligor's monthly net income is [$867] $931 or less, the court may award support only after consideration of the obligor's actual living expenses.
* * * * *
Explanatory Comment—2012 The SSR has been increased to $931, the 2012 federal poverty level for one person. Subdivision (e) has been amended to require that when the obligor's income falls into the shaded area of the basic child support schedule in Rule 1910.16-3, two calculations must be performed. One calculation uses only the obligor's income and the other is a regular calculation using both parties' incomes, awarding the lower amount to the obligee. The two step process is intended to address those cases in which the obligor has minimal income and the obligee's income is substantially greater.
Rule 1910.16-3. Support Guidelines. Basic Child Support Schedule.
The following schedule sets forth the amounts spent on children in intact families by combined income and number of children. Combined income is on the vertical axis of the schedule and number of children is on the horizontal axis of the schedule. This schedule is used to find the basic child support obligation. Unless otherwise provided in these rules, the obligor's share of the basic support obligation shall be computed using the formula set forth in Part I of Rule 1910.16-4.
(Editor's Note: As part of this recommendation, the Committee is proposing to delete the text of the schedule which appear in 231 Pa. Code pages 1910-26—1910-54.10, serial pages (358518) and (347837)—(347874) and replace it with the following schedule, which is printed in regular type to enhance readability.)
Monthly Basic Child Support Schedule
Combined Adjusted Net Income One Child Two Children Three Children Four Children Five Children Six Children 950 17 17 18 18 18 18 1000 62 63 64 64 65 66 1050 107 108 110 111 112 113 1100 152 154 156 157 159 161 1150 197 199 202 204 206 208 1200 242 245 248 250 253 256 1250 287 290 294 297 300 303 1300 313 336 340 343 347 351 1350 324 381 386 390 394 398 1400 336 427 432 436 441 446 1450 348 472 478 483 488 493 1500 360 518 524 529 535 541 1550 371 537 570 576 582 588 1600 383 554 616 622 629 636 1650 395 571 662 669 676 683 1700 406 587 690 715 723 731 1750 418 604 708 762 770 778 1800 429 620 727 808 817 826 1850 440 636 746 833 864 873 1900 452 652 765 854 911 921 1950 463 669 784 875 958 968 2000 474 685 803 897 986 1016 2050 486 701 821 918 1009 1063 2100 497 717 840 939 1032 1111 2150 509 733 859 960 1056 1147 2200 520 750 878 981 1079 1173 2250 531 766 897 1002 1102 1198 2300 543 782 916 1023 1125 1223 2350 554 798 934 1044 1148 1248 2400 565 815 953 1065 1171 1273 2450 577 831 973 1086 1195 1299 2500 588 848 992 1108 1219 1325 2550 600 865 1012 1130 1243 1352 2600 612 881 1032 1152 1268 1378 2650 623 898 1051 1174 1292 1404 2700 635 915 1071 1196 1316 1430 2750 646 931 1091 1218 1340 1457 2800 658 948 1110 1240 1364 1483 2850 669 965 1130 1262 1388 1509 2900 681 981 1150 1284 1412 1535 2950 692 998 1169 1306 1437 1562 3000 704 1015 1189 1328 1461 1588 3050 716 1032 1209 1350 1485 1614 3100 727 1048 1228 1372 1509 1640 3150 738 1065 1247 1393 1532 1666 3200 747 1077 1261 1408 1549 1684 3250 756 1089 1274 1423 1565 1701 3300 765 1101 1287 1438 1582 1719 3350 774 1113 1300 1453 1598 1737 3400 783 1125 1314 1468 1614 1755 3450 792 1137 1327 1482 1631 1772 3500 801 1149 1340 1497 1647 1790 3550 809 1161 1354 1512 1663 1808 3600 818 1173 1367 1527 1680 1826 3650 826 1184 1379 1540 1694 1841 3700 831 1192 1388 1551 1706 1854 3750 836 1200 1398 