Bisel Logo  CheckMate™ Support Calculation Software

THE ULTIMATE IN SUPPORT GUIDELINES CALCULATIONS!

AUTHOR: Supportworks, LLC

Published: 1999-2008
Most recent supplement/update: 2008 update; released 04/08; $99.00
(Available on diskette or download)

Requires CD-ROM drive for installation, PRICE: $295.00

Welcome to CHECKMATE™ Pennsylvania Support Guideline Calculation Program, a product of Supportworks, LLC. This program is designed as an aide to attorneys in calculating Support Guidelines in their cases. It was designed by two practicing matrimonial attorneys, Michael R. Sweeney, Esquire and Colleen M. Neary, Esquire. Although the program is simple and straightforward, it is not designed to be used by non-attorneys.

This program is an aide to determine the appropriate child, and spousal support (or alimony pendente lite) in a given case. This program can be used only in conjunction with applicable Pennsylvania Statutes and, more importantly, the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1910.16 et. seq. To calculate support it is necessary to have a complete and thorough understanding of these Statutes and Rules.

Because of the effective date of the new Support Rules (April 1, 1999 and subsequent changes), there were no Court decisions interpreting many of the new provisions of the Guidelines when this program was designed. There are a few provisions and considerations in the Guidelines which are beyond the purview of this program. The following provisions and considerations are beyond the scope of this program:

The program does, however, calculate the proper amount pursuant to the CAM guidelines contained in Rule 1910.16-2(e)(1).

This program will calculate the maximum additional amount the Court may award in consideration of the amount of an Obligee's mortgage payment. However, since this is discretionary, it will appear only in a separate report, not on the basic support guideline computation report.

This program gives you the flexibility to do multiple calculations in an expedited fashion. You do not need to enter a docket number for a case if you do not want that information for your file. You do not have to enter the case name in order to use the program. However, if you want to save your calculations for future use, either a case name or docket number must be entered. If you already know a party's monthly net income, the program allows you to enter that figure and bypass the program's gross income to net income calculation. If there are no custody adjustments or additional expenses, you can pass through to the finished guideline calculation.

In calculating deductions from gross income, the most accurate method is to use a tax return. You may also use a pay stub or other documentary evidence of appropriate deductions. If these documents are not available, this program will estimate tax and other appropriate deductions (in accordance with 2000 Tax Rate Schedules). The tax rate given assumes the taxpayer utilizes the standard deduction for tax purposes, rather than itemizing deductions. This program does not calculate capital gains tax if applicable to a party's income. The program permits you to modify any of the deductions in accordance with the documentation which is available.

After the case data is inputted into the program, you can select which reports you want to preview or print. Each report is in exhibit form, appropriate for submission to the Court. The ten separate reports available are as follows:

Bisel Logo