October 2006

Effective September 5, 2006, The General assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ratified Senate Bill 1205 which states that a prevailing party in a legal proceeding is required to provide a statement that includes names, mailing address, date of birth, social security number and states that no child support arrears exist. Written documentation from the PA State website indicating that no arrears exist must be provided, before settlement funds are disbursed. Overdue support shall be a lien by operation of law against the net proceeds of any monetary awards, and distribution of any such award shall be stayed in an amount equal to the child support lien provided for under this section pending payment of the lien.

It is the responsibility of the plaintiff’s attorney to make sure any support lien is satisfied before funds can be paid. The overall purpose of this legislation is to insure that child support payments are satisfied before monetary awards are paid out to litigants.

A copy of the Senate Bill and the corresponding Affidavit of Child Support can be reviewed.