What is Child Support?
Child support is a child’s right to be financially cared for by both parents. The Atlanta child support attorneys at The Edwards Law Group understand that the duty to provide child support continues until a child meets one of the following conditions:
- Reaches the age of 18 (the court can order continued support for a child over 18 who is still in high school);
- Dies;
- Marries; or
- Is emancipated.
Child support can be used for such things as food, clothing, school, medical expenses, and extracurricular activities.
How do you reach an Atlanta child support arrangement that is fair to both parents but provides the financial support children deserve? In most states, including Georgia, a child support formula is used to determine how much financial responsibility each parent will have. However, every family has a unique situation. An experienced Atlanta family lawyer can help you show that your support obligations should be different.
At The Edwards Law Group, we do our best to understand your financial situation and help you argue for deviations to tailor your child support arrangement to your family’s needs.
Reaching a Solution that Works for Your Family
Every family has different circumstances. For some, child support disputes arise as part of divorce proceedings. For others, child support becomes necessary after determining paternity. Others need Atlanta child support modifications because of changes in circumstances. Whatever your situation, we will advocate on your behalf in negotiation and in the courtroom.
Georgia’s state guidelines take into account the answers to many questions such as:
- What is each parents’ gross income?
- How many children are being supported?
- Is either parent financially supporting other children?
- Which parent will pay for medical insurance?
- Which parent pays for daycare or school care?
As parents, we know that there are always other issues that need to be considered. What kind of child custody arrangement has been reached? Who will pay for the child’s extraordinary educational or medical expenses?
How Does a Judge Decide the Amount of Child Support to Give?
Judges in Atlanta child support cases use the Georgia Child Support Guidelines to decide how much child support a custodial parent will receive. The guidelines consider the number of children the parents have, as well as the income and expenses of both parents. While other factors may be considered, you can get a general estimate of basic child support payments.
Can I Change the Child Support Order?
Yes. Usually, you must wait three years after an order is granted before you can request a modification unless there is a substantial change in circumstances. Either parent may make the request in writing to DCSS.
We’ve provided the basics of child support law in Atlanta, but each case is unique and there are many factors to be considered with respect to child support obligations. Contact us for help.
Georgia Child Support Calculator
Welcome to our Child Support Calculator. This tool is designed to provide an estimated calculation of child support payments based on the information you input. While this calculator serves as a helpful guide, please remember that it offers a general estimate and the actual amount may vary depending on specific circumstances, jurisdictional guidelines, and legal determinations. For a comprehensive assessment tailored to your unique situation, we recommend consulting with one of our experienced family law attorneys. Please enter the requested details below to get started.
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