1562 1718 1867 3800 842 1208 1408 1572 1729 1880 3850 847 1216 1417 1583 1741 1893 3900 853 1224 1427 1594 1753 1906 3950 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4976 5409 27750 2651 3651 4093 4528 4981 5414 27800 2655 3655 4097 4532 4985 5419 27850 2658 3659 4101 4536 4990 5424 27900 2661 3664 4105 4541 4995 5429 27950 2665 3668 4109 4545 4999 5434 28000 2668 3672 4113 4549 5004 5439 28050 2671 3676 4117 4553 5009 5444 28100 2675 3680 4121 4558 5013 5449 28150 2678 3684 4126 4562 5018 5454 28200 2681 3688 4130 4566 5023 5460 28250 2685 3692 4134 4570 5027 5465 28300 2688 3696 4138 4574 5032 5470 28350 2691 3701 4142 4579 5036 5475 28400 2695 3705 4146 4583 5041 5480 28450 2698 3709 4150 4587 5046 5485 28500 2701 3713 4154 4591 5050 5490 28550 2705 3717 4158 4595 5055 5495 28600 2708 3721 4162 4600 5060 5500 28650 2711 3725 4167 4604 5064 5505 28700 2715 3729 4171 4608 5069 5510 28750 2718 3733 4175 4612 5074 5515 28800 2721 3737 4179 4617 5078 5520 28850 2724 3742 4183 4621 5083 5525 28900 2728 3746 4187 4625 5088 5530 28950 2731 3750 4191 4629 5092 5535 29000 2734 3754 4195 4633 5097 5540 29050 2738 3758 4199 4638 5101 5545 29100 2741 3762 4203 4642 5106 5550 29150 2744 3766 4207 4646 5111 5555 29200 2748 3770 4212 4650 5115 5560 29250 2751 3774 4216 4655 5120 5565 29300 2754 3779 4220 4659 5125 5571 29350 2758 3783 4224 4663 5129 5576 29400 2761 3787 4228 4667 5134 5581 29450 2764 3791 4232 4671 5139 5586 29500 2768 3795 4236 4676 5143 5591 29550 2771 3799 4240 4680 5148 5596 29600 2774 3803 4244 4684 5153 5601 29650 2778 3807 4248 4688 5157 5606 29700 2781 3811 4253 4693 5162 5611 29750 2784 3816 4257 4697 5166 5616 29800 2787 3820 4261 4701 5171 5621 29850 2791 3824 4265 4705 5176 5626 29900 2794 3828 4269 4709 5180 5631 29950 2797 3832 4273 4714 5185 5636 30000 2801 3836 4277 4718 5190 5641 * * * * *
Explanatory Comment—2012 The basic child support schedule has been amended to reflect updated economic data. It also reflects an increase in the Self-Support Reserve to $931, the 2012 poverty level for one person, which has been incorporated into the schedule.
Rule 1910.16-3.1. Support Guidelines. High Income Cases.
(a) Child Support Formula. When the parties' combined monthly net income is above $30,000, the following three-step process shall be applied to calculate the parties' respective child support obligations. The amount of support calculated pursuant to this three-step process shall in no event be less than the amount of support that would have been awarded if the parties' combined net monthly income were $30,000. That amount shall be a presumptive minimum.
(1) First, the following formula shall be applied as a preliminary analysis in calculating the amount of basic child support to be apportioned between the parties according to their respective incomes:
One child: [$2,756] $2,801 + [6.5%] 8.5% of combined net income above $30,000 per month. Two children: [$3,777] $3,952 + [8.0%] 11.6% of combined net income above $30,000 per month. Three children: [$4,210] $4,277 + [9.2%] 12.6% of combined net income above $30,000 per month. Four children: [$4,703] $4,718 + [10.3%] 14.3% of combined net income above $30,000 per month. Five children: [$5,173] $5,190 + [11.3%] 15.8% of combined net income above $30,000 per month. Six children: [$5,623] $5,641 + [12.3%] 17.1% of combined net income above $30,000 per month; * * * * * Rule 1910.16-4. Support Guidelines. Calculation of Support Obligation, Formula.
* * * * * (c) Substantial or Shared Physical Custody.
