Child support payments are often essential for many parents who have gone through a divorce. These payments can often help parents provide their children with a sense of normalcy in changing circumstances, as well as with healthcare, education, and other such necessities.
For help obtaining or just understanding child support, look no further than a Marietta child support lawyer from our team. One of our qualified family attorneys could advise you on your options, streamline negotiations for new or modified child support, and help you pursue a fair outcome to your case.
Child Support Rules
Both parents have an equal obligation to provide and ensure proper growth and development for their child. When determining the financial value of this obligation, Georgia courts usually calculate the total parental child support obligation for a child and then divide that amount between both parents, as per Official Code of Georgia Annotated §19-6-15.
During this process, courts calculate the total support obligation according to a “child support obligation table.” The final amount is dependent on the gross income of both of the parents. Each parent’s child support share is then pro-rated based on their income.
In Georgia, child support may be terminated once a recipient child turns 18 years of age. Under certain circumstances, child support could proceed past the child’s 18th birthday in order to support higher education and other such pursuits.
Factors That May Affect Child Support Obligations
Courts may make adjustments to each parent’s child support obligation based on factors such as:
- Presence of health insurance or life insurance;
- The difference between the higher-earning parent’s income and that of the lower-earning parent;
- Travel expenses for visitation from out of state;
- Mortgage payments
For example, if a parent is already providing health insurance for their child, a court may deduct part or all of that amount from that parent’s child support obligation. Similarly, if a parent lives in a different state and must travel a long distance to take advantage of their visitation rights, they may be eligible for reduced child support payments. Those who need more information about how courts calculate child support should contact a Marietta attorney for a consultation.
Loss of Employment or Income
Sometimes, a parent paying child support may suffer a loss of income that renders them unable to pay their child support. This may happen due to health issues, unemployment or loss of working hours, or even incarceration after a criminal conviction.
In any case where the ensuing loss of income amounts to 25 percent or more of the payor’s total income, the parent—or any child support lawyer in Marietta representing them—may petition for a court to modify their child support payments. In response, the court may adjust child support payments or make a new support order as it sees fit.
Contacting a Marietta Child Support Attorney
Child support may be critical to helping you provide for their children, especially immediately after a divorce. A Marietta child support lawyer could analyze your specific case, advise you on how to proceed towards a beneficial result, and help you and your family in whatever way they can. Call today to speak with our intake team about your situation.
