The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that it costs more than $233,000 to care for a child from ages 0 to 17. If you are the primary caregiver for your children, you likely expect some monetary contribution from their other parent so that you are both paying the bills that come with parenting.
Unfortunately, some parents do not pay the expenses they owe as contribution to their children’s welfare. As a result, co-parenting with an ex-partner may be a point of significant contention in your life.
If you split from your former partner and have primary custody of your kids, any failure by your ex-spouse to cover their share of childcare expenses may warrant contacting a seasoned family law attorney. A skilled Atlanta, GA child support lawyer can assist you in receiving the funds for these hefty expenditures and bringing a case against an irresponsible parent.
Child Support Laws
Official Code of Georgia Annotated §19-6-15 allows Atlanta courts to make use of standardized guidelines when crafting a child support order. Based on these guidelines, a local judge could compare the monthly adjusted gross income of both parents and factor in the costs of healthcare for the parent who is paying premiums. The court may also consider other factors such as work-related childcare costs, parenting time, and travel expenses when deciding on an appropriate amount for a child support decree.
Additionally, custodial parents may access their child support funds even if their former partner stops paying, as O.C.G.A. §19-6-30 states that outstanding payments may be garnished from the nonpaying parent’s wages. Fortunately, a compassionate Atlanta childcare expenses attorney should know which laws are relevant to specific circumstance and can work to build a defense accordingly.
Child Support After Established Paternity
A mother may petition the court to have a former partner tested for a paternity link to her children. A man who is found to be the father of a child might have new legal duties placed on him.
According to O.C.G.A. §19-11-14, a court can order a man who is deemed to be the father of a child to pay support for their care. Accordingly, a mother has the right to file a civil action to ensure that the father supports their children financially. A capable attorney in Georgia can assist a mother with pursuing the child support payments she is owed.
Get in Touch with an Atlanta, GA Child Support Attorney Today
If you are sharing your children with your former partner and need financial contribution from them, it may be necessary to retain qualified legal counsel. An adept Atlanta, GA child support lawyer can represent you in court and serve as a resource after legal proceedings.
The process of obtaining a child support order can be overwhelming, especially when the other parent is not being cooperative, but the assistance of qualified legal counsel could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Schedule an appointment today by calling our intake team so you can get started on your case as soon as possible.