* * * * * Example. Where the obligor and the obligee have monthly net incomes of $5,000 and $2,300 respectively, their combined child support obligation is [$1,663] $1,669 for two children. Using the income shares formula in Part I, the obligor's share of this obligation is 68%, or [$1,131] $1,135. If the children spend 40% of their time with the obligor, the formula in Part II applies to reduce his or her percentage share of the combined support obligation to 58%, or [$965] $968. If the children spend 45% of their time with the obligor, his or her percentage share of the combined obligation is reduced to 53%, or [$881] $885. If the children spend equal time with both parents, the obligor's percentage share is reduced to 48%, or [$798] $801.
(2) Without regard to which parent initiated the support action, when the children spend equal time with both parents, the Part II formula cannot be applied unless the obligor is the parent with the higher income. In no event shall an order be entered requiring the parent with the lower income to pay basic child support to the parent with the higher income. However, nothing in this subdivision shall prevent the entry of an order requiring the parent with less income to contribute to additional expenses pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6. Pursuant to either party's initiating a support action, the trier of fact may enter an order against either party based upon the evidence presented without regard to which party initiated the action. [If application of the formula in Part II] In all cases in which the parties share custody equally and the support calculation results in the obligee receiving a larger share of the parties' combined income [in cases in which the parties share custody equally], then the court shall adjust the support obligation so that the combined income is allocated equally between the two households. In those cases, no spousal support or alimony pendente lite shall be awarded.
Example 1. Mother and Father have monthly net incomes of $3,000 and $2,700 respectively. Mother has filed for support for the parties' two children with whom they share time equally. Pursuant to the [Basic Child Support Schedule] basic child support schedule at Rule 1910.16-3, the support amount for two children at their parents' combined net income level is [$1,440] $1,450 per month. Mother's share is 53% of that amount, or [$763] $769. Father's share is 47%, or [$677] $682. Application of subdivisions a. and b. of the Part II formula results in a 20% reduction in support when each parent spends 50% of the time with the children. Because the parties share custody equally, Mother cannot be the obligee for purposes of the Part II calculation because she has the higher income of the two parents. In these circumstances, although Mother initiated the support action, she would become the obligor even if Father has not filed for support. Father cannot be an obligor in the Part II calculations nor can the amount of support Mother is obligated to pay to Father be offset by calculating Father's adjusted amount of support under Part II because a support order cannot be entered against the parent with the lesser income. Using Mother as the obligor, her adjusted percentage share of the basic support amount is 33% (53% - 20% = 33%). Her adjusted share of the basic support amount is [$475] $479 (33% of [$1,440] $1,450). However, instead of [$475] $479 per month, Mother's support obligation would be adjusted to $150 per month to allocate the parties' combined income equally between the two households. This is the presumptive amount of basic support payable to Father under these circumstances.
Example 2. Where the obligor and the obligee have monthly net incomes of $3,000 and $2,500 respectively, their combined child support obligation for two children is [$1,412] $1,426. The obligor's share of this obligation is 55%, or [$777] $784. If the children spend equal time with both parents, the formula in Part II results in a support obligation of [$494] $499 payable to the obligee. Since this amount gives the obligee [$2,994] $2,999 of the combined income, and leaves the obligor with only [$2,506] $2,501 of the combined income, the obligor's support obligation must be adjusted to $250 to equalize the combined income between the parties' households. This is the presumptive amount of basic support payable to the obligee under these circumstances.
[(3) Reductions for substantial or shared custody shall not apply when the obligor's income falls within the shaded area of the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 or when the obligee's income is 10% or less of the parties' combined income.]
(d) Divided or Split Physical Custody When Each Party Has Primary Custody of One or More of the Children. Varied Custodial Schedules.
(1) Divided or Split Physical Custody When Each Party Has Primary Custody of One or More of the Children. When calculating a child support obligation, and one or more of the children reside primarily with each party, the court shall offset the parties' respective child support obligations and award the net difference to the obligee as child support. For example, if the parties have three children, one of whom resides with Father and two of whom reside with Mother, and their net monthly incomes are $2,500 and $1,250 respectively, Father's child support obligation is calculated as follows. Using the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 for two children at the parties' combined net monthly income of $3,750, the amount of basic child support to be apportioned between the parties is [$1,190] $1,200. As Father's income is 67% of the parties' combined net monthly income, Father's support obligation for the two children living with Mother is [$797] $804. Using the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 for one child, Mother's support obligation for the child living with Father is [$273] $276. Subtracting [$273] $276 from [$797] $804 produces a net basic support amount of [$524] $528 payable to Mother as child support.
