Opinion

Order Amending Rules 1910.11, 1910.16-1, 1910.16-2, 1910.16-3, 1910.16-3.1, 1910.16-4, 1910.16-6, 1910.18, and 1910.19 and Rescinding Rule 1910.16 of the PA Rules of Civil Procedure

Court: Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Filed: Dec 28, 2018
Status: Published
Cited by: 0 cases
Authority: More cited than 6.7%

The opinion

Rule 1910.11. Office Conference. Subsequent Proceedings. Order

[(a)(1) The office conference shall be conducted by a conference

officer.]

(a) Office Conference.

(1) A conference officer shall conduct the office conference.

(2) [Any]A lawyer serving as a conference officer employed by, or

under contract with, a judicial district or appointed by the court shall

not practice family law before a conference officer, hearing officer,

permanent or standing master, or judge of the same judicial district.

Note: Conference officers preside at office conferences under [Rule]Pa.R.C.P.

No. 1910.11. Hearing officers preside at hearings under [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.12.

The appointment of masters to hear actions in divorce or for annulment of marriage is

authorized by [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.51.

(b) If [either]a party fails to appear at the conference[ before the officer] as

directed by the court, the conference may proceed.

[(c) At the conference, the parties shall furnish to the officer true copies

of their most recent federal income tax returns, their pay stubs for the preceding

six months, verification of child care expenses, and proof of medical coverage

that they may have or have available to them. In addition, the parties shall provide

copies of their Income Statements and Expense Statements in the forms required

by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c) and completed as set forth in (1) and (2) of this

subdivision.

Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to

actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of

information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or

unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and

documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Case Records

Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania shall

apply.

(1) For cases which can be determined according to the guideline

formula, the Income Statement must be completed and the Expense

Statement at Rule 1910.27(c)(2)(A) should be completed if a party is

claiming unusual needs and unusual fixed expenses that may warrant a

deviation from the guideline amount of support pursuant to Rule 1910.16-5

or seeks apportionment of expenses pursuant to Rule. 1910.16-6. In a

support case that can be decided according to the guidelines, even if the

support claim is raised in a divorce complaint, no expense form is needed

unless a party claims unusual needs or unusual fixed expenses or seeks

apportionment of expenses pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6. However, in the

divorce action, the Expense Statement at Rule 1910.27(c)(2)(B) may be

required.

(2) For cases which are decided according to Rule 1910.16-3.1,

the Income Statement and the Expense Statement at Rule 1910.27(c)(2)(B)

must be submitted.]

the following documents:

• the most recently filed individual federal income tax returns,

including all schedules, W-2s, and 1099s;

• the partnership or business tax returns with all schedules,

including K-1, if the party is self-employed or a principal in a

partnership or business entity;

• pay stubs for the preceding six months;

• verification of child care expenses;

• child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite, or

alimony orders or agreements for other children or former

spouses;

• proof of available medical coverage; and

• an Income Statement and, if necessary, an Expense Statement

on the forms provided in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c) and

completed as set forth in subdivisions (c)(1) and (2).

Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions

not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and

documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file

support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions

(e.g., divorce, custody), the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified

Judicial System of Pennsylvania shall apply.

(1) The parties shall provide the conference officer with a

completed:

(i) Income Statement as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.27(c)(1) in all support cases, including high-income

cases under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3.1; and

(ii) Expense Statement as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.27(c)(2)(A), if a party:

(A) claims that unusual needs and unusual fixed

expenses may warrant a deviation from the

guideline support amount pursuant to Pa.R.C.P.

No. 1910.16-5; or

(B) seeks expense apportionment pursuant to

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6.

(2) For high-income support cases as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-3.1, the parties shall provide to the conference officer

the Expense Statement in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(2)(B).

(d) Conference Officer Recommendation.

(1) The conference officer shall [make a recommendation to the

parties of an amount of support calculated in accordance with

the guidelines]calculate and recommend a guideline support

amount to the parties.

[(2) If an agreement for support is reached at the conference, the

officer shall prepare a written order substantially in the form set forth in

Rule 1910.27(e) and in conformity with the agreement for signature by the

parties and submission to the court together with the officer’s

recommendation for approval or disapproval. The court may enter the

order in accordance with the agreement without hearing the parties.]

(2) If the parties agree on a support amount at the conference, the

conference officer shall:

(i) prepare a written order consistent with the parties’

agreement and substantially in the form set forth in

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(e), which the parties shall sign;

and

(ii) submit to the court the written order along with the

conference officer’s recommendation for approval or

disapproval.

(iii) The court may enter the order in accordance with the

agreement without hearing from the parties.

***

Rule 1910.16. Rescinded [Support Order. Allocation

(a) In an order awarding child support and spousal support or child

support and alimony pendente lite, the court may on its own motion or upon the

motion of either party:

(1) Make an unallocated award in favor of the spouse and one or

more children; or

(2) State the amount of support allocable to the spouse and the

amount allocable to each child.

Note: See 23 Pa.C.S. § 4348(d) for additional matters that must be specified

in an order of support if arrearages exist when the order is entered.

(b) An unallocated order for child support and spousal support or child

support and alimony pendente lite shall be a final order as to all claims covered in

the order. Motions for post-trial relief may not be filed to the final order.

Note: The procedure relating to Motions for Reconsideration is set forth in

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.2.]

[Explanatory Comment — 1994

The decision to allocate a support order has federal income tax

consequences and an effect upon subsequent modification of an order.

Allocation of an order, as well as other factors, will determine which party pays

the federal income tax, and thus the actual cost of the support to the payor and

the amount of money available to the payee. Allocation of the order permits the

court to determine more easily whether modification of the order is warranted.

Explanatory Comment — 2018

Subdivision (b) resolves the question of the appealability of an unallocated

order and any other claims adjudicated in that order. The rule declares the orders

are final and appealable. Not only is the unallocated support order final and

appealable, so are the other claims covered in the order, irrespective of whether

those would be final and appealable had the claims not been a part of the order

awarding unallocated support.]

Rule 1910.16-1. Amount of Support. Support Guidelines

***

(b) [Amount of ]Support Amount. The [amount of ]support amount (child

support, spousal support or alimony [pendente lite) to be]pendente lite) awarded

pursuant to the [procedures under Rules]Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 1910.11 and 1910.12 [shall]

procedures must be determined in accordance with the support guidelines, which

consist of the guidelines expressed as the child support schedule [set forth in Rule]in

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3, the [formula set forth in Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4

formulas, and the operation of the guidelines as set forth in these rules.

(1) [Orders for spousal support and alimony pendente lite

shall]Spousal support and alimony pendente lite orders must

not be in effect simultaneously.

(2) In determining [the duration of an award for spousal support or

alimony pendente lite, the trier of fact]a spousal support or

alimony pendente lite award’s duration, the trier-of-fact shall

consider the [duration of the marriage from]marriage’s

duration, i.e., the date of marriage to the date of final separation.

(d) Rebuttable Presumption. [If it has been determined that there is an

obligation to pay support, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the

amount of the award determined from the guidelines is the correct amount of

support to be awarded. The support guidelines are a rebuttable presumption and

must be applied taking into consideration the special needs and obligations of

the parties. The trier of fact must consider the factors set forth in Rule 1910.16-5.

The presumption shall be rebutted if the trier of fact makes a written finding, or a

specific finding on the record, that an award in the amount determined from the

guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate.]If the trier-of-fact determines that a

party has a duty to pay support, there is a rebuttable presumption that the

guideline-calculated support amount is the correct support amount.

(1) The presumption is rebutted if the trier-of-fact concludes in a

written finding or states on the record that the guideline

support amount is unjust or inappropriate.

(2) The trier-of-fact shall consider the children’s and parties’

special needs and obligations, and apply the Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-5 deviation factors, as appropriate.

(e) Guidelines Review. The guidelines [shall]must be reviewed at least

[once] every four years to [insure]ensure that [application results in the

determination of appropriate amounts of support]their application determines

appropriate support amounts.

***

EXPLANATORY COMMENT — 2017

Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.3(a), a person having custody of a child or

caring for a child may initiate a support action against the child’s parent(s). Previously,

this rule only addressed when a public body or private agency had custody of a child but

was silent with regard to an individual third party, e.g., grandparent, seeking support.

The rule has been amended by adding a new subdivision (a)(2) and renumbering the

previous (a)(2) to (a)(3). In addition, an example illustrating the new (a)(2) calculation

has been included.

Subdivision (a)(2) excludes the income of the third party/obligee, as that person

does not have a duty of support to the child; instead, the rule uses the combined

monthly net income of the parents to determine the basic child support amount, which is

then apportioned between the parents consistent with their respective percentage of the

combined monthly net income in the same manner as a parent vs. parent support

action. However, under this rule, each parent would be a separate obligor, would pay

the obligee their proportionate share under a separate support order, and would be

subject to separate enforcement proceedings. Under (a)(2), the exclusion of the third

party’s income is consistent with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(b)(2)([B]ii) as that rule

relates to an action for support by a third party against a surviving parent in which the

child receives a Social Security derivative benefit due to the death of the other parent.

In accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6(c), payment of the first $250 of

unreimbursed medical expenses per year per child is applicable to third party/obligees

in support actions governed by (a)(2). The first $250 of unreimbursed medical expenses

is built into the Basic Child Support Schedule.

Rule 1910.16-2. Support Guidelines. Calculation of Monthly Net Income

Generally, the support amount [of support to be ]awarded is based [upon]on

the parties’ monthly net income.

(a) Monthly Gross Income. Monthly gross income is ordinarily based

[upon]on at least a six-month average of [all of ]a party’s income. The [term “income”

is defined by the ]support law, 23 Pa.C.S.[A.] § 4302, defines the term “income”

and includes income from any source. The statute lists many types of income including,

but not limited to:

(1) wages, salaries, bonuses, fees, and commissions;

(2) net income from business or dealings in property;

(3) interest, rents, royalties, and dividends;

(4) pensions and all forms of retirement;

(5) income from an interest in an estate or trust;

(6) Social Security disability benefits, Social Security retirement

benefits, temporary and permanent disability benefits, workers’

compensation, and unemployment compensation;

(7) alimony if, in the trier-of-fact’s discretion[ of the trier of fact],

inclusion of part or all of it is appropriate; and

Note: In determining the appropriateness of including alimony in gross

income, the trier-of-fact shall consider whether the party receiving the alimony

must include the amount received as gross income when filing his or her

federal income taxes. If the alimony is not includable in the party’s gross

income for federal income tax purposes, the trier-of-fact may include in the

party’s monthly net income the alimony received, as appropriate. See

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(c)(2)(ii).

Since the reasons for ordering payment of alimony vary, the

appropriateness of including it in the recipient’s gross income must also vary. For

example, if the obligor is paying $1,000 per month in alimony for the express

purpose of financing the obligee’s college education, it would be inappropriate to

consider that alimony as income from which the obligee could provide child support.

However, if alimony is intended to finance the obligee’s general living expenses,

inclusion of the alimony as income is appropriate.

(8) other entitlements to money or lump sum awards, without regard to

source, including:

(i) lottery winnings;

(ii) income tax refunds;

(iii) insurance compensation or settlements;

(iv) awards and verdicts; and

(v) [any form of payment]payments due to and collectible by

an individual regardless of source.

Note: The [trial court has discretion to determine]trier-of-fact

determines the most appropriate method for imputing lump-sum awards as income

for purposes of establishing or modifying the party’s support obligation. These

awards may be annualized or [they may be] averaged over a shorter or longer

period[ of time] depending on the case’s circumstances[ of the case]. [They may

also be escrowed in an amount sufficient]The trier-of-fact may order all or part

of the lump sum award escrowed to secure the support obligation during that

period[ of time].

[Income tax refunds should not be included as income to the

extent they were already factored into the party’s actual tax obligation for

purposes of arriving at his or her net income.]The trier-of-fact shall not

include income tax refunds in a party’s income, if the trier-of-fact factored in

the tax refund when calculating the party’s actual tax obligation and 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.

(1) Public Assistance and SSI Benefits. Neither public assistance nor

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits shall be

[counted]included as income for [purposes of ]determining

support.

(2) Child’s Social Security Derivative Benefits[ for a Child].

[(A) This subdivision (A) shall be applied if a child for whom

support is sought is receiving Social Security derivative

benefits as a result of either parent’s retirement or disability.

(i) If a child for whom support is sought is receiving

Social Security benefits as a result of a parent’s

retirement or disability, the amount of the benefit shall

be added to the income of the party receiving the benefit

on behalf of the child to calculate child support. Next,

apportion the amount of basic child support set forth in

the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 between the parties

based upon each party’s percentage share of their

combined net monthly income, including the child’s

benefit in the income of the party receiving it.

(ii) If the child’s benefit is being paid to the obligee,

the amount of the child’s benefit shall be deducted from

the basic support obligation of the party whose

retirement or disability created the child’s benefit. If the

child’s benefit is being paid to the obligor, the child’s

benefit shall not be deducted from the obligor’s

obligation, even if the obligor’s retirement or disability

created the child’s benefit. In cases of equally shared

custody, first determine which party has the higher

income without the benefit, and thus is the obligor,

before adding the child’s benefit to the income of the

party receiving it.

(iii) In cases in which the obligor is receiving the

child’s benefits, the domestic relations sections shall

provide the parties with two calculations theoretically

assigning the benefit to each household.

(iv) In allocating additional expenses pursuant to Rule

1910.16-6, the allocation shall be based upon the

parties’ incomes before the addition of the child’s

benefit to the income of the party receiving it.

(B) This subdivision (B) shall be applied when determining

the support obligation of a surviving parent when the child for

whom support is sought is receiving Social Security derivative

benefits as a result of the other parent’s death. The income of

a non-parent obligee who is caring for a child but has no

support obligation to that child shall include only those funds

the obligee is receiving on behalf of the child, including the

Social Security derivative benefits if they are being paid to the

obligee. If the benefits are being paid to the surviving parent,

the amount of the benefit shall be added to that parent’s

income to calculate child support.]

(i) If a child is receiving Social Security derivative benefits

due to a parent’s retirement or disability:

(A) The trier-of-fact shall determine the basic child

support amount as follows:

(I) add the child’s benefit to the monthly net

income of the party who receives the

child’s benefit;

(II) calculate the parties’ combined monthly net

income, including the child’s benefit;

(III) determine the basic child support amount

set forth in the Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3

schedule; and

(IV) apportion the basic child support amount

between the parties based on the party’s

percentage of the combined monthly net

income.

(B) If the obligee receives the child’s benefit, the trier-

of-fact shall deduct the child’s benefit from the

basic support obligation of the party whose

retirement or disability created the child’s benefit.

of-fact shall not deduct the child’s benefit from

the obligor’s basic support obligation, even if the

obligor’s retirement or disability created the

child’s benefit. To illustrate for the parties the

impact of the obligor receiving the benefit instead

of the obligee, the domestic relations section

shall provide the parties with two calculations

theoretically assigning the benefit to each

household.

(D) The trier-of-fact shall allocate the additional

expenses in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6 based on the

parties’ monthly net incomes without considering

the child’s benefit.

(E) In equally shared custody cases, the party with

the higher monthly net income, excluding the

child’s benefit, is the obligor.

(ii) If a child is receiving Social Security derivative benefits

due to a parent’s death:

(A) The trier-of-fact shall determine the surviving

parent’s basic child support amount as follows:

(I) The non-parent obligee’s monthly net

income shall include only those funds the

obligee is receiving on the child’s behalf,

including the Social Security derivative

benefit.

(II) If the surviving-parent obligor receives the

Social Security derivative benefit, the

benefit shall be added to the parent’s

monthly net income to calculate child

support.

***

(1) Unless [otherwise provided in]these rules provide otherwise,

the [court]trier-of-fact shall deduct only the following items from monthly gross income

to arrive at monthly net income:

([A]i) federal, state, and local income taxes;

([B]ii) unemployment compensation taxes and Local Services

Taxes (LST);

([C]iii) F.I.C.A. payments (Social Security, Medicare and

Self-Employment taxes) and non-voluntary retirement

payments;

([D]iv) mandatory union dues; and

([E]v) alimony paid to the other party.

(2) In computing a spousal support or alimony [pendente

lite]pendente lite obligation, the [court]trier-of-fact shall:

(i) deduct from the obligor’s monthly net income [all of his or

her child support obligations and any amounts of ]child

support, spousal support, alimony [pendente lite]pendente

lite, or alimony amounts [being] paid to children and

former spouses[.], who are not part of this action; and

(ii) include in a party’s monthly net income alimony

pendente lite or alimony received from a former spouse

that was not included in the party’s gross income, as

provided in subdivision (a).

Note: Since the reasons for ordering payment of alimony vary, the

appropriateness of including it in the recipient’s monthly net income must also

vary. For example, if the obligor is paying $1,000 per month in alimony for the

express purpose of financing the obligee’s college education, it would be

inappropriate to consider that alimony as income from which the obligee could

provide child support. However, if alimony is intended to finance the obligee’s

general living expenses, inclusion of the alimony as income is appropriate.

***

(e) Net Income Affecting Application of the Support Guidelines.

(1) Low-Income Cases.

([A]i) If the obligor’s monthly net income and corresponding

number of children fall into the shaded area of the schedule

set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3, the basic child support

obligation shall be calculated initially by using the obligor’s

monthly net income only. For example, if the obligor has

monthly net income of $1,100, the presumptive [amount of]

support amount for three children is $110 per month. This

amount is determined directly from the schedule in

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3. Next, [calculate ]the obligor’s

child support obligation is calculated by using the parties’

combined monthly net incomes and the appropriate formula

in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4. The lower of the two calculated

amounts shall be the obligor’s basic child support obligation.

