Child support payments are often essential for many parents who have gone through a divorce. These payments can help parents provide their children with a sense of normalcy in changing circumstances, in addition to healthcare, education, and other such necessities.
For help understanding a parent’s financial obligations to their kids, look no further than a Marietta child support lawyer from our team. One of our qualified family attorneys can advise you on your options, streamline negotiations for new or modified child support, and help you pursue a fair outcome to your case.
What Are the Child Support Rules in Marietta?
Both parents have an equal obligation to provide for and ensure the proper growth and development of their children. Local courts usually calculate parental financial obligations according to a “child support obligation table” and then divide that amount between both parents, per Official Code of Georgia Annotated §19-6-15. 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.
When Are a Parent’s Support Obligations Terminated?
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
Local 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 can 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 equates to 25 percent or more of the payor’s total income, the parent and their legal representative may petition for a court to modify their child support payments. In response, the court may adjust a parent’s support obligations or make a new support order as it sees fit.
Contact a Marietta Child Support Attorney
Child support may be critical to providing for your children, especially immediately after a divorce. A Marietta child support lawyer can analyze your case, advise you on how to proceed toward 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.
