How Much Back Child Support is a Felony in PA?
In the state of Pennsylvania, falling behind on child support payments can have severe consequences. The question remains, how much back child support is a felony in PA? Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand the legal framework and the impact of non-compliance on child support obligors.
Pennsylvania’s Child Support Guidelines
Pennsylvania has a legal framework that governs child support, known as the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines (PCL). These guidelines are used to calculate the amount of child support that a non-custodial parent must pay to support their dependent children. The guidelines consider various factors, including:
• The obligor’s income
• The custodial parent’s income
• The number of children
• The age of the children
• The custodial arrangement (shared physical custody or sole physical custody)
Felony Child Support Arrests
In Pennsylvania, the threshold for a felony child support arrest is $25,000 in arrears. This means that if a non-custodial parent accumulates $25,000 or more in overdue child support payments, they can be arrested and charged with a felony.
Here’s a breakdown of the child support arrearages and their corresponding felony classifications:
| Arrearages | Felony Classification |
|---|---|
| $25,000 or more | Third-Degree Felony |
| $15,000-$24,999 | Misdemeanor |
It’s crucial to note that the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) can take an obligor into custody if they have a valid arrest warrant. The warrant is issued when the obligor has 30 days’ notice that they have fallen behind on their child support payments.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If an obligor is unable to make child support payments, it’s essential to communicate with the child support agency and the custodial parent. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences, including:
• Arrest and felony charges
• Fines and imprisonment
• Negative impact on credit scores
• Limited access to vital records (e.g., birth certificates, Social Security numbers)
• Difficulty in obtaining professional licenses or employment
How to Avoid Felony Child Support Arrests
To avoid falling behind on child support payments and potentially facing felony charges, consider the following steps:
• Pay promptly: Make timely child support payments to avoid accumulating arrearages.
• Communicate with the child support agency: Notify the agency of any changes in income, employment, or living circumstances that may affect your ability to make payments.
• Work with the custodial parent: Collaborate with the custodial parent to develop a plan to address arrearages and ensure future compliance.
• Seek professional help: If struggling to make payments, consider consulting with a financial advisor or credit counselor to develop a plan for managing debt and improving financial stability.
Conclusion
In Pennsylvania, falling behind on child support payments can have severe legal consequences, including felony arrests and charges. To avoid these consequences, it’s essential to understand the child support guidelines, communicate with the child support agency and the custodial parent, and develop a plan to manage arrearages. By prioritizing child support compliance, obligors can protect their rights and maintain a positive relationship with their children.
Additional Resources
• Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines: https://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/child_support_guidelines/3435/pennsylvania_child_support_guidelines
• Pennsylvania State Police: https://www.psp.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/HealthFamily/ChildSupport/Pages/default.aspx