***

([B]ii) In computing a basic spousal support or alimony pendente

lite obligation, the presumptive [amount of ]support amount

shall not reduce the obligor’s monthly net income below the

Self-Support Reserve of $981 per month.

Example 2: If the obligor earns $1,000 per month and the obligee earns $300

per month, the formula in [Part IV of ]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(a)(1)(Part B) would

result in a support obligation of $[280]213 per month ([$1,000 - $300 = $700 x

40%]($1,000 x 33%) or $333 minus ($300 x 40%) or $120 for a total of $213).

Since this amount leaves the obligor with only $[720]787 per month, it must be

adjusted so that the obligor retains at least $981 per month. The presumptive

minimum [amount of ]spousal support amount, therefore, is $19 per month in this

case.

([C]iii) [When]If the obligor’s monthly net income is $981 or

less, the [court]trier-of-fact may award support only after

consideration of the parties’ actual financial resources and

living expenses.

(2) High-Income Cases. [When]If the parties’ combined monthly

net income exceeds $30,000 per month, [calculation of ]child

support, spousal support, and alimony [pendente lite]pendente

lite calculations shall be pursuant to [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-3.1.

Note: See Hanrahan v. Bakker, 186 A.3d 958 (Pa. 2018)

(f) [Dependency Tax Exemption]Child Tax Credit. In order to

maximize the total income available to the parties and children, the [court]trier-of-fact

may[, as justice and fairness require, award the federal child dependency tax

exemption]award, as appropriate, the federal child tax credit to the non-custodial

parent, or to either parent in cases of equally shared custody, and order the other party

to execute the waiver required by the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C.[A.] § 152(e).

The tax consequences [resulting from an award of the child dependency

exemption]associated with the federal child tax credit must be considered in

calculating [each]the party’s monthly net income available for support.

[Explanatory Comment—2010

Subdivision (a) addresses gross income for purposes of calculating the

support obligation by reference to the statutory definition at 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 4322.

Subdivision (b) provides for the treatment of public assistance, SSI benefits,

Social Security derivative benefits and foster care payments.

Subdivision (c) sets forth the exclusive list of the deductions that may be

taken from gross income in arriving at a party’s net income. When the cost of

health insurance premiums is treated as an additional expense subject to

allocation between the parties under Rule 1910.16-6, it is not deductible from

gross income. However, part or all of the cost of health insurance premiums may

be deducted from the obligor’s gross income pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6(b) in

cases in which the obligor is paying the premiums and the obligee has no income

or minimal income. Subdivision (c) relates to awards of spousal support or

alimony pendente lite when there are multiple families. In these cases, a party’s

net income must be reduced to account for his or her child support obligations,

as well as any pre-existing spousal support, alimony pendente lite or alimony

obligations being paid to former spouses who are not the subject of the support

action.

Subdivision (d) has been amended to clarify the distinction between

voluntary and involuntary changes in income and the imputing of earning

capacity. Statutory provisions at 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 4322, as well as case law, are

clear that a support obligation is based upon the ability of a party to pay, and that

the concept of an earning capacity is intended to reflect a realistic, rather than a

theoretical, ability to pay support. Amendments to subdivision (d) are intended to

clarify when imposition of an earning capacity is appropriate.

Subdivision (e) has been amended to reflect the updated schedule in Rule

1910.16-3 and the increase in the Self-Support Reserve (‘‘SSR’’). The schedule

now applies to all cases in which the parties’ combined net monthly income is

$30,000 or less. The upper income limit of the prior schedule was only $20,000.

The amount of support at each income level of the schedule also has changed, so

the examples in Rule 1910.16-2 were revised to be consistent with the new

support amounts.

The SSR is intended to assure that obligors with low incomes retain

sufficient income to meet their basic needs and to maintain the incentive to

continue employment. When the obligor’s net monthly income or earning

capacity falls into the shaded area of the schedule, the basic child support

obligation can be derived directly from the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3. There is

no need to use the formula in Rule 1910.16-4 to calculate the obligor’s support

obligation because the SSR keeps the amount of the obligation the same

regardless of the obligee’s income. The obligee’s income may be a relevant

factor, however, in determining whether to deviate from the basic guideline

obligation pursuant to Rule 1910.16-5 and in considering whether to require the

obligor to contribute to any additional expenses under Rule 1910.16-6.

Since the schedule in Rule 1910.16-3 sets forth basic child support only,

subdivision (e)(1)(B) is necessary to reflect the operation of the SSR in spousal

support and alimony pendente lite cases. It adjusts the basic guideline obligation,

which would otherwise be calculated under the formula in Rule 1910.16-4, so that

the obligor’s income does not fall below the SSR amount in these cases.

Previously, the SSR required that the obligor retain at least $748 per month.

The SSR now requires that the obligor retain income of at least $867 per month,

an amount equal to the 2008 federal poverty level for one person. When the

obligor’s monthly net income is less than $867, subsection (e)(1)(C) provides that

the court must consider the parties’ actual living expenses before awarding

support. The guidelines assume that at this income level the obligor is barely able

to meet basic personal needs. In these cases, therefore, entry of a minimal order

may be appropriate. In some cases, it may not be appropriate to order support at

all.

The schedule at Rule 1910.16-3 sets forth the presumptive amount of basic

child support to be awarded. If the circumstances warrant, the court may deviate

from that amount under Rule 1910.16-5 and may also consider a party’s

contribution to additional expenses, which are typically added to the basic

amount of support under Rule 1910.16-6. If, for example, the obligor earns only

$900 per month but is living with his or her parents, or has remarried and is living

with a fully-employed spouse, the court may consider an upward deviation under

Rule 1910.16-5(b)(3) and/or may order the party to contribute to the additional

expenses under Rule 1910.16-6. Consistent with the goals of the SSR, however,

the court should ensure that the overall support obligation leaves the obligor with

sufficient income to meet basic personal needs and to maintain the incentive to

continue working so that support can be paid.

Subdivision (e) also has been amended to eliminate the application

of Melzer v. Witsberger, 505 Pa. 462, 480 A.2d 991 (1984), in high income child

support cases. In cases in which the parties’ combined net monthly income

exceeds $30,000, child support will be calculated in accordance with the three-

step process in new rule 1910.16-3.1(a).

Explanatory Comment—2013

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.

Explanatory Comment—2015

The rule has been amended to provide that a party’s support obligation will

be reduced by the amount of a child’s Social Security derivative benefit if that

party’s retirement or disability created the benefit and the benefit is being paid to

the household in which the child primarily resides or the obligee in cases of

equally shared custody. In most cases, payment of the benefit to the obligee’s

household will increase the resources available to the child and the parties. The

rule is intended to encourage parties to direct that the child’s benefits be paid to

the obligee.]

Explanatory Comment—2010

Subdivision (a) addresses gross income for purposes of calculating the

support obligation by reference to the statutory definition at 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322.

Subdivision (b) provides for the treatment of public assistance, SSI benefits,

Social Security derivative benefits, and foster care payments.

Subdivision (c) sets forth the exclusive list of the deductions that may be

taken from gross income in arriving at a party’s net income. When the cost of

health insurance premiums is treated as an additional expense subject to

allocation between the parties under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6, it is not deductible

from gross income. However, part or all of the cost of health insurance premiums

may be deducted from the obligor’s gross income pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-6(b) in cases in which the obligor is paying the premiums and the obligee

has no income or minimal income. Subdivision (c) relates to spousal support or

alimony pendente lite awards when there are multiple families. In these cases, a

party’s monthly net income must be reduced to account for his or her child

support obligations, as well as any pre-existing spousal support, alimony

pendente lite or alimony obligations being paid to former spouses who are not

the subject of the support action.

Subdivision (d) has been amended to clarify the distinction between

voluntary and involuntary changes in income and the imputing of earning

capacity. Statutory provisions at 23 Pa.C.S. § 4322, as well as case law, are clear

that a support obligation is based upon the ability of a party to pay, and that the

concept of an earning capacity is intended to reflect a realistic, rather than a

theoretical, ability to pay support. Amendments to subdivision (d) are intended to

clarify when imposition of an earning capacity is appropriate.

Subdivision (e) has been amended to reflect the updated schedule in

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 and the increase in the Self-Support Reserve (‘‘SSR’’).

The schedule now applies to all cases in which the parties’ combined monthly net

income is $30,000 or less. The upper income limit of the prior schedule was only

$20,000. The support amount at each income level of the schedule also has

changed, so the examples in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2 were revised to be

consistent with the new support amounts.

The SSR is intended to assure that obligors with low incomes retain

sufficient income to meet their basic needs and to maintain the incentive to

continue employment. When the obligor’s monthly net income or earning

capacity falls into the shaded area of the schedule, the basic child support

obligation can be derived directly from the schedule in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3.

There is no need to use the formula in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4 to calculate the

obligor’s support obligation because the SSR keeps the amount of the obligation

the same regardless of the obligee’s income. The obligee’s income may be a

relevant factor, however, in determining whether to deviate from the basic

guideline obligation pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5 and in considering

whether to require the obligor to contribute to any additional expenses under

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6.

