The Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section's mission is to provide services to dependent children and spouses through establishment of paternity and support orders and enforcement of those orders. This mission will be accomplished with respect for the needs and concerns of all parties involved in the support matter.

The Domestic Relations Section provides services in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations and local rules of Court.

The Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section (D.R.S.) is part of the Family Court, a division of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. It is part of the system which helps individuals work out problems dealing with family matters. Its main function is to establish and collect support for children and spouses.

The Domestic Relations Section consists of judges, administrators, domestic relations officers, and various technical and support staff. Information is tracked through the use of a computer system in the department. This system keeps financial records and client information which are necessary to enforce support orders. In July 1998, the Lehigh County D.R.S. joined other counties in Pennsylvania with a state wide automated system (PACSES) which enhances establishment and enforcement of cases.

The staff of the D.R.S. are trained to make recommendations to the Court for support amounts when the individuals involved are unable to agree on amounts of support, insurance coverage and medical bills. These recommendations are based on law, training and experience of staff.

Types of support include:

Child Support - support and medical coverage for dependent children. "Dependent" refers to the spouse and/or children whom a person is legally bound to support. Spousal Support - support for a dependent spouse if the parties are married but living apart. Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) - when the dependent spouse is asking for support in connection with a divorce. A dependent spouse is one who proves that he or she does not have the ability to earn enough income because of a lack of skills, education, ill health, or the responsibility of taking care of young children. The dependent spouse is entitled to support at an equal level equal to the standard of living which he/she had during the marriage, if the other spouse's finances are sufficient. Medical Coverage and Other Expenses - The obligee (person filing for support) may ask that the obligor provide medical and hospital coverage for the spouse and children. The obligee may also request support for day care expenses and other medical expenses. Expenses relating to the child's birth may also be included in an order for support. If the parties do not have health care coverage, they can apply for low cost coverage through a health care provider.

When an individual requests support, he or she must first file a complaint at the Domestic Relations office. This person is referred to as the "obligee" or "plaintiff." The person who is to pay the support is called the "obligor," "defendant" or "absent parent."

Information needed includes:

The obligee's social security number, the name and address of his/her employer, the marriage license (if married), the divorce decree (if divorced); The obligor's name and address, date of birth, social security number, place of employment, names and addresses of the obligor's closest relatives, and any information that will aid in locating the absent parent; The child's name, date of birth, birth certificate, and social security number.

The obligee will first be seen by an intake worker who will prepare the support complaint. This meeting will take approximately 30 minutes. The case will then be scheduled for a support conference. Both parties will be notified of the date and time of the conference.

If the absent parent cannot be found, a parent locate action will be initiated. Some of the sources that staff will use include: federal and tax information, driver's license information, credit bureau, public assistance and employment information.

The following items are required for the support conference: the prior year's income tax return and payroll stubs for the last six months; medical insurance cards; insurance policy information and any other information that will help the conference officer determine the best recommendation.

In all matters relating to Domestic Relations, the parties have a right to be represented by an attorney, but it is not necessary to bring one to the conference. Attorneys can give the parties help and advice about legal matters relating to the case. The obligee or obligor makes the decision to have an attorney at the conference. If a party wishes to have an attorney but does not know one, he/she may contact the Lawyer Referral Service of the Bar Association of Lehigh County at (610) 433-7094 or e-mail at balc@fast.net.

If the obligee fails to attend the conference, the case will be dismissed. If the obligee, however, receives Public Assistance and does not attend, the matter will be heard. The D.R.S. will advise the Department of Public Welfare that the obligee did not attend the conference and was thus, "uncooperative." He or she could lose welfare benefits as a result.

At the conference, the conference officer is an unbiased party. He or she will listen to both sides and using the income information provided by the parties and their employers, the conference officer will determine the amount of support which may be required. This is based on both parties' net monthly incomes, the amount each party is capable of earning, and/or reasonable needs.

In Pennsylvania, the amount of support is determined by using written support guidelines. These guidelines are the same throughout Pennsylvania. Copies of the guidelines are available at the Lehigh County Law Library, 4th floor of the Lehigh County Courthouse, 455 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA.

For information on how to receive a photocopied packet of the support guidelines Click Here.

If an alleged father (the man who was named as the father) appears at a support conference and denies that he is the father of the child, the conference will go no further until paternity is established. If appropriate, the D.R.S. will arrange for the parties to undergo genetic testing to determine whether or not the man is the father. If the alleged father continues to deny paternity after the genetic tests are received, the case will be scheduled for a court proceeding.

After a support amount has been ordered, either party may appeal the order by requesting a hearing (De Novo) before the Court. This request must be filed within ten days of the order. If there is a substantial change in the party's circumstance (for example, a considerable change in pay or a change in custody arrangements), the individual can petition for a modification of the court order. Petitions are filed and processed through the D.R.S. There is a $10.00 non-refundable fee.

Other Domestic Relations Section Information: