Pennsylvania § 4354 - Willful failure to pay support order.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4354 — Willful failure to pay support order., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4354. Willful failure to pay support order.
(a) Offense defined.--An individual who willfully fails to comply with a support order of a court of this Commonwealth when the individual has the financial ability to comply with the support order commits an offense.
(b) Application.--This section applies to all support cases, whether civil or criminal and whether the defendant is married, unmarried, separated or divorced.
(c) Jurisdiction.--Exclusive original jurisdiction of a proceeding under this section is vested in the courts of common pleas of this Commonwealth.
(d) Grading.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (2), an offense under this section shall constitute a summary offense.
(2) An offense shall be graded a misdemeanor of the third degree if the individual convicted of the offense established residence outside this Commonwealth with the intention of not complying with the support order and either of the following apply:
(i) the offense is a second or subsequent offense under this section; or
(ii) the individual owes support in an amount equal to or greater than 12 months of the monthly support obligation.
(e) Costs and expenses to be borne by individual.--An individual convicted of an offense under this section who is apprehended outside this Commonwealth shall, in addition to any other sentence imposed, be sentenced to pay the costs and expenses of rendition.
(Mar. 25, 1988, P.L.296, No.35, eff. imd.; Oct. 9, 2008, P.L.1384, No.104, eff. 60 days)
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 4354
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4354 cover?
Section 4354 ("Willful failure to pay support order.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 4354?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 4354" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 4354 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.