Child Support Liens in Pennsylvania

Child Support Liens are filed in a statewide database. This search must be obtained separately if not included in the county level title search. PA DHS, Child Support Program

In foreclosure, child support liens do not have a super-priority status, but must be given notice in a foreclosure just as other junior lien holders do (verify with the 3129 affidavit.) Child support liens do attach to after-acquired property (i.e. a buyer who has a CS lien will have that lien attach, but PMMs have lien priority.)

Child support liens attach to real estate only if the lien is filed in the statewide electronic lien docket, and it expires 5 years after date of filing. Child support liens filed after the recordation of a mortgage are subordinate to the lien of the mortgage. If the State holding a child support lien is duly named and served with summons and complaint, and the foreclosure judgment rules that the mortgage has paramount lien priority, the State’s child support lien will be divested upon recording of the sherif’s deed