How to Enforce Child Support in Pittsburgh

Written by Anthony Piccirilli

Child support is critical for parents who share custody of their children. While one parent may be reluctant to make their scheduled payments, they are obligated by Pennsylvania law to continue to provide for their children. When they fail to make their payments, whether by choice or accident, they create a stressful environment for their child and can threaten their stability. If you’re facing challenges collecting child support payments from your ex, you may need to consider enforcing the support order. A Pittsburgh child support lawyer can help you evaluate your case and start the enforcement process.

Call (412) 471-5100 or fill out our form to get started on your child support enforcement today.

How to Start the Child Support Enforcement Process

To begin enforcing a child support order in Pittsburgh, you must file a Petition for Enforcement with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. This formal request tells the court that the other parent has failed to meet their legal obligations and asks the judge to act.

If you are working with the Domestic Relations Section (DRS) — part of the Allegheny County Family Division — they can also initiate enforcement proceedings on your behalf. DRS often handles routine enforcement actions like wage garnishments or tax refund interceptions. However, if the situation is severe or the other parent is being evasive, you may need to request a contempt hearing to compel compliance.

Where and When to File for Child Support Enforcement in Pittsburgh

Child support enforcement in Pittsburgh typically takes place through the Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, located in downtown Pittsburgh. If your original child support order was issued in this county, you will file your enforcement petition there.

You should consider filing if:

• You’ve missed multiple payments from the other parent.
• The payments are late or inconsistent.
• The other parent is deliberately avoiding payment.

Although a single missed payment may not justify a contempt hearing, repeated failures to pay or outright refusals warrant court intervention. In most cases, waiting for multiple missed support payments is better. Keeping a record of those missed payments can be suitable evidence in your enforcement proceedings.

If your support order was issued outside Allegheny County or even in another state, enforcement is still possible under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) — but you may need additional help from an attorney to handle the jurisdictional requirements.

What Information Do You Need to Enforce a Child Support Order?

Before you file, it’s important to gather evidence that shows the other parent has not complied with the court’s order. You’ll want to be as detailed and organized as possible. Helpful documentation includes:

• A copy of the original child support order
• A payment history showing missed or partial payments (bank statements, DRS records)
• Any written communication with the other parent about the issue (texts, emails)
• Proof of your attempts to collect payment or resolve the issue outside of court

If you’re working through DRS, they may already have some of this information available, especially if payments were routed through the state system. But it’s always helpful to keep your own records.

What Should I Expect During the Enforcement Process?

Once your petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. Here’s a general overview of what happens next:

• Notice Is Sent: The non-paying parent is formally notified of the hearing and must appear.
• Hearing Is Held: Both parties appear before a judge. You will present evidence that payments are missing. The other parent can explain or defend their actions.
• Court Review: The judge will consider whether the failure to pay was willful, whether the other parent had the ability to pay, and whether the child has been impacted.
• Decision and Enforcement: If the judge finds the parent in contempt, they may order enforcement actions such as:
  • Wage garnishment
  • Seizure of bank accounts or tax refunds
  • Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
  • Incarceration (in serious or repeated cases)

Even if the judge stops short of jail time, a contempt finding creates strong pressure to comply. In many cases, the court will order a payment plan to catch up on arrears in addition to resuming regular payments.

What Are Some Common Challenges When Enforcing Child Support in PA?

Enforcing child support can be more complicated than it sounds. Some of the most common obstacles include:

• The other parent is self-employed or paid in cash, making income harder to track and garnish.
• They relocate out of state, requiring enforcement through UIFSA.
• They claim they cannot pay due to unemployment or health issues — even if they haven’t requested a formal modification.
• They attempt to hide assets or income, requiring discovery or forensic financial analysis.
• They ignore court summons, forcing you to return to court repeatedly.

These roadblocks don’t mean you’re out of options. Working with a Pittsburgh child support lawyer ensures you have a legal advocate who can request discovery, challenge dishonest claims, and present your case clearly to the court.

FAQs About Child Support Enforcement in Pittsburgh

What should I do if the other parent stops paying child support?

You can file a petition to enforce the child support order through the Allegheny County Family Division. The court may schedule a hearing or take administrative action to collect the payments.

Can child support be modified?

Yes, it’s possible to modify the original child support order, but only if there have been a significant change in circumstances. Because child support is calculated based on a shared income model, the court will not allow a support modification order simply because the paying parent argues they can’t meet their obligation.

Can I withhold visitation if they’re not paying child support?

No. Visitation and child support are treated separately under Pennsylvania law. Denying visitation could result in legal trouble for you, even if the other parent isn’t paying.

How long does the enforcement process take?

It varies. Simple wage garnishment cases may be resolved quickly, but contempt proceedings can take weeks or months, depending on court scheduling and the other parent’s response.

Can child support still be enforced if the other parent moved to another state?

Yes. Thanks to UIFSA, Pennsylvania courts can enforce child support across state lines and coordinate with agencies in the other state.

What if the other parent claims they can’t afford to pay?

They must prove their inability to pay in court. If they fail to request a modification or show proof of hardship, they may still be found in contempt.

Can I request interest or penalties for missed payments?

Pennsylvania law allows for interest on overdue support. Ask your attorney or DRS about adding this to your enforcement action.

Will the court automatically send the other parent to jail for non-payment?

Not usually. Jail is a last resort. Most judges prefer to give the parent a chance to catch up or enter a payment plan. However, repeat offenders may face jail time.

How Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC Can Help

Enforcing child support is stressful, especially when the other parent is dodging their responsibilities. At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC, we understand how much is at stake for you and your child. Whether you’re seeking overdue support or facing pushback from the court, Attorney Anthony Piccirilli can help you take decisive legal action.

We work with parents across Allegheny County to:

• Prepare and file petitions for enforcement or contempt
• Gather supporting documents and payment records
• Represent you at hearings and fight for a fair outcome
• Enforce court orders using every available legal tool

Let us help you secure the support your child deserves.

Call (412) 471-5100 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a Pittsburgh child support attorney who’s ready to fight for your family’s future.