QUICK NOTE: Personal Injury Attorneys Have an Obligation to Satisfy Support Arrears
Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 4308.1, proceeds from a "monetary reward", such as a Personal Injury Award, are subject to a lien for child support arrears. Parties and their attorneys have obligations under the section of the Domestic Relations Code. Basically, documentation must be provided by the party to the attorney, and the attorney must verify the information and then satisfy the lien before distributing any funds to the client.
In lieu of relying on information from the client, the attorney may utilize an approved judgment search company or an insurer which furnishes information and transmits funds under the child support enforcement lien program operated through a central reporting agency approved by the department. By doing so, the attorney is immune civil, criminal and/or administrative penalties.
There is much more to the statute section, but attorneys certainly should be aware of their obligations in this regard.
