Barrow County Child Support Attorneys

In principle, both parents must financially support their children. The court assumes the custodial parent will use a portion of their own financial resources to directly pay for their child’s day-to-day and long-term needs. 

• The noncustodial parent will be responsible for making child support payments to the custodial parent.
• The custodial parent does not need to make any direct payments to anyone, because they are presumably spending some of their own income to support the child. 

In situations where parents share physical custody, the custodial parent is generally the one who spends more time with the child. When parenting time is truly equal, the parent with the higher income will in most cases be responsible for making child support payments.

Only the parents listed on a child’s birth certificate can be required to pay child support. If your child was born out of wedlock, we can help you pursue a paternity action that clarifies parentage and allows you to seek the financial support you need from the child’s father. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for mothers to pay child support. Mothers who pay child support typically do so if the father is the primary custodian and the court decides so.  

How Child Support Is Calculated in Georgia

Georgia uses a complex series of formulas to determine fathers and mothers base child support obligation. Attempting to make sense of these systems on your own can be difficult and confusing. Though the state provides some basic worksheets and resources, these calculators do not account for the nuances in each individual case and therefore can produce inaccurate or misleading results.

• Each parent’s gross monthly income – including wages, benefits, and investment income – will help determine their child support obligation. 
  • In general, the greater a parent’s share of the couple’s combined gross income, the more they will be expected to contribute. We can help you correctly calculate each parent’s base child support obligation based on these numbers and tables provided by the state of Georgia. 
• Work-related childcare expenses and the costs of the child’s health insurance can be directly added to the base child support obligation. 
  • In most cases, these costs will be proportionally split between the couple. In other words, if one parent is responsible for 60% of the couple’s combined gross income, they will need to cover 60% of any added health insurance costs and childcare expenses.
• Georgia courts can also choose to deviate from the base child support obligation amount at their discretion. 
  • Deviations are common in scenarios where a divorcing couple’s combined gross income is especially high or where the noncustodial parent does not get to spend much time with their child. 

Our Barrow County child support attorneys can help you seek any deviations that you need to protect your ability to sufficiently care for your child or children. Give us a call or contact us online today! 

When Does Child Support End in Georgia?

Georgia child support orders will in most case end automatically when the child turns 18. However, support may continue if the child is still attending high school full-time. In these cases, child support payments must continue to be made until the child turns 20 or graduates, whichever comes first. Child support may also persist if the child is disabled and not able to take care of themselves. 

Modifying an Existing Child Support Order in Georgia

Concerns over money can, unfortunately, warp some people’s perceptions of reality. Sometimes, a parent will fail to recognize the realities of the other parent’s situation and lose sight of what is truly best for their child.   

You may be able to modify an existing child support order if a substantial change in circumstances makes the current plan unfeasible or unreasonable. 

• For example, you may be able to secure a modification if you lost your job and thus cannot afford the current payments. On the flip side, a custodial parent may be able to successfully request an increase in child support payments if you get a new job that pays significantly more than your old position. 

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities in Child Support

Child support can be a complex and emotional topic for many families. At Mitchell & Crunk, we believe it's essential for both parents to fully understand their rights and responsibilities regarding child support in Georgia. Our dedicated team of attorneys is here to provide clear guidance and support throughout the process.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Legal Obligations: Both parents are legally required to contribute to their child's upbringing, and understanding these obligations can help prevent future disputes.
• Income Changes: Life circumstances change, and so can your financial situation. Knowing how to address income changes with the court can help ensure that child support payments remain fair and manageable.
• Enforcement of Orders: If child support payments are not being made, there are legal avenues available to enforce the order. Our lawyers can guide you through this process to ensure your child's needs are met.
• Tax Implications: Understanding the tax implications of child support can help you make informed decisions. For instance, child support payments are not tax-deductible for the payer, nor are they considered taxable income for the recipient.

By educating yourself about these aspects of child support, you can better navigate the legal landscape and advocate for your child's best interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let our experienced team help you secure the support and guidance you need.

How Our Child Support Lawyers Can Help

Every case is different and will require a careful examination of the facts, any change in financial circumstances, and any change in the needs of the child. Our team at the Mitchell & Crunk Law Firm can assess your specific situation and advise whether you may be able to obtain a modification. Both fathers and mothers who pay child support can rely on our Barrow County child support lawyers can also help you explore your legal options if you are no longer able to keep up with payments and are being threatened with garnishments or jail time. 

Discuss your case with our Barrow County child support lawyers by calling (678) 701-6252 or contacting us online. Same-day appointments and payment plans are available.