Modification of Child Support

[Peg]

My question involves child support in the State of: Pennsylvania

Hi All,

This question is actually for my sister and upon searching online I came upon this site..

My sister and BIL currently have a child (his by previous marriage) who is 15. My BIL and his ex have joint custody (my BIL is VERY involved with his life). My BIL pays child support and 1/2 tuition and carry all medical. My BIL was just recently notified by his ex that she can no longer pay tuition (approx $1600)..which means now his dad will pick up the bill for that also.

His ex wants to put him in public school (which is a big no-no for my sis)

I don't think it's fair that she gets a windfall in child support AND claims him yearly on her income tax.

Can anyone provide any insight to this? What should the next step be? I hate to see them struggle like this when the ex continues to put the screws to them...

Any help/suggestions you can provide would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Peg

[Litigator]

He can always go back into court and ask the court to modify the existing decree but it is fairly standard and I think the tax laws provide as well that normally the custodial parent gets to claim the child as a dependent on the tax return, or at least that's been my experience. I do think that parties can MUTUALLY agree to alter that in writing.

[queenie2]

His ex wants to put him in public school (which is a big no-no for my sis)

Okay, but how does your BIL feel about it? Your sister's feelings about public school are not relevant to the issue. Does her husband feel the same way, or is he okay with public school?

[Peg]

Thank you both for your responses..

No, Public school is out for both my sister and BIL...the public HS's in the city are not ranked well for our area so Catholic/Private schools are the only options...I'm sorry I didn't clarify further.

It is a big concern for my sister since she is the primary breadwinner in the family.