Understanding Child Support In Georgia

Every child in Georgia deserves to be cared for both physically and financially. Child support laws help ensure that happens. As you work toward an agreement, however, it can be helpful to understand how the process works.

At Speights Law in Canton, our attorneys have extensive experience guiding parents through the process of determining child support. While state law dictates much of what the outcome will be, we can help ensure that your rights are protected along the way.

Getting To Know The Worksheet

Georgia uses a worksheet to determine child support payments. Essentially, it works as a calculator: You input certain information, and the worksheet will come up with a presumptive amount of support that you are either owed or obligated to pay.

Some of the factors that are considered when calculating support are:

  • Each parent’s monthly income
  • Any social security benefits either parents or the child receive
  • Insurance costs for the child
  • Child care expenses
  • Health expenses for the child that are not covered by insurance
  • What percentage of total income each parent contributes

Filling out the child support worksheet can be confusing. We will walk you through the process, ensuring that all the information you provide is accurate.

Deviating From The Calculator

While the worksheet will calculate a presumptive or baseline amount of child support, it is possible to increase or decrease child support depending on other factors in your family law matter. We will help you understand if and when it makes sense for you to request an amount that is different from the worksheet’s final value.

Learn More In Your First Consultation

In your initial consultation, we can begin reviewing your financial situation to get an idea of what your child support obligations might be. To schedule a time to meet with one of our lawyers, please send us an email or call us at 770-479-1500. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

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