Category Archives: Child Support

How is Child Support Calculated in Georgia in 50/50 Custody Arrangements?
Under Georgia’s statutory child support guidelines, the “noncustodial parent”—the party with less than 50% of the parenting time—is typically expected to pay child support to the “custodial parent”—the party with more than 50% of the parenting time. But what happens when the parents enter into a shared custody arrangement where the child spends an… Read More »

Child Support Statistics and Trends: What You Need to Know
If you’re rowing your way through a child support battle or you’ve already navigated those rough waters, you know that they can be extremely difficult, exhausting, and harrowing. However, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and you’ll see plenty of benefits on the horizon that you may not have… Read More »

How Do Child Support Deviations Impact How Child Support Is Calculated In My Georgia Divorce or Action for Modification of Child Support?
When one or both parents file for divorce in Georgia, the court takes special care to protect and advocate for the child or children of the marriage. In order to do so, the Georgia Child Support Commission has created Child Support Guidelines and a Child Support Worksheet to help navigate the calculation of child… Read More »

What Can I Do If Child Support Isn’t Being Paid?
In these trying times, many parents are facing difficult decisions about how to pay bills and, in some circumstances, which bills to pay. Child support can be a significant financial obligation, but it is one that should not be missed if at all possible. If your former spouse or parent to your child has… Read More »

Can I Modify Child Support If My Financial Circumstances Change?
In Georgia, child support orders may be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in either parent’s income or financial status, or upon a material showing in the needs of the child(ren). O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(k)(1). A substantial change in income or financial circumstances could include the loss of a job, decrease in income, increase… Read More »

Imputing Income In Georgia Child Support Cases
When child support is at issue during a Georgia divorce, a court will investigate all of the evidence it can find in order to ensure that it is acting in the best interests of the child or children involved. One of the factors in the court’s determination will be the income level of both… Read More »

Duration of Child Support
Child support is intended for the benefit of the child, not the parents. The purpose is to provide financial support for the care and maintenance of a child until he or she reaches the age of majority. There are, however, certain exceptions to this depending on the child’s needs and whether the parties are… Read More »

What is a Child Support Worksheet?
A child support worksheet is the form utilized by courts to determine the basic child support obligation of each parent. This worksheet must be used when determining child support obligations in any case regardless of whether or not it is contested. Hampton v. Nesmith, 249 Ga. App. 514 (2008). The child support worksheet provides the… Read More »

Deviations In Georgia Child Support Determinations
In most Georgia divorce cases, the method for calculating child support will be the Georgia Child Support Guidelines, which can at least give a couple (or a court) a beginning point to use in reaching a fair sum. However, since 2007, state law has allowed for what are called “deviations” – factors that a… Read More »

The Basics of Georgia Child Support
Given that Georgia’s laws surrounding divorce are somewhat different from those in other states, it can be common to assume that child support formulas and enforcement are very different as well. However, the procedures are actually fairly similar to those found in neighboring states, and if you are in a position where you may… Read More »