Since the schedule in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 sets forth basic child support

only, subdivision (e)(1)(ii) is necessary to reflect the operation of the SSR in

spousal support and alimony pendente lite cases. It adjusts the basic guideline

obligation, which would otherwise be calculated under the formula in Pa.R.C.P.

No. 1910.16-4, so that the obligor’s income does not fall below the SSR amount in

these cases.

Previously, the SSR required that the obligor retain at least $748 per month.

The SSR now requires that the obligor retain income of at least $867 per month,

an amount equal to the 2008 federal poverty level for one person. When the

obligor’s monthly net income is less than $867, subdivision (e)(1)(iii) provides

that the trier-of-fact must consider the parties’ actual living expenses before

awarding support. The guidelines assume that at this income level the obligor is

barely able to meet basic personal needs. In these cases, therefore, entry of a

minimal order may be appropriate. In some cases, it may not be appropriate to

order support at all.

The schedule at Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 sets forth the presumptive amount

of basic child support to be awarded. If the circumstances warrant, the trier-of-

fact may deviate from that amount under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5 and may also

consider a party’s contribution to additional expenses, which are typically added

to the basic amount of support under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6. If, for example, the

obligor earns only $900 per month but is living with his or her parents, or has

remarried and is living with a fully-employed spouse, the trier-of-fact may

consider an upward deviation under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5(b)(3) or may order

the party to contribute to the additional expenses under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6.

Consistent with the goals of the SSR, however, the trier-of-fact should ensure that

the overall support obligation leaves the obligor with sufficient income to meet

basic personal needs and to maintain the incentive to continue working so that

support can be paid.

Subdivision (e) also has been amended to eliminate the application

of Melzer v. Witsberger, 480 A.2d 991 (Pa. 1984), in high-income child support

cases. In cases in which the parties’ combined net monthly income exceeds

$30,000, child support will be calculated in accordance with the three-step

process in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3.1(a).

Explanatory Comment—2013

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 Pa.R.C.P.

No. 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.

Explanatory Comment—2015

The rule has been amended to provide that a party’s support obligation will

be reduced by the child’s Social Security derivative benefit amount if that party’s

retirement or disability created the benefit and the benefit is being paid to the

household in which the child primarily resides or the obligee in cases of equally

shared custody. In most cases, payment of the benefit to the obligee’s household

will increase the resources available to the child and the parties. The rule is

intended to encourage parties to direct that the child’s benefits be paid to the

obligee.

Rule 1910.16-3. Support Guidelines. Basic Child Support Schedule.

The following schedule represents the amounts spent on children of intact

families by combined monthly net income and number of children. Combined monthly

net income is on the schedule’s vertical axis [of the schedule] and the number of

children is on the schedule’s horizontal axis [of the schedule]. This schedule [is

used to find]determines the basic child support obligation. Unless [otherwise

provided in these rules]these rules provide otherwise, the obligor’s share of the

basic support obligation shall be computed using either the formula set forth in [Part I

of ] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(a)(1)(Part C) or (2)(Part I).

***

Rule 1910.16-3.1. Support Guidelines. High-Income Cases

(a) Child Support Formula. If the parties’ combined monthly net income

exceeds $30,000, the following three-step process shall be applied to calculate the

parties’ respective child support obligations. The [amount of] support amount

calculated pursuant to this three-step process shall not be less than the [amount of]

support amount that would have been awarded if the parties’ combined monthly net

income was $30,000. The calculated amount [shall be]is the presumptive minimum

[amount of] support amount.

(1) [First, the]The following formula shall be applied as a preliminary

analysis in calculating the [amount of] basic child support amount [to be] apportioned

between the parties according to their respective monthly net incomes:

One child: $2,839 + 8.6% of combined monthly net income above $30,000.

Two children: $3,902 + 11.8% of combined monthly net income above $30,000.

Three children: $4,365 + 12.9% of combined monthly net income above $30,000.

Four children: $4,824 + 14.6% of combined monthly net income above $30,000.

Five children: $5,306 + 16.1% of combined monthly net income above $30,000.

Six children: $5,768 + 17.5% of combined monthly net income above $30,000;

(2) [And second, the trier of fact]The trier-of-fact shall apply [Part II

and Part III of the formula at Rule 1910.16-4(a), making any applicable

adjustments]the formulas in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(a)(1)(Part D) and (Part E) or

(2)(Part II) and (Part III), adjusting for substantial or shared custody pursuant to

[Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(c) and [allocations of]allocating additional expenses

pursuant to [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6, as appropriate;

(3) [Then, third, the trier of fact]The trier-of-fact shall consider the

factors in [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5 in making a final child support award and

shall make findings of fact on the record or in writing. After considering [all of] the

factors in [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5, the [trier of fact]trier-of-fact may adjust the

amount calculated pursuant to subdivisions (1) and (2)[ above upward or downward],

subject to the presumptive minimum.

(b) Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite. In cases in which the parties’

combined monthly net income exceeds $30,000, the [trier of fact]trier-of-fact shall

apply the formula in [Part IV of Rule]either Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(a)(1)(Part B) or

(2)(Part IV) as a preliminary analysis in calculating spousal support or alimony

[pendente lite]pendente lite. In determining [the amount and duration of] the final

spousal support or alimony [pendente lite award]pendente lite amount and duration,

the [trier of fact]trier-of-fact shall consider the factors in [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-

5 and shall make findings of fact on the record or in writing.

[Explanatory Comment — 2010

New Rule 1910.16-3.1 is intended to bring all child support cases under the

guidelines and treat similarly situated parties similarly. Thus, high income child

support cases no longer will be decided pursuant to Melzer v. Witsberger, 505 Pa.

462, 480 A.2d 991 (1984). Economic data support the amounts in the basic child

support schedule up to combined net incomes of $30,000 per month. Above that

amount, economic data are not readily available. Thus, for cases in which the

parties’ combined net monthly income is above $30,000, the formula first applies

a fixed percentage to calculate the amount of support. The formula is an

extrapolation of the available economic data to higher income cases. Spousal

support and alimony pendente lite awards in high income cases are preliminarily

calculated pursuant to the formula in Part IV of Rule 1910.16-4(a). However, in

both high income child support and spousal support/alimony pendente lite cases,

the trier of fact is required to consider the factors in Rule 1910.16-5 before

entering a final order and to make findings of fact on the record or in writing.

Pursuant to Rule 1910.11(c)(2), in all high income cases, the parties must submit

an Income Statement and the Expense Statement at Rule 1910.27(c)(2)(B) to

enable the trier of fact to consider the factors in Rule 1910.16-5.

Explanatory Comment — 2011

The rule has been amended to clarify that the provisions of Rule 1910.16-

4(c), regarding adjustments to support when the obligor has substantial or

shared custody, apply in high income cases. Previously, when high income cases

were decided pursuant to Melzer v. Witsberger, 505 Pa. 462, 480 A.2d 991 (1984),

case law held that because the time and resources each parent provided to a

child were factored into the Melzer formula, the reductions for substantial or

shared parenting time did not apply to cases decided pursuant to Melzer. See,

e.g., Sirio v. Sirio, 951 A.2d 1188 (Pa. Super. 2008), Bulgarelli v. Bulgarelli, 934

A.2d 107 (Pa. Super. 2007). As Melzer no longer applies to calculate support in

high income cases, the prohibition against reductions for substantial or shared

parenting time in such cases is no longer applicable.]

Explanatory Comment — 2010

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3.1 is intended to bring all child support cases under

the guidelines and treat similarly situated parties similarly. Thus, high-income

child support cases no longer will be decided pursuant to Melzer v. Witsberger,

480 A.2d 991 (Pa. 1984). Economic data support the basic child support schedule

up to combined net incomes of $30,000 per month. Above that amount, economic

data are not readily available. Thus, for cases in which the parties’ combined

monthly net income is above $30,000, the formula first applies a fixed percentage

to calculate the support amount. The formula is an extrapolation of the available

economic data to high-income cases. Spousal support and alimony pendente lite

awards in high-income cases are preliminarily calculated pursuant to the

formulas in either Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(a)(1)(Part B) or (2)(Part IV). However, in

both high-income child support and spousal support and high-income child

support and alimony pendente lite cases, the trier-of-fact is required to consider

the factors in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5 before entering a final order and to make

findings of fact on the record or in writing. Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.11(c)(2), in all high-income cases, the parties must submit an Income

Statement and the Expense Statement at Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(2)(B) to enable

the trier-of-fact to consider the factors in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5.

Explanatory Comment — 2011

The rule has been amended to clarify that the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-4(c), regarding support adjustments if the obligor has substantial or

shared custody, apply in high-income cases. Previously, when high-income

cases were decided pursuant to Melzer v. Witsberger, 480 A.2d 991 (Pa. 1984),

case law held that because the time and resources each parent provided to a

child were factored into the Melzer formula, the substantial or shared parenting

time reductions did not apply to cases decided pursuant to Melzer. See, e.g., Sirio

v. Sirio, 951 A.2d 1188 (Pa. Super. 2008); Bulgarelli v. Bulgarelli, 934 A.2d 107 (Pa.

