Pennsylvania § 7401 - Establishment of support order.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7401 — Establishment of support order., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7401. Establishment of support order.
(a) Jurisdiction.--If a support order entitled to recognition under this part has not been issued, a responding tribunal of this State with personal jurisdiction over the parties may issue a support order if any of the following apply:
(1) The individual seeking the order resides outside this State.
(2) The support enforcement agency seeking the order is located outside this State.
(b) Temporary orders.--The tribunal may issue a temporary child support order if the tribunal determines that an order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay is any of the following:
(1) A presumed father of the child.
(2) Petitioning to have his paternity adjudicated.
(3) Identified as the father of the child through genetic testing.
(4) An alleged father who has declined to submit to genetic testing.
(5) Shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child.
(6) An acknowledged father as provided by applicable state law.
(7) The mother of the child.
(8) An individual who has been ordered to pay child support in a previous proceeding and the order has not been reversed or vacated.
(c) Relief.--Upon finding, after notice and opportunity to be heard, that an obligor owes a duty of support, the tribunal shall issue a support order directed to the obligor and may issue other orders pursuant to section 7305 (relating to duties and powers of responding tribunal).
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7401
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7401 cover?
Section 7401 ("Establishment of 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 § 7401?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7401" (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 § 7401 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.