Johns Creek Child Support Lawyer
Child support is intended to help custodial parents to provide their children with the necessities of daily life, in the event of a divorce or if the parents were never married. Obtaining an order for an adequate amount of child support can be critical. However, understanding child support obligations, statutes, and awards can be incredibly difficult for most people.
If you need help getting the financial assistance you need to raise your kids, our team of skilled Johns Creek child support lawyers can guide you. Throughout the process, our capable family lawyers will work with you to help find the solution that is right for your unique circumstances.
Laws Determining Child Support
Georgia law generally requires each parent to support their children on a pro-rata basis according to their income. O.C.G.A. §19-6-15, provides courts with the guidelines used to calculate each parent’s child support obligation based on their gross monthly income and other factors, including but not limited to:
- Extremely high or low income;
- Amount spent on health insurance for the children;
- Amount spent on work-related childcare;
- Whether the payor has another child support obligation for another child or children;
- Extraordinary travel costs associated with exercising visitation with the child (usually when the parties reside in different states); and
- Extraordinary health expenses related to the child or children.
For a further analysis of child support obligations in Johns Creek, parents should contact a well-versed attorney who can help them thoroughly understand the factors that will be relevant to their award or obligation.
Income Calculations
Georgia law generally calculates each parent’s income according to set statutory formulas. Under O.C.G.A. §19-6-15, most sources of income of both parties count toward calculating a parent’s child support obligation, including but not limited to:
- Their salaries;
- Average commissions;
- Self-employment income;
- Bonuses and overtime pay; and
- Disability income.
Any parent with specific questions on income calculations may benefit from consulting an attorney.
How Long do Child Support Arrangements in John Creek Last?
Under O.C.G.A. §19-6-15, each parent has a responsibility to financially support their children until each child either reaches the age of majority, dies, marries, or otherwise becomes emancipated and independent.
Additionally, a court may order either or both parents to pay child support for a child who is over 18 but currently attending secondary school. Support payments in such cases may be ordered until the child reaches the age of 20, so long as they remain enrolled in secondary (high) school.
Does Child Support Include Insurance Obligations?
As part of determining each parent’s child support obligation, a Johns Creek court may also mandate either or both parents to obtain insurance for the benefit of the child. For example, a court may order a parent to obtain health insurance that covers the child if the costs such insurance are reasonable.
Additionally, under O.C.G.A. §19-6-34, a court may order that either or both parents obtain life insurance for the benefit of their children. Such an order may not require the parent to maintain life insurance after the child reaches the age of majority.
Let a Johns Creek Attorney Answer Your Child Support Questions
Many parents, unfortunately, do not receive the full amount of child support they may be entitled to. In some cases, they may think they are ineligible for support. In others, they may not know exactly how to request such support or how to advocate for their children to ensure they receive an appropriate amount.
In these cases, contacting a qualified lawyer in Johns Creek about child support is essential. Our team of attorneys would be happy to review your situation and discuss your options. If you need child support assistance, get help by calling today.