Super. 2007). As Melzer no longer applies to calculate support in high-income

cases, the prohibition against substantial or shared parenting time reductions in

such cases is no longer applicable.

Rule 1910.16-4. Support Guidelines. Calculation of Support Obligation, Formula

(a) The [following formula shall be used]trier-of-fact shall use either the

subdivision (1) or subdivision (2) formula to calculate the obligor’s share of basic

child support, either from the schedule in [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 or the formula

in [Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3.1(a), as well as spousal support and alimony

[pendente lite]pendente lite obligations. In high-income cases, [Part IV shall be

used]the trier-of-fact shall use either the subdivision (1)(Part B) or subdivision

(2)(Part IV) formula, as appropriate, as a preliminary analysis in the calculation of

spousal support or alimony [pendente lite]pendente lite obligations[:].

— The following rule text is being added —

(1) The formula in Parts A through E is for an order entered on or after

January 1, 2019, or for a modification of an order entered before

January 1, 2019 that includes spousal support or alimony pendente

lite in which the amendments to the Internal Revenue Code made

by Section 11051 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Pub. L.

No. 115-97) expressly apply.

Note: Section 11051 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Pub. L. No. 115-97)

amended the Internal Revenue Code by repealing the alimony deduction — the amount

of spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and alimony paid or received — from the

payor’s gross income and the alimony inclusion into the payee’s gross income.

See subdivision (2) for a modification of an order entered before January

1, 2019 that includes spousal support or alimony pendente lite in which the

amendments to the Internal Revenue Code made by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

(Pub. L. No. 115-97) do not apply to the modification.

PART A. CALCULATION OF MONTHLY NET INCOME

OBLIGOR OBLIGEE

1. Total Gross Income per pay period

(See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(a))

2. Deductions ( ) ( )

(See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(c))

3. Net Income

(line 1 minus line 2)

4. Conversion to Monthly Net Income

(if pay period is other than monthly)

PART B. SPOUSAL SUPPORT OR ALIMONY PENDENTE LITE

Without With

Dependent Dependent

Children Children

5. Obligor’s Monthly Net Income

(line 4)

6. Obligor’s child support, ( ) ( )

spousal support, alimony pendente

lite or alimony obligations to children

or former spouses who are not part

of this action, if any.

(See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(c)(2))

7. Obligor’s Net Income available

for spousal support or

alimony pendente lite

(line 5 minus line 6)

8. Obligor’s Net Income percentage x 33% x 25%

for spousal support or alimony

pendente lite

9. Obligor’s proportionate share of

spousal support or alimony

pendente lite

(line 7 multiplied by line 8)

10. Obligee’s Monthly Net Income

(line 4)

11. Obligee’s Net Income percentage x 40% x 30%

for spousal support or alimony

pendente lite

12. Obligee’s proportionate share of

spousal support or alimony

pendente lite

(line 10 multiplied by line 11)

13. Preliminary Monthly Spousal Support or

Alimony Pendente Lite amount

(line 9 minus line 12 - if the result is

less than zero, enter a zero on line 13)

14. Adjustments for Part E Additional Expenses

(See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6)

15. Total Monthly Spousal Support

or Alimony Pendente Lite Amount

(line 13 plus or minus line 14, as

appropriate)

PART C - BASIC CHILD SUPPORT

OBLIGOR OBLIGEE

16. Monthly Net Income

(line 4 and add the child’s monthly

Social Security Disability or

Retirement Derivative benefit

amount, if any, to the Monthly Net

Income of the party receiving the

benefit pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-2(b)(2)(i) or (ii).

17. Preliminary Monthly Spousal Support ( ) +

or Alimony Pendente Lite amount,

if any.

(line 13)

18. Adjusted Monthly Net Income

(for obligor, line 16 minus line 17;

for obligee, line 16 plus line 17)

19. Combined Monthly Net Income

(obligor’s line 18 plus obligee’s line 18)

20. Basic Child Support Obligation

(determined from child support schedules

in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 based on the

number of children and line 19)

21. Net Income expressed as a % %

percentage of Combined

Monthly Net Income

(line 18 divided by line 19

and multiplied by 100)

22. Preliminary Monthly Basic Child

Support Obligation

(line 20 multiplied by line 21)

23. Child’s Social Security Derivative

Disability or Retirement Benefit.

(if the benefits are paid to the obligee,

enter the benefit amount on the line for

the party whose retirement or disability

created the child’s benefit pursuant to

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(b))

24. Adjusted Monthly Basic Child

Support Obligation

(line 22 minus line 23 - if the result is

less than zero, enter a zero on line 24)

PART D. SUBSTANTIAL OR SHARED PHYSICAL CUSTODY ADJUSTMENT, IF

APPLICABLE (See subdivision (c))

25. a. Percentage of time obligor spends %

with children (divide number of overnights

with the obligor by 365 and multiply by 100)

b. Subtract 30% ( 30%)

c. Difference %

(line 25a minus line 25b)

d. Obligor’s Adjusted Percentage Share %

of the Basic Monthly Support Obligation

(line 21 minus line 25c)

e. Obligor’s Preliminary Adjusted

Basic Monthly Support Obligation

(line 20 multiplied by line 25d)

f. Further adjustment, if necessary under

subdivision (c)(2)

g. Obligor’s Adjusted Basic Child

Support Amount

PART E. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES (See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6)

26. a. Obligor’s Share of Child Care Expenses

b. Obligor’s Share of Health Insurance

Premium (if the obligee is paying the premium)

c. Obligee’s Share of the Health Insurance ( )

Premium (if the obligor is paying the premium)

d. Obligor’s Share of Unreimbursed Medical

Expenses

e. Other Additional Expenses

f. Total Additional Expenses

(add lines 26a, b, d, and e, then subtract

line 26c)

27. Obligor’s Total Monthly Support Obligation

(line 24 or 25g plus line 26f, if applicable)

(2) The formula in Parts I through IV is for a modification of an order

entered before January 1, 2019 that includes spousal support or

alimony pendente lite.

Note: See subdivision (1) for an order entered on or after January 1, 2019, or for

a modification of an order entered before January 1, 2019 that includes spousal support

or alimony pendente lite in which the amendments to the Internal Revenue Code made

by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Pub. L. No. 115-97) expressly apply to the

modification.

— The preceding rule text is being added —

PART I. BASIC CHILD SUPPORT

OBLIGOR OBLIGEE

1. Total Gross Income Per Pay Period

(See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(a))

2. [Less ]Deductions ( ) ( )

(See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(c))

3. Net Income

(line 1 minus line 2)

4. Conversion to Monthly Amount

(if pay period is other than monthly)

Include [amount of]the child’s monthly

Social Security derivative benefit amount,

if any, in the [income of the party receiving

it]monthly net income of the party

receiving the benefit pursuant to

[Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(b)(2)([A]i)

or ([B]ii).

5. Combined Total Monthly Net Income

(obligor’s line 4 plus obligee’s line 4)

6. [BASIC CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION]

Basic Child Support Obligation

(determined from schedule at

[Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 based on

number of children and line 5 [combined

monthly net income])

7. Net Income Expressed as a Percentage

Share of Income (divide line 4 by line

5 and multiply by 100) % %

8. Each Party's Preliminary Monthly Share

of the Basic Child Support Obligation

(multiply line 6 and 7)

9. [Subtract ]Child’s Social Security Derivative

Disability or Retirement Benefit[ from the

Monthly Share of Basic Child Support

of the Party whose Retirement or Disability

Created the Child’s Benefits if the Benefits

are Paid to the Obligee]

(if the benefits are paid to the obligee, enter

the benefit amount on the line for the party

whose retirement or disability created the

child’s benefit)

10. Each Party’s Adjusted Monthly Share of

the Basic Child Support Obligation [(Not less

than 0)](line 8 minus line 9 - if the result is

less than zero, enter a zero on line 10)

PART II. SUBSTANTIAL OR SHARED PHYSICAL CUSTODY ADJUSTMENT, IF

APPLICABLE ([See]See subdivision (c)[ of this rule])

11. a. Percentage of Time Obligor Spends

with Children (divide number of overnights

with the obligor by 365 and multiply by 100) %

b. Subtract 30% ( %)

c. Obligor’s Adjusted Percentage Share

of the Basic Monthly Support Obligation

(subtract result of calculation in line 11b

from line 7) %

d. Obligor’s Preliminary Adjusted Share of

the Basic Monthly Support Obligation

(multiply line 11c and line 6)

e. Further adjustment, if necessary under

subdivision (c)(2)[ of this rule]

f. Obligor’s Adjusted Share of the Basic

Child Support Amount

(Total of line 11d and line 11e)

PART III. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ([see Rule]See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6)

