Child Support

Parents in Pennsylvania are responsible for the support of children who are 18 years or younger.¹

Parents may sometimes also be required to support children who are older than 18.²  A judge may order parents who already have a child support order to pay for educational expenses after high school, which means tuition, fees, books, room, board, and other educational materials for college or vocational school.³ These expenses can be ordered before or after your child turns 18 and can continue until your child turns 23, or longer if the court finds there are exceptional circumstances.⁴ However, the judge will only order these expenses be paid if your child has made reasonable efforts to apply for scholarships, grants, and work-study assistance, and any amounts awarded will be deducted from the expenses the judge orders. ⁵

This type of case for educational expenses after high school may be filed by:

1. your child if s/he is over 18; or
2. by you if:
   
   • your child is under 18; or
   • your child is over 18 and gives you permission in writing.⁶

¹ 23 Pa.C.S. § 4321(2)
² 23 Pa.C.S. § 4321(3)
³ 23 Pa.C.S. § 4327(a), (j)
⁴ 23 Pa.C.S. § 4327(a), (f)(3)
⁵ 23 Pa.C.S. § 4327(a), (d)
⁶ 23 Pa.C.S. § 4327(b)