Establishing Child Support in a Court Case - Divorce or Legitimation

When it comes to divorce or separation, determining child support can be a difficult task. However, Georgia has established guidelines and worksheets to help calculate the appropriate amount. These worksheets take into consideration various factors such as the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and their specific needs. While these guidelines are helpful, it's important to remember that the ultimate goal is to determine an amount that will be in the best interest of the child. Therefore, the amount may ultimately differ from the suggested guidelines and worksheets. At the end of the day, the focus should be on what is best for the child's well-being and care.

Overview of Child Support in Georgia

When it comes to divorce or custody cases involving children in Georgia, child support is a crucial aspect that requires attention. Child support payments are typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. This can be a complicated matter, as many factors come into play when determining payment amounts and schedules. The courts take several factors into consideration before making a decision regarding child support, including the income and earning capacity of each parent, the child's needs and health, and any other relevant circumstances. It's important to note that child support is not just for basic expenses like food and clothing, but also covers medical care, education, and extracurricular activities. Ultimately, the goal of child support is to ensure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive, even when their parents are divorced or separated. As such, it is imperative that parents work together to establish a fair and reasonable child support plan that takes into account the needs of the child as well as the financial situation of both parents.

How Child Support is Calculated

When it comes to calculating child support in Georgia, many parents may wonder how the process works. In the state, child support is determined using a Child Support Worksheet, which takes into account several factors, including the gross income of each parent. It's worth noting that gross income, not after-tax income, is used to calculate child support. This can sometimes result in a higher child support payment than some parents may anticipate.

The process of calculation can seem daunting and confusing, however the state of Georgia has tried to base it as much as possible on a fair and equitable system. By combining the gross income of both parents, the pro rata share of obligation to the base rate of total child support per month can be assigned based on each parent's percentage of the combined income. This ensures that both parents are contributing fairly to the financial needs of their child. So for example, if one parent makes 60% of the combined income and the other parent makes 40%, and the parent paying child support is the 40% income-earner, that parent will pay the other parent 40% of whatever the worksheet calculates as the base rate for the child support each month.

It's also worth noting that this pro rata share is also applied to determine each parent's share of costs for health insurance and work-related childcare expenses. So in our above example, the worksheet would calculate the total costs per month of health insurance and childcare, and then re-apportion the responsibility to the 40% income-earning parent as 40% of the cost. That number is then factored in as a credit or debit (depending on if this parent initially paid for these expenses or not) and affects the overall amount due by this parent to the other. Although it may seem complex, the system is in place to ensure that child support obligations are calculated fairly and justly for both parents.

Deviations in Calculating Child Support

When it comes to child support, there are occasions when the base rate generated by the worksheet may not be sufficient. In these instances, deviations can be made for various reasons. For example, if a child has specific medical needs that require additional financial support, a deviation can be made to accommodate those expenses. Additionally, if a parent has a high-income or significant financial obligations, a deviation may be appropriate.

A list of the deviations stated in the Georgia Child Support Guidelines is as follows:

• High income of one or both parents
• Low income of one or both parents
• Other health related insurance, such as vision or dental, available to and paid by one parent
• Life insurance on the parents paid by one or both parents, for the benefit of the child
• Child and dependent care tax credits received by one or both parents
• Travel expenses necessarily incurred for visitation due to distance between the parents
• Alimony paid by one or both parents
• Mortgage paid by one parent for the benefit of the other parent and child
• Permanency plan or foster care plan under DFCS which results in a lower child support amount, to ensure compliance with said plan
• Extraordinary expenses, such as extraordinary educational expenses, special expenses incurred for child-rearing, or extraordinary medical expenses
• Parenting time, such that the child lives a lot with one parent or lives with both parents an equal amount and adjustments are necessary to the base rate number
• Other nonspecific deviations, if found to be in the best interest of the child

It's important to note that deviations must be approved by a judge and must be supported by evidence. If you're facing a situation where you believe a deviation in child support is needed, it's crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Uninsured Health Care Expenses

Dividing uninsured health care expenses for children in Georgia is also calculated and stated via the Child Support Worksheet, which requires the parents to use the pro rate share of combined income as their division of these expenses. This method is commonly used by default, but parents do have the ability to agree on a different division rate if they desire. Additionally, a judge could order a different division rate if deemed necessary. As always, it's important for parents to communicate effectively and work together to ensure that their child's health care needs are met in the most fair and efficient manner possible.

Rebuttable Presumption

For calculating and setting child support in Georgia, there are minimum requirements in the form of these Child Support Worksheets required by statute in every child support case. However, the state recognizes that each family situation is unique and there may be circumstances that warrant deviating from these minimums. Ultimately, the goal purported by the state is to ensure that children of unmarried parents have the same access to economic resources and opportunities as children from intact families with similar financial means. In reality, the courts are mostly concerned with ensuring the best interest of the child is at the forefront of any decision-making regarding child support.

Parents can agree to different amounts

In Georgia, parents have the ability to come to a mutually agreed upon amount of child support that may differ from the base rate produced by the state's worksheets. This flexibility gives parents the opportunity to find a child support payment that works best for their unique situation. The key requirement is that the findings of fact supporting this deviation must be clearly listed in the final child support order. This allows for transparency and accountability within the agreement, and allows the court to verify and sign off on the same. Overall, this option can help parents maintain an amicable relationship while still providing for the needs of their children.

Support for Multiple Children

In cases involving the support of multiple children in Georgia during and after a divorce, the court is responsible for determining the amount and duration of support needed, using the worksheets and factors stated above. In instances where one or more of the children are only a couple of years away from reaching the legal age of majority, the court can issue multiple worksheets outlining the amount and duration of support payments required for each child. This gives the parents clarity on how much will be due for all of the children, and then how much is due as each child "ages out" of the need for legal support - without requiring the parents to come back and get a court order in a few months or so. However, this can still be brought back to court and modified, if the parties so desire. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it is key with child support, and Georgia law tries to balance that security with the changing needs of children by this possibility of multiple worksheets being allowed.

How Long Child Support Lasts

In Georgia, parents are obligated to provide support for their minor children until they reach adulthood (18 years of age), pass away, get married, or become emancipated. However, if a child hasn't yet married or been emancipated, attends a secondary school, and has reached the age of majority, the court may order parents to continue providing financial assistance. It's important to note that this assistance is only required until the child turns 20 years old. In some instances, parents can agree in a separate contract as part of their divorce settlement agreement to continue to provide assistance to their children even after age 20, such as college tuition or healthcare. However, these such contracts are not part of the Child Support Guidelines and are only enforceable as part of a valid, legal contract - not as a child support matter. Also, a judge could never order support for a child beyond the age of 20 - it can only be stated and enforced as an agreement between the parents, if desired. Being aware of child support laws in Georgia is crucial, and any questions or concerns can be addressed with the appropriate legal professionals or resources.

How We Can Help

As a parent, providing for your child is one of the most important responsibilities you have. However, when it comes to child support, navigating the legal system can be daunting. That's where Your Law Firm comes in. Our team of experienced and dedicated lawyers are here to help you establish your child support case in Georgia. We understand that every family's situation is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to each case and work closely with you to achieve the best possible outcome. We'll guide you through the process, answer any questions you have, and help you secure the financial support your child deserves. Let us take the stress out of your child support case so you can focus on what matters most - your family.