12. a. Obligor’s Share of Child Care Expenses

b. Obligor’s Share of Health Insurance

Premium (if the obligee is paying the premium)

c. [Less ]Obligee’s Share of the Health Insurance

Premium (if the obligor is paying the premium) ( )

d. Obligor’s Share of Unreimbursed Medical

Expenses

e. Other Additional Expenses

f. Total Additional Expenses

(add lines 12a, b, d, and e, then subtract line 12c)

13. Obligor’s Total Monthly Support Obligation

(add line 10 or 11f[, if applicable,] and line 12f, if applicable)

PART IV. SPOUSAL SUPPORT OR APL with dependent children

14. Obligor’s Monthly Net Income (line 4)

15. [Less ]Obligor’s Support, Alimony [Pendente

Lite]Pendente Lite or Alimony Obligations,

[if any, ]to Children or Former Spouses who

are not part of this action, if any ([see Rule]

See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-2(c)(2)) ( )

16. [Less ]Obligee’s Monthly Net Income (line 4) ( )

17. Difference

(line 14 minus lines 15 and 16)

18. [Less ]Obligor’s Total Monthly Child

Support Obligation [Without]without Part II Substantial

or Shared Custody Adjustment, if any

(Obligor’s line 10 plus line 12f) ( )

19. Difference

(line 17 minus line 18)

20. Multiply by 30% x [.]30%

21. [AMOUNT OF MONTHLY SPOUSAL SUPPORT

or APL]Monthly Spousal Support or APL Amount

(line 19 multiplied by line 20)

Without Dependent Children

22. Obligor’s Monthly Net Income (line 4)

23. [Less ]Obligor’s Support, Alimony [Pendente

Lite]Pendente Lite or Alimony Obligations[, if any,]

to Children or Former Spouses who are not part of

this action, if any ([see Rule]Pa.R.C.P. No.

1910.16-2(c)(2)) ( )

24. [Less ]Obligee’s Monthly Net Income (line 4) ( )

25. Difference

(line 22 minus lines 23 and 24)

26. Multiply by 40% x [.]40%

27. [PRELIMINARY AMOUNT OF MONTHLY SPOUSAL

SUPPORT OR APL]

Preliminary Monthly Spousal Support

or APL amount

(line 25 multiplied by line 26)

28. Adjustments for Other Expenses ([see Rule]

See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6)

(line 12f)

29. [TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONTHLY SPOUSAL

SUPPORT OR APL]

Total Monthly Spousal Support or

APL amount

(line 27 plus or minus line 28, as appropriate)

***

(e) Support Obligations When Custodial Parent Owes Spousal Support.

[Where]If children are residing with the spouse (custodial parent) obligated to pay

spousal support or alimony [pendente lite (custodial parent)]pendente lite and the

other spouse (non-custodial parent) has a legal obligation to support the children, the

guideline [amount of] spousal support or alimony [pendente lite shall be]pendente

lite amount is determined by offsetting the non-custodial parent’s child support

amount [obligation for support of the children] and the custodial parent’s

[obligation of ]spousal support or alimony [pendente lite]pendente lite amount, and

awarding the net difference either to the non-custodial parent as spousal

support/alimony [pendente lite]pendente lite or to the custodial parent as child support

as the circumstances warrant. The calculation is a five-step process:

[The calculation is a five-step process. First, determine the spousal

support obligation of the custodial parent to the non-custodial parent based upon

their net incomes from the formula for spousal support without dependent

children. Second, recalculate the net income of the parties assuming the

payment of the spousal support. Third, determine the child support obligation of

the non-custodial parent for the children who are the subjects of the support

action. Fourth, determine the recomputed support obligation of the custodial

parent to the non-custodial parent by subtracting the non-custodial parent’s child

support obligation from Step 3 from the original support obligation determined in

Step 1. Fifth, because the first step creates additional tax liability for the recipient

non-custodial parent and additional tax deductions for the payor custodial parent

and the third step involves an offset of the child support owed by the non-

custodial parent against the spousal support or alimony pendente lite owed by

the custodial parent, only that reduced amount will be taxable. Therefore, upon

application of either party, the trier of fact may consider as a deviation factor the

ultimate tax effect of the calculation.]

(1) Calculate the custodial parent’s spousal support or alimony

pendente lite obligation to the non-custodial parent based on

the parties’ monthly net incomes using the “without

dependent children” formula in either Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-

4(a)(1)(Part B) or (2)(Part IV), as appropriate.

(2) Recalculate the parties’ monthly net incomes by adjusting for

the spousal support or alimony pendente lite payment paid or

received in (1).

(3) Using the recomputed monthly net incomes from (2), calculate

the non-custodial parent’s child support obligation to the

custodial parent.

(4) The final support amount is the difference calculated in (1) and

(3).

(i) If the amount in (1) is greater than the amount in (3), the

final amount is spousal support or alimony pendente lite

payable to the non-custodial parent.

(ii) If the amount in (1) is less than the amount in (3), the

final amount is child support payable to the custodial

parent.

(5) If the proceeding is a modification of an order entered before

January 1, 2019 that has federal tax consequences associated

with spousal support or alimony pendente lite payments and

the final order is spousal support or alimony pendente lite as

in (4)(i), the offset spousal support or alimony pendente lite

amount is federally taxable, and the trier-of-fact may deviate

the final order due to the tax effect, as appropriate.

Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4.

[(f) Allocation. Consequences.

(1) An order awarding child support and spousal support or child

support and alimony pendente lite may be unallocated or may state the amount of

support allocable to the spouse and the amount allocable to each child. The

order shall clearly state whether it is allocated or unallocated even if the amounts

calculated for child support and spousal support or child support and alimony

pendente lite are delineated in the order. However, Part IV of the formula

provided by these rules assumes that an order will be unallocated. Therefore, if

the order is allocated, the formula set forth in this rule shall be utilized to

determine the amount of support allocable to the spouse. If the allocation of an

order utilizing the formula would be inequitable, the court shall make an

appropriate adjustment. Also, if an order is 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. The

federal income tax consequences shall not be considered if the order is

unallocated or the order is for spousal support or alimony pendente lite only.

Note: The 2005 amendment supersedes Diament v. Diament, 816 A.2d 256

(Pa. Super. 2003), to the extent that it held that the tax savings from payments for

the benefit of a spouse alone or from an unallocated order for the benefit of a

spouse and child must be considered in determining the obligor’s available net

income for support purposes. Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-4(f)(1) states that the

guidelines formula assumes that the order will be unallocated. The tax

consequences of an order for a spouse alone or an unallocated order for the

benefit of a spouse and child have already been built into the formula.

(2) When the parties are in higher income brackets, the income

tax considerations are likely to be a more significant factor in determining an

award of support. A support award for a spouse and children is taxable to the

obligee while an award for the children only is not. Consequently, in certain

situations, an award only for the children will be more favorable to the obligee

than an award to the spouse and children. In this situation, the trier of fact

should utilize the method that results in the greatest benefit to the obligee.

If the obligee’s net income is equal to or greater than the obligor’s net

income, the guideline amount for spouse and children is identical to the guideline

amount for children only. Therefore, in cases involving support for spouse and

children, whenever the obligee’s net income is equal to or greater than the

obligor’s net income, the guideline amount indicated shall be attributed to child

support only.

(3) Unallocated charging orders for child support and spousal

support or child support and alimony pendente lite shall terminate upon the death

of the obligee.

(4) In the event that the obligor defaults on an unallocated order,

the court shall allocate the order for collection of child support pursuant to the

Internal Revenue Service income tax refund intercept program or for registration

and enforcement of the order in another jurisdiction under the Uniform Interstate

Family Support Act, 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 7101 et seq. The court shall provide notice of

allocation to the parties.

Note: This provision is necessary to comply with various state and federal

laws relating to the enforcement of child support. It is not intended to affect the

tax consequences of an unallocated order.]

Explanatory Comment - 2005

***

[Subdivision (f) states that the guidelines continue to presume that the

order will be unallocated for tax purposes. However, language has been added to

subdivision (f)(1), and a new Note has been inserted, to clarify that an obligor’s

tax savings from payment of a spousal support order or an unallocated order for

a spouse and child should not be considered in calculating the obligor’s available

net income for support purposes. Subdivision (3) is intended to ensure alimony

tax treatment of unallocated orders pursuant to § 71 of the Internal Revenue

Code. Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.19(d) provides that all spousal support and alimony

pendente lite orders terminate upon the death of the obligee. Termination of a

charging order does not affect arrears existing at that time. Subdivision (4)

provides for administrative allocation of the order in two instances: 1) when the

obligor defaults on the order and it becomes necessary to collect support by

intercepting any income tax refunds that may be due and payable to obligor; and

2) when the obligor defaults and the order must be registered in another state

under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). As the Note indicates,

this administrative allocation is not intended to affect the tax consequences of

the unallocated order.]

***

[Explanatory Comment—2018

The allocation of a support order is of great significance to the parties. The

issue of allocation may arise in a support action if child support and spousal

support or child support and alimony pendente lite are sought. The decision to

allocate a support order will determine the party that pays the federal income tax,

which affects the actual money available to the beneficiary of the order.

