Your Georgia Child Support Questions Answered!

Georgia Law and Child Support

In Georgia, child support is determined by the use of a child support calculator. This online tool indicates the burden of financial support divided between both parents. Georgia bases these amounts on their gross incomes and is reduced by any deviations or contributions paid by one or both parents (insurance, daycare, practice)

In 2007, the Georgia legislature made a determination that both the custodial parent and non-custodial parent should share the financial burdens of raising children. Now, this responsibility is divided between both parents. The document that itemizes this obligation used to be the child support worksheet. It’s now been officially replaced with the online child support calculator as of September 30th, 2018. Sign up to use the online calculator by following this link. 

Of course, when you hire an attorney such as Attorney Sean R. Whitworth in Atlanta, you get help taking care of all of the documents, and legal aspects of your case. Such as the amount of child support you are responsible for or the amount you should be awarded. It is essential that you are actively participating in this process. Otherwise, the state will merely look at your highest income as recorded through taxes or the Department of Labor and enter that amount. If you want all your financial contributions and income specifications to be considered, you must be involved to receive your entitled credit.

It’s important to note that the state created baseline amounts of child support based on incomes and the number of children for which support is being paid. These numbers reflect what the state assumes to be the necessary financial needs of children in homes of each income bracket.  The obligation will be divided into percentages based on the gross income of both parties.  For example, if both parties make $5,000.00 per month the obligation stipulated by the state will be divided equally at 50%.

Gross Income – Georgia Child Support

Both parties must verify and submit gross monthly income. This is usually a point of contention especially if one or both of the parents are self-employed or unemployed. Georgia statutes require an unemployed individual to enter minimum wage income as an imputed income. The state demands the representation of minimal income. However, if an individual is underemployed the court can impute an amount of child support reflective of past employment, experience, and education. If both parties have stated income or paychecks, the process is simplified. However, courts consider any bonuses, commissions, and various other credits when determining a final amount of child support.

Child Support Deviations 

After gross monthly income is determined there are multiple credits or deviations to consider before a final amount of child support can be agreed upon. The state allows the parties to meet obligations outside of simple child support to receive credits against the assumed amount of child support obligation.

For example, if one parent is paying for daycare for employment purposes then the other parties’ support obligation will be increased to meet this need. Or suppose one parent is forced to travel substantial distances to maintain a relationship with their child, they will be given a credit for this expense. These expenses vary depending on the needs and individual situations of the child and anything from insurance payments, extracurricular contributions, mortgage payments, and extra educational expenses must be considered.  There are many forms of financial contribution that must be proven when dealing with deviations.

Many parties neglect to consider all of the credits and contributions they may be entitled. When you’re dealing with child support, hire an attorney. Find someone who knows and practices family law. The statutes change all the time so it’s important to find an attorney who’s quick on their feet and keeps up with the latest news surrounding family law.

Attorney Whitworth serves our clients and their families all over the greater Atlanta area including Atlanta, GA
Marietta, Douglasville, Cartersville, Woodstock, Lawrenceville, Roswell! Our law firm is located in Marietta, Georgia.

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