Each time a party files a new complaint, or a request to modify an existing support order, a support conference is held. At the conference, the parties, and their attorneys, if applicable, meet with a Conference Officer, who is trained in the current law of calculating support. The Conference Officers will establish paternity of minor children when necessary. They calculate support obligations according to the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines. They establish support orders either by agreement of the parties or by recommendation to the Court.

At the conference, the Conference Officer will review demographic information, address any paternity issues and gather information on income and certain expenses, such as child care and health insurance premiums. After the Conference Officer gathers the necessary information, he/she will calculate the support obligation and review it with the parties. If the parties agree, the Officer will prepare an order for their signature and the order will be signed by a Judge. If the parties do not agree, the Conference Officer will prepare an interim/temporary order based on his/her calculation and schedule a hearing before a Hearing Officer. The parties will receive a hearing date prior to leaving the conference. The parties will receive a copy of the interim/temporary order after the Judge signs the order. The parties will also receive contact information for the Enforcement Officer assigned to their case.

*Please be aware that your support conference will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.