Allocation of a support order may not be appropriate in all cases. Rather,

the decision to allocate must be based upon the facts of the particular case.

Subdivision (f) makes clear that the court has the authority to allocate the order

and that the decision rests in the discretion of the court. The court or the parties

may raise the question of allocation.]

Rule 1910.16-6. Support Guidelines. [Adjustments to the ]Basic Support

Obligation Adjustments. [Allocation of ]Additional Expenses Allocation

The [trier of fact]trier-of-fact may allocate between the parties the additional

expenses [identified] in subdivisions (a) - (e). [If under the facts of the case an

order for basic support is not appropriate, the trier of fact]If a basic support order

is inappropriate under the facts of the case, the trier-of-fact may allocate between

the parties the additional expenses.

Except for the subdivisions (b)(4) and (e) expenses, the trier-of-fact shall

calculate the parties’ proportionate share of the additional expenses after

adjusting the parties’ monthly net income by the monthly spousal support or

alimony pendente lite amount received or paid, and then dividing each party’s

adjusted monthly net income by the parties’ combined monthly net income.

However, the trier-of-fact shall not adjust the parties’ monthly net incomes when

apportioning the expenses in child support only cases.

(a) Child care expenses. [Reasonable]The trier-of-fact shall allocate

reasonable child care expenses paid by the parties, if necessary to maintain

employment or appropriate education in pursuit of income[, shall be allocated

between the parties in proportion to their monthly net incomes]. The [court]trier-

of-fact may order that the obligor’s share is added to his or her basic support obligation,

paid directly to the service provider, or paid directly to the obligee. When a party is

receiving a child care subsidy through the Department of Human Services, the

[expenses to be]expense allocated between the parties [shall be]is the amount

actually paid by the party receiving the subsidy.

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

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3 is $1,463 for two children. As Father’s income is 64% of the

parties’ combined monthly net income, his share is $936. Mother incurs child care

expenses of $400 per month and Father incurs $100 of such expenses [each]per

month. The total [amount of] child care expenses, $500, will be apportioned between

the parties, with Father paying 64%, or $320. As [he]Father 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 $1,156 ($936 + $220 = $1,156).

***

(b) Health Insurance Premiums.

[(1) A party’s payment of a premium to provide health insurance

coverage on behalf of the other party and/or the children shall be allocated

between the parties in proportion to their net incomes, including the portion of

the premium attributable to the party who is paying it, as long as a statutory duty

of support is owed to the party who is paying the premium. If there is no

statutory duty of support owed to the party who is paying the premium, the

portion attributable to that person must be deducted from the premium as set

forth in subdivision (2) below. If, prior to the entry of a divorce decree, a party’s

policy covers that party, a child, and a spouse and the spouse has separate

additional coverage not needed to cover the child and/or the other party, the cost

of the spouse’s insurance premium shall not be allocated between the parties. If,

prior to the entry of a divorce decree, a party provides coverage for that party and

a child, but not the spouse, and the spouse has separate coverage, both parties’

premiums shall be allocated between the parties in proportion to their respective

incomes. If, prior to the entry of a divorce decree, each spouse has his or her own

health insurance that does not cover the other party, and there are no children

subject to the order, the cost of both parties’ premiums shall be allocated

between the parties in proportion to their respective incomes. If health insurance

coverage for a child who is the subject of the support proceeding is being

provided and paid for by a third party resident of either party’s household, the

cost shall be allocated between the parties in proportion to their net incomes. If

the obligor is paying the premium, then the obligee’s share is deducted from the

obligor’s basic support obligation. If the obligee is paying the premium, then the

obligor’s share is added to his or her basic support obligation. Employer-paid

premiums are not subject to allocation.

(2) When the health insurance covers a party to whom no

statutory duty of support is owed, even if that person is paying the premium as

set forth in subdivision (1) above, or other persons who are not parties to the

support action or children who are not the subjects of the support action, the

portion of the premium attributable to them must be excluded from allocation. In

the event that evidence as to this portion is not submitted by either party, it shall

be calculated as follows. First, determine the cost per person by dividing the total

cost of the premium by the number of persons covered under the policy. Second,

multiply the cost per person by the number of persons who are not owed a

statutory duty of support, or are not parties to, or the subject of the support

action. The resulting amount is excluded from allocation.

(2.1) The actual incremental amount of the premium which provides

coverage for the subjects of the support order, if submitted by either party, shall

be used in determining the amount of the premium to be allocated between the

parties. If not submitted by either party, then the amount of the premium shall be

divided by the number of persons covered to calculate the portion of the premium

that provides coverage to each person.]

(1) The trier-of-fact shall allocate the health insurance premiums

paid by the parties, including the premium attributable to the

party paying the premium, provided that a statutory duty of

support is owed to the party or child covered by the health

insurance.

(i) If the party paying the health insurance premium is the

obligor, the obligee’s share is deducted from the

obligor’s basic support amount.

(ii) If the obligee is paying the health insurance premium,

the obligor’s share is added to his or her basic support

amount.

iii) An allocation of health insurance premiums between the

parties shall also include health insurance that is

provided and paid by a third-party resident of either

party’s household (e.g., step-parent) for a child who is

the subject of the support order.

(2) The trier-of-fact shall not allocate employer-paid premiums or

premiums paid for a party, person, or child to whom no

statutory duty of support is owed.

(i) If the parties present evidence of the excluded

premium’s actual amount — the amount attributed to a

party, person, or child not owed a statutory duty of

support — the trier-of-fact shall deduct the actual

amount excluded from the total premium before

allocating the health insurance premium between the

parties.

(ii) If the parties do not present evidence of the excluded

premium’s actual amount, the trier-of-fact shall calculate

the excluded amount as follows:

(A) determine the premium’s cost per person by

dividing the total premium by the number of

persons covered under the policy;

(B) multiply the cost per person by the number of

persons who are not owed a statutory duty of

support, or are not parties to, or the subject of,

the support action; and

***

Example 3. The parties are divorced and Mother is the obligee of a child support

order. Father, the obligor, pays $200 per month toward the cost of a health insurance

policy provided by his employer that covers himself and the parties’ child. Mother pays

$400 per month for her employer-sponsored health insurance that covers only herself.

The amount of the premium Father pays to cover the parties’ child, $100 ($200 premium

divided between two covered persons, Father and the child), will be allocated between

the parties in proportion to their respective incomes. The portion of the premium that

covers Father will not be allocated because the parties are no longer married and he is

not owed a duty of support by Mother. The premium Mother pays to provide her own

coverage will not be allocated because the parties are no longer married and she is not

owed a duty of support by Father.

***

allocate the obligee’s or children’s unreimbursed medical expenses[ of the obligee

or the children shall be allocated between the parties in proportion to their

respective net incomes. Notwithstanding the prior sentence, there shall be no

apportionment of]However, the trier-of-fact shall not allocate unreimbursed medical

expenses incurred by a party who is not owed a statutory duty of support by the other

party. The [court]trier-of-fact may [direct]order that the obligor’s expense share

[be]is added to his or her basic support obligation, [or paid directly to the obligee or

]paid directly to the health care provider, or paid directly to the obligee.

***

[(5) In cases involving only spousal support or alimony pendente

lite, the parties’ respective net incomes for purposes of allocating unreimbursed

medical expenses shall be calculated after the amount of spousal support or

alimony pendente lite is deducted from the obligor’s income and added to the

obligee’s income.]

***

(d) Private School Tuition. Summer Camp. Other Needs. Expenditures for

needs outside the scope of typical child-rearing expenses, e.g., private school tuition,

summer camps, have not been factored into the Basic Child Support Schedule.

(1) If a party incurs an expense for a need not factored into the Basic

Child Support Schedule and the [court]trier-of-fact determines the

need and expense are reasonable, the [court]trier-of-fact shall

allocate the expense [between the parties in proportion to the

parties’ monthly net incomes]. The [court]trier-of-fact may order

that the obligor’s expense share is added to his or her basic support

obligation, paid directly to the service provider, or paid directly to the

obligee.

***

(e) Mortgage Payment. The guidelines assume that the spouse occupying

the marital residence will be solely responsible for the mortgage payment, real estate

taxes, and homeowners’ insurance. Similarly, the [court]trier-of-fact will assume that

the party occupying the marital residence will be paying the items listed unless the

recommendation specifically provides otherwise.

(1) If the obligee is living in the marital residence and the mortgage

payment exceeds 25% of the obligee’s monthly net income

(including amounts of spousal support, alimony [pendente

lite]pendente lite, and child support), the [court]trier-of-fact may

direct the obligor to assume up to 50% of the excess amount as

part of the total support [award]amount.

(2) If the obligor is occupying the marital residence and the mortgage

payment exceeds 25% of the obligor’s monthly net income (less

any amount of spousal support, alimony [pendente lite

or]pendente lite, and child support the obligor is paying), the

[court]trier-of-fact may [make an appropriate downward

adjustment in]downwardly adjust the obligor’s support

[obligation]amount.

