Helpful Information about your case from Berks County Domestic Relations

TO HELP UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS, READ YOUR SUPPORT ORDER CAREFULLY UPON RETURNING HOME. 

TO CONTACT US:
In order to serve you better, we now have a Client Service unit available to answer questions you may have regarding your case.  You may contact us as follows:

                Website:  Portal Website: www.childsupport.state.pa.us (to get your case information from the state computer system)
(NOTE: please include your PACSES case # or Social Security # with any correspondence.)

MAKING PAYMENTS:
If you are self-employed, unemployed or your wages are not being attached, you are still under a Court Order to make payments directly to PA SCDU.  Checks should be made payable to PA SCDU and mailed to:           PO Box 69110  Harrisburg, PA 17106               Phone: 1-877-727-7238
Please include your member ID # and your Social Security Number on any check or money order.
(NOTE: you are responsible for paying your support order until you see it being deducted from your wages by your employer.  Enforcement action will begin after 30 days of non-payment.)

*Do not make payments directly to the plaintiff.  Monies paid directly will be considered a gift and may not be credited to your account.

COURT COSTS:
Every Defendant is assessed Court Costs for the initial conference.  They are
                        $24.00 per year for Collection Fee
                        $30.00 one time Docket Fee
                        $10.00 one time Judicial Computer Fee
These are to be paid within 30 days and should be made payable to Domestic Relations at:
                        633 Court St - 6^th Floor,  Reading PA 19601.
* If payments are not made and a contempt conference or hearing is held, a $15.00 rule fee will be charged for each appearance.
(Include your Member ID #, your Social Security Number and the wording “apply to Court Costs” on the check or money order.) 

CHANGING A COURT ORDER:
Once the Order is signed, it cannot be changed unless one party files a Petition to Modify (PTM) or the parties reach a private agreement and submit the terms to DRS.  In order for a party to file a PTM, there MUST BE A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCE.  An exception to this is that every three years your case may be reviewed without a change in circumstance.  A notice will be mailed to you when your case is eligible for review, however you will still need to file the proper form. There is a $40.00 fee to file a PTM.        

ARREARS:
The Order states that arrears are to be paid in full immediately, however, the Domestic Relations Section may set up a payment plan.  See page 2 of your Court Order for specific details. However, if you do not mail in your regular support payments until your wage attachment takes effect your order will be automatically increased up to 25% to pay off support arrears.

CREDIT BUREAU:
You will be reported to the credit bureau if you are more than 2 months behind on your Monthly Support Order (MSO).  This includes Court Costs and Fees 

IRS INTERCEPT:
Domestic Relations will intercept your IRS refund on non-welfare cases if 1) the children are under the age of 18, 2) the amount owed is $500.00 or more, AND 3) the account is over 30 days in arrears.

For cases where the arrears are owed to the Department of Public Welfare (DPW), the DRS will intercept if 1) the amount owed is $150.00 or more AND 2) the account is over 30 days in arrears. 

MEDICAL SUPPORT:
Follow instructions in the Medical Support Guide (green pamphlet) for any unreimbursed medical expense questions or concerns.   

UNALLOCATED ORDERS:
The guidelines assume that an order for spousal/APL and child support will be unallocated.  Unallocated spousal/APL and child support orders have tax considerations.  Please contact an accountant or your attorney for additional information regarding these considerations.  

Plaintiff ____________________                  Defendant________________

DRS Officer_________________       Date _________  Case # ____________        DR-166

DRSConfHndout-01/06