* * * * * (f) Allocation. Consequences.
(1) An order awarding both spousal and child support may be unallocated or state the amount of support allocable to the spouse and the amount allocable to each child. Each order shall clearly state whether it is allocated or unallocated even if the amounts calculated for child and spousal support are delineated on the order. However, Part IV of the formula provided by these rules assumes that an order will be unallocated. Therefore, if the order is to be allocated, the formula set forth in this rule shall be utilized to determine the amount of support allocable to the spouse. If allocation of an order utilizing the formula would be inequitable, the court shall make an appropriate adjustment. Also, if an order is to be allocated, an adjustment shall be made to the award giving consideration to the federal income tax consequences of an allocated order as may be appropriate under the circumstances. No consideration of federal income tax consequences shall be applied if the order is unallocated or the order for the spousal support or alimony pendente lite only.
* * * * * Rule 1910.16-6. Support Guidelines. Adjustments to the Basic Support Obligation. Allocation of Additional Expenses.
Additional expenses permitted pursuant to this Rule 1910.16-6 may be allocated between the parties even if the parties' incomes do not justify an order of basic support.
(a) Child care expenses. Reasonable child care expenses paid by either parent, if necessary to maintain employment or appropriate education in pursuit of income, shall be allocated between the parties in proportion to their net incomes and added to his and her basic support obligation. When a parent is receiving a child care subsidy through the Department of Public Welfare, the expenses to be allocated between the parties shall be the [full unsubsidized cost of the child care, not just the] amount actually paid by the parent receiving the subsidy. [However, if allocation of the unsubsidized amount would result in a support order that is overly burdensome to the obligor, deviation pursuant to Rule 1910.16-5 is warranted.]
Example. Mother has primary custody of the parties' two children and Father has partial custody. Mother's monthly net income is $2,000 and Father's is $3,500. At their combined income level of $5,500, the basic monthly child support from the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 is [$1,412] $1,426 for two children. As Father's income is 64% of the parties' combined income, his share is [$904] $913. Mother incurs child care expenses of $400 per month and Father incurs $100 of such expenses each month. The total amount of child care expenses, $500, will be apportioned between the parties, with Father paying 64%, or $320. As he is already paying $100 for child care while the children are in his partial custody, he would pay the remaining $220 to Mother for a total child support obligation of [$1,124] $1,133 ([$904] $913 + $220 = [$1,124] $1,133).
* * * * * [Official Note: A child care subsidy provided by the Department of Public Welfare should not be used to reduce the child care expenses subject to allocation between the parties to the extent that the obligor has the financial resources to contribute to the actual costs of child care. Nor is it appropriate to order the obligee to seek a child care subsidy in order to reduce the obligor's share of child care expenses if the obligor has the financial ability to contribute to those expenses. While public policy requires that parents, rather than taxpayers, pay for their children's child care when they are able to do so, allocation of the full unsubsidized cost of child care may result in a support order that is overly burdensome to the obligor. In those circumstances, in addition to considering deviation to relieve the burden on the obligor, the trier of fact also has the discretion to determine whether or not to include in the order other adjustments under Rule 1910.16-6, such as a mortage contribution, which are not mandatory. No adjustment to the basic support amount shall be permitted if such would cause the obligor's remaining net monthly income to fall below the Self-Support Reserve of $867. Implicit in the rule requiring apportionment of the unsubsidized cost of child care is recognition of the duty of the subsidy recipient to report any additional income pursuant to Department of Public Welfare regulations so that adjustments can be made to entitlements accordingly.]
* * * * * Rule 1910.16-7. Support Guidelines. Awards of Child Support When There are Multiple Families.
* * * * * (b) When the total of the obligor's basic support obligations exceeds fifty percent of his or her monthly net income, the court may consider a proportional reduction of these obligations. Since, however, the goal of the guidelines is to treat each child equitably, in no event should either a first or later family receive preference. Nor shall the court divide the guideline amount for all of the obligor's children among the households in which those children live.
