How Are Child Support Payments Calculated In Georgia?

Child support is one of the most important aspects of a divorce when children are involved. Whether it is you or your spouse paying for it, it is important to know all the details surrounding it and to have a good grasp on your rights. Your first question will most likely be: how are the payments calculated?

In Georgia, the calculation of child support is based upon Georgia’s Child Support Guidelines and is at the presiding judge’s discretion. While the guidelines are important, the judge has plenty of flexibility, and it is ultimately up to them to make the final decision. For this reason, it is important to have the right attorney in your corner fighting for your rights as a parent. You need a strong team in your corner, and we can be that team.

What is Child Support?

Child support is the monthly payment the noncustodial parent makes to the parent with primary custody. This payment is to be used for food, shelter, clothing, medical needs, and other basic essentials the child needs. These payments can last for many years as they proceed until the child is 18 (or 20 if the child remains in high school after they turn 18 — whichever comes first), so it is important to understand your rights fully and to have a good attorney back you up.

What Factors Are Considered When Calculating Child Support Payments?

While there are a great many factors involved with the decision-making regarding child support payments — from which parent will pay, to how much they will pay, and to how long — we can break down a few of the most prominent for you to have a better understanding of how this process is configured. Some factors include:

• Whether the child has special needs.
• The income and employment situation of each parent.
• The presence of current custody agreements.
• The age of the children involved.
• Whether either parent has children from other relationships.

How We Can Help

Like every family, every child support case is unique and complex. Since child support payments can last for many, many years, it is essential to have the right team behind you fighting alongside you to keep and maintain your rights as a parent. We have dealt with all sorts of child support cases for many years, and we know we can help you on this journey. Please, contact us at 404-738-5805 or online to book an initial consultation. We are here to help, always.