Resolving Child Support & Child Custody Issues In Georgia

In this article, you can discover:

• Child support in Georgia is determined by a formula based on income and expenses, not the number of days a child spends with each parent.
• In Georgia, a child’s preference for custody is considered starting at age 12 or 13, but the court can override it if it’s not in the child’s best interest.
• Georgia courts approve visitation agreements that are in the child’s best interest and may impose penalties if one parent violates the agreement.

How Is Child Support Determined In Georgia During Divorce Proceedings?

Child support in Georgia is determined by a formula that takes into consideration the income of both parents, whether one party is paying for health insurance, daycare expenses, and if there are other children that the parents are supporting.

The formula does not consider the number of days the child spends with each parent. However, if the parents are sharing custody equally, the court may deviate from the formula. It’s important to note that child support can be requested during the divorce process, but it’s not commonly awarded in temporary orders.

Is There An Age When A Child Can Decide Which Parent To Live With In Georgia?

In Georgia, at the age of 12 or 13, a child can express their preference, and the court will take it into consideration. At 14 and older, the child’s decision carries more weight, but it’s not a guarantee. The court may go against the child’s wishes if they feel it’s not in the child’s best interest, such as if the child is immature or if one parent is unfit.

What Kinds Of Visitation Agreements Are Approved In Georgia?

In Georgia, any visitation agreement that both parents agree to would generally be approved, as long as it’s in the best interest of the child. However, if the agreement is not in the child’s best interest, the court may reject it. If the parents can’t agree on a visitation plan, the court may order a standard visitation schedule, which typically includes every other weekend and shared holidays.

What Can Be Done If One Parent Isn’t Following The Visitation Agreement?

If one parent isn’t following the visitation agreement, the other parent can file a contempt petition and ask the court to hold the non-compliant parent in contempt. The court may impose fines or even jail time to enforce compliance with the agreement.

Does The Paying Parent Have A Say In How Child Support Is Spent In Georgia?

No, in Georgia, the paying parent does not have a say in how child support is spent. This is the case in most states, and the only exception would be if both parties agree to a specific arrangement where the paying parent has a say in how the money is spent.

For more information on Child Support & Child Custody Issues In GA, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (706) 280-7152 today.