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1. What Happens During a Support Conference?

The Conference Officer (CO) will conduct the conference with the parties and their attorneys should they choose to be represented. The CO will review the complaint, earnings reported by employer and pay stubs, expenses, and other relevant information. The CO will explain the support guidelines and how they apply to the support request. If an agreement is reached, an Order will be prepared for a signature. If no agreement is reached, the conference will terminate and the CO will make a recommendation to the Court.

2. What Is a Recommended Order?

A recommendation is prepared by the CO following a conference if no agreement for support was reached. The CO prepares a summary of facts and the recommendation which are forwarded to a Judge for review and approval or change. The parties will receive copies of the summary of facts and the recommendation. A written demand for a hearing before a Judge must be filed within ten days after the mailing of the order.

3. Can a Support Order Be Modified?

A support order can be modified only if there has been a substantial change of circumstances since the order was entered. Pennsylvania law provides that all support orders are reviewed at least once every three years if such review is requested by one of the parties. Modification Petitions can be filed through attorneys or by client appearance at the Domestic Relations Office.

4. How Are Payments Made Under a Support Order?

A mandatory income attachment will issue unless the defendant is not in arrears in payment in an amount equal to or greater than one month's support obligation and (1) the court finds that there is good cause not to require immediate income withholding; or (2) a written agreement is reached between the parties which provides for an alternate arrangement.

Payments must be made to the Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit (PA SCDU) by check or money order. All checks and money orders must be made payable to PA SCDU and mailed to:
PA SCDU
P.O. Box 69110
Harrisburg , PA 17106-9110

Payments must include the defendant's PACSES Member Number or Social Security Number in order to be processed.