Example 1. The obligor is sued for support of an out of wedlock child. The obligor is already paying support for two children of the first marriage, and has an intact second marriage with one child. The relevant monthly net incomes are $3,800 for the obligor, $1,100 for the former spouse, $0 for the current spouse and $1,500 for the parent of the new child. The obligor's basic support obligations to each family are [$1,043] $1,061 for the two children of the first marriage, [$831] $842 for the one child of the second marriage, and [$699] $708 for the one child out of wedlock for a total support obligation of [$2,573] $2,611. Since the total of these obligations exceeds fifty percent of the obligor's net monthly income of $3,800 per month, the court may consider a proportional reduction of all of the orders.
Example 2. The obligor is sued for support of three children of a second marriage. There is already an order in effect for two children of the first marriage. The relevant monthly net incomes are [$1,500] $1,600 for the obligor, $0 for the first spouse and $500 for the second spouse. The obligor's basic support obligations to each family are [$531] $554 for the two children of the first marriage and [$615] $638 for the three children of the second marriage for a total support obligation of [$1,146] $1,192. Since this total obligation leaves the obligor with only [$354] $408 on which to live, the order for the three children of the second family is too high. The obligor also must be left with a Self-Support Reserve of $931. However, reducing the order for three children while leaving the existing order intact would give preference to the first family, contrary to the rule. Therefore, both orders must be reduced proportionally.
Example 3. The obligor is sued to establish orders for three children born out of wedlock. The net monthly incomes for the obligor and for each obligee is $1,500. The court would determine that the obligor's basic support obligation for each child is [$357] $352 for a total obligation of [$1,071] $1,056 for three children. It would be incorrect to determine the guideline amount for three children, in this case [$1,213] $1,189, and then divide that amount among the three children.
(c) For purposes of this rule, the presumptive amount of the obligor's basic support obligation is calculated using only the basic guideline amounts of support, as determined from the formula in Rule 1910.16-4, and does not include any additional expenses that may be added to these amounts pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6. In calculating the presumptive amount of the obligor's basic support obligation, the court should ensure that obligor retains at least [$867] $931 per month consistent with Rule 1910.16-2(e).
Example 1. Assume that the obligor is paying [$575] $565 per month support for one child of the first marriage, plus an additional $200 per month for child care expenses. The obligor requests a reduction in this support obligation on the basis that there is one new child of the second intact marriage. The relevant incomes are $2,400 for the obligor and $0 for both the former and current spouses. The obligor's request for a reduction should be denied because the total of the basic guideline obligations for both children is only [$1,150] $1,130 ([$575] $565 for each child) and this amount does not exceed 50% of the obligor's net monthly income. No reduction should be given on the basis that the obligor's contribution to child care expenses for the first child results in an overall support obligation of [$1,350] $1,330 which exceeds 50% of the obligor's net monthly income. Thus, the presumptive amount of basic support for the two children is still [$1,150] $1,130 ([$575] $565 for each child). The court must then consider the deviation factors under Rule 1910.16-5 and the parties' respective contributions to additional expenses under Rule 1910.16-6 in arriving at an appropriate amount of total support for each child.
Example 2. Assume that the obligor is paying [$365] $360 per month support for one child of the first marriage. The obligor has one new child of the second intact marriage. The relevant incomes are $1,500 for the obligor and $0 for both the former and current spouses. No reduction should be given on the basis of the obligor's new child because the total of the basic guideline obligations for both children is only [$730] $720 ([$365] $360 for each child) and this amount does not exceed 50% of the obligor's net monthly income. Since, however, this amount leaves the obligor with only [$770] $780 per month, the court should proportionally reduce the support obligations so that the obligor retains [$867] $931 per month. Thus, the presumptive amount of basic support for the two children is [$633] $569 ([$316.50] $284.50 for each child). The court must then consider the deviation factors under Rule 1910.16-5 and the parties' respective contributions to additional expenses under Rule 1910.16-6 in arriving at an appropriate amount of total support for each child.
* * * * *
Explanatory Comment—2012 Rule 1910.16-7 has been amended to reflect the updated schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 and the increase in the Self-Support Reserve to $931 per month, the 2012 federal poverty level for one person.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-575. Filed for public inspection March 30, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]
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