(3) This rule shall not be applied after a final resolution of [all]the

outstanding economic claims in the parties’ divorce action.

(4) For purposes of this subdivision, the term “mortgage” shall include

first mortgages, real estate taxes, and homeowners’ insurance and

may include [any] subsequent mortgages, home equity loans, and

[any] other marital obligations [incurred during the marriage

which are] secured by the marital residence.

[EXPLANATORY COMMENT — 2004

Subdivision (a), relating to the federal child care tax credit, has been

amended to reflect recent amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. 26 U.S.C.A.

21. By referring to the tax code in general, rather than incorporating current code

provisions in the rule, any further amendments will be incorporated into the

support calculation.

EXPLANATORY COMMENT — 2005

Rule 1910.16-6 governs the treatment of additional expenses that warrant

an adjustment to the basic support obligation.

Subdivision (a) relates to child care expenses. Subdivision (a) has been

amended to require that child care expenses incurred by either party are to be

allocated between the parties in proportion to their respective net incomes.

Subsection (a)(1), relating to the federal child care tax credit, was amended in

2004 to reflect recent amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. 26 U.S.C.A. § 21.

By referring to the tax code in general, rather than incorporating current code

provisions in the rule, any further amendments will be incorporated into the

support calculation. Since the tax credit may be taken only against taxes owed, it

cannot be used when the eligible parent does not incur sufficient tax liability to

fully realize the credit. For this reason, subsection (2) provides that no

adjustment to the total child care expenses may be made if the eligible parent

does not qualify to receive the credit.

Subdivision (b) addresses health insurance premiums. The cost of the

premiums is generally treated as an additional expense to be allocated between

the parties in proportion to their net incomes. Subsection (1) of the rule permits

allocation of the entire premium, including the portion of the premium covering

the party carrying the insurance, when the insurance benefits the other party

and/or the children. Subsection (2) clarifies that, in calculating the amount of the

health care premium to be allocated between the parties, subdivision (b)(1)

requires the inclusion of that portion of the health insurance premium covering

the party who is paying the premium, so long as there is a statutory duty of

support owed to that party, but not the portion of the premium attributable to non-

parties and children who are not the subjects of the support order. Subsection (2)

provides for proration of the premium when the health insurance covers other

persons who are not subject to the support action or owed a statutory duty of

support. Subdivision (b) also permits an alternative method for dealing with the

cost of health insurance premiums in certain circumstances. While, in general,

the cost of the premiums will be treated as an additional expense to be allocated

between the parties in proportion to their net incomes, in cases in which the

obligee has no income or minimal income, subsection (4) authorizes the trier of

fact to reduce the obligor’s gross income for support purposes by some or all of

the amount of the health insurance premiums. This is to avoid the result under a

prior rule in which the entire cost of health insurance would have been borne by

the obligor, with no resulting reduction in the amount of support he or she would

otherwise be required to pay under the support guidelines. The goal of this

provision is to encourage and facilitate the maintenance of health insurance

coverage for dependents by giving the obligor a financial incentive to maintain

health insurance coverage.

Subdivision (c) deals with unreimbursed medical expenses. Since the first

$250 of medical expenses per year per child is built into the basic guideline

amount in the child support schedule, only medical expenses in excess of $250

per year per child are subject to allocation under this rule as an additional

expense to be added to the basic support obligation. The same is true with

respect to spousal support so that the obligee-spouse is expected to assume the

first $250 per year of these expenses and may seek contribution under this rule

only for unreimbursed expenses which exceed $250 per year. The definition of

“medical expenses” includes insurance co-payments, deductibles and

orthodontia and excludes chiropractic services.

Subdivision (d) governs apportionment of private school tuition, summer

camp and other unusual needs not reflected in the basic guideline amounts of

support. The rule presumes allocation in proportion to the parties’ net incomes

consistent with the treatment of the other additional expenses.

Subdivision (e) provides for the apportionment of mortgage expenses. It

defines “mortgage” to include the real estate taxes and homeowners’ insurance.

While real estate taxes and homeowners’ insurance must be included if the trier

of fact applies the provisions of this subdivision, the inclusion of second

mortgages, home equity loans and other obligations secured by the marital

residence is within the discretion of the trier of fact based upon the

circumstances of the case.

EXPLANATORY COMMENT — 2006

A new introductory sentence in Rule 1910.16-6 clarifies that additional

expenses contemplated in the rule may be allocated between the parties even if

the parties’ respective incomes do not warrant an award of basic support. Thus,

even if application of the formula at Rule 1910.16-4 results in a basic support

obligation of zero, the court may enter a support order allocating between the

parties any or all of the additional expenses addressed in this rule.

The amendment to subdivision (e) recognizes that the obligor may be

occupying the marital residence and that, in particular circumstances, justice and

fairness may warrant an adjustment in his or her support obligation.

EXPLANATORY COMMENT — 2008

Federal and state statutes require clarification to subdivision (b) to ensure

that all court orders for support address the children’s ongoing need for medical

care. In those instances where the children’s health care needs are paid by the

state’s medical assistance program, and eligibility for the Children’s Health

Insurance Program (“CHIP”) is denied due to the minimal income of the custodial

parent, the obligor remains required to enroll the parties’ children in health

insurance that is, or may become, available that is reasonable in cost.

Government-sponsored health care plans represent a viable alternative to

the often prohibitive cost of health insurance obtainable by a parent. Except for

very low income children, every child is eligible for CHIP, for which the parent

with primary physical custody must apply and which is based on that parent’s

income. A custodial parent may apply for CHIP by telephone or on the Internet.

While co-premiums or co-pays increase as the custodial parent’s income

increases, such costs are generally modest and should be apportioned between

the parties. Moreover, health care coverage obtained by the custodial parent

generally yields more practical results, as the custodial parent resides in the

geographic coverage area, enrollment cards are issued directly to the custodial

parent, and claims may be submitted directly by the custodial parent.

EXPLANATORY COMMENT — 2010

Subdivision (e), relating to mortgages on the marital residence, has been

amended to clarify that the rule cannot be applied after a final order of equitable

distribution has been entered. To the extent that Isralsky v. Isralsky, 824 A.2d

1178 (Pa. Super. 2003), holds otherwise, it is superseded. At the time of resolution

of the parties’ economic claims, the former marital residence will either have been

awarded to one of the parties or otherwise addressed.]

Explanatory Comment — 2004

Subdivision (a), relating to the federal child care tax credit, has been

amended to reflect recent amendments to the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. §

21. By generally referencing the Tax Code, rather than incorporating current

Code provisions in the rule, further amendments will be incorporated into the

support calculation.

Explanatory Comment — 2005

Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6 governs the treatment of additional expenses that

warrant an adjustment to the basic support obligation.

Subdivision (a) relates to child care expenses. Subdivision (a) has been

amended to require that child care expenses incurred by either party are to be

allocated between the parties in proportion to their respective net incomes.

Subsection (a)(1), relating to the federal child care tax credit, was amended in

2004 to reflect recent amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. 26 U.S.C. § 21.

By referring to the Tax Code in general, rather than incorporating current Code

provisions in the rule, any further amendments will be incorporated into the

support calculation. Since the tax credit may be taken only against taxes owed, it

cannot be used when the eligible parent does not incur sufficient tax liability to

fully realize the credit. For this reason, subsection (2) provides that no

adjustment to the total child care expenses may be made if the eligible parent

does not qualify to receive the credit.

Subdivision (b) addresses health insurance premiums. The cost of the

premiums is generally treated as an additional expense to be allocated between

the parties in proportion to their net incomes. Subdivision (b)(1) of the rule

permits allocation of the entire premium, including the portion of the premium

covering the party carrying the insurance, when the insurance benefits the other

party and/or the children. Subdivision (b)(2) clarifies that, in calculating the

amount of the health care premium to be allocated between the parties,

subdivision (b)(1) requires the inclusion of that portion of the health insurance

premium covering the party who is paying the premium, so long as there is a

statutory duty of support owed to that party, but not the portion of the premium

attributable to non-parties and children who are not the subjects of the support

order. Subdivision (b)(2) provides for proration of the premium when the health

insurance covers other persons who are not subject to the support action or

owed a statutory duty of support. Subdivision (b) also permits an alternative

method for dealing with the cost of health insurance premiums in certain

circumstances. While, in general, the cost of the premiums will be treated as an

additional expense to be allocated between the parties in proportion to their net

incomes, in cases in which the obligee has no income or minimal income,

subsection (4) authorizes the trier-of-fact to reduce the obligor’s gross income for

support purposes by some or all of the amount of the health insurance premiums.

This is to avoid the result under a prior rule in which the entire cost of health

insurance would have been borne by the obligor, with no resulting reduction in

the amount of support he or she would otherwise be required to pay under the

support guidelines. The goal of this provision is to encourage and facilitate the

maintenance of health insurance coverage for dependents by giving the obligor a

financial incentive to maintain health insurance coverage.