Child Support

New Child Support Rule Requires Informed Consent

February 2, 2012
By: Brian C. Vertz

The child support guidelines were amended in December 2011, when the Supreme Court Domestic Relations Rules Committee enacted Rule 1910.11(d)(3). The new rule, which is targeted at cases where one or both parties are unrepresented, requires the court to perform a calculation of the child support guidelines even if the parents have an agreement. The Rule was not intended to thwart settlements between parents, but “so that they can enter an agreement knowingly.” By requiring the court to calculate the child support guideline, it is hoped that unrepresented parents will understand better what they are getting or giving up in their settlements.

About the Author

Brian C. Vertz

With an MBA and more than two decades of experience handling complex financial affairs, Partner Brian C. Vertz excels at cases involving assessment of personal assets including premarital wealth and trusts, valuation of closely held businesses, executive compensation, medical and dental practices, and complex child support litigation. Brian was selected as the Pittsburgh 2019 Lawyer of the Year for family law through The Best Lawyers in America peer review process.