No matter how difficult going through a divorce or custody battle can be, you want the best for your children. Making sure your children are adequately taken care of and enjoy a certain standard of living is an important part of ensuring their happiness and well-being. Oftentimes, child support is the most contentious aspect of a divorce or custody case.
Having guidance from one of our knowledgeable family law attorneys can help alleviate some of your stress and ensure you are treated fairly and that your children get what they need. Learn more about how a skilled Marietta child support attorney could help your specific case by calling today.
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How Is Child Support Calculated In Georgia?
Child support is calculated under the Georgia Child Support Statutory Guidelines. Judges can deviate from the guidelines by increasing or decreasing the guideline amount according to the needs of the children and the circumstances of the parents.
Georgia law requires both parents to financially support their children until they reach the age of 18, graduate from high school, marry, die, emancipate, or join the military. Child support can extend past the age of 18 if a child is still in high school.
Once a standard amount has been established, the child support can be adjusted by factors such as health insurance premium cost for the children and work or education-related childcare costs. Deviations to child support can also be considered. There are usually upward and downward deviations such as parenting time, extraordinary medical expenses, travel expenses, tax credits, and more that can affect the child support obligation.
The number of children that are to receive child support is also taken into consideration. If either parent has previous child support obligations to other children, the calculation of child support will consider any ongoing child support obligations.
Determining child support can be a daunting and very emotional task. The child support lawyers at our office in Marietta can help establish a reasonable child support obligation and ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve.
Financial Considerations in Georgia Child Support
Georgia’s child support laws can be complex, making legal guidance essential. We help parents navigate child support calculations, enforcement, and modifications to ensure fair outcomes. Every child deserves financial stability, and we are committed to protecting your rights. Contact us for a 30-minute consultation at our Marietta office. Call Better Law at (470) 308-5409 to speak with a child support lawyer Marietta today.
Modifying Child Support Orders
The general rule is that a parent cannot seek a modification of child support (upward or downward) until two years after the original order establishing child support was entered; however, there are exceptions.
An order awarding child support can be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in either parent’s finances or in the needs of the child(ren).
There are other factors that could warrant a modification in child support such as a change in the child’s needs, disability of a parent that affects their ability to work, and a change in custody.
What Is The Child Support Process
In Cobb County, as in the rest of Georgia, child support payments follow a structured legal process. A Marietta child support lawyer can guide you through every step to ensure your child’s financial well-being.
- Initial Calculation: Georgia follows Child Support Guidelines to estimate payments. However, gathering the right financial documents, such as income statements, childcare expenses, and medical costs, is crucial to ensuring accuracy.
- Deviations: While the guidelines provide a baseline, the court considers special circumstances that may alter the final amount. These include shared custody arrangements, a child’s medical or educational needs, and high-income situations.
- Enforcement: Once a support order is established, the paying parent must comply. If they fail to make payments, legal actions such as wage garnishment or license suspension may be necessary to enforce compliance.
- Modifications: Child support orders are not set in stone. If either parent’s financial situation changes significantly, or if the child’s needs increase, a modification request can be filed in court.
A Marietta child support attorney can assist with calculations, deviations, enforcement, and modifications, ensuring your child receives the financial support they deserve.
Factors for determining the amount of child support
The amount of child support depends on various factors, ensuring fairness in each case:
- Gross income of both parents, including wages, commissions, bonuses, and more
- Self-employment income and additional earnings
- Preexisting child support obligations
- Support for other children living in the home
- Healthcare and childcare expenses
- Special circumstances, such as education or medical needs
Every family’s situation is unique, and we are committed to protecting your rights with personalized legal support.
Schedule A Consultation With A Marietta Child Support Attorney
Divorce and custody battles are hard, but we can help you make the best decisions regarding the financial support of your children.
Discuss your case with a child support attorney in Marietta at our firm, and let us help you find the best solution for you and your children. Contact the loyal team of attorneys at Better Law now to get started by calling (470) 308-5409.
Marietta Child Support Resources
- Division Of Child Support Services – Marietta Office
- Child Support – Douglas County
- Court Services – City Of Marietta
- Georgia Child Support Commission
Marietta, GA Child Support Client Review
The team at Better Law really goes the extra mile for their clients. They are very knowledgeable about family law. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for the past couple of months, and they have done an amazing job. They are well prepared every time we step into the courtroom. They actually listen to their clients and formulate a plan based on their needs. They are hands down the best I’ve ever seen.
Marcus Manning.
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