Child Support Issues In A Georgia Divorce Case

Child Support Guidelines In Georgia

In the vast majority of cases in Georgia, the non-custodial parent is responsible for paying child support. There have been rare instances where the custodial parent is required to pay child support, but this typically only happens when the custodial parent’s income far exceeds that of the non-custodial parent.

Mandatory Child Support In Custody Cases

In every case, a child support worksheet must be completed to determine the presumptive amount of child support. However, based on specific circumstances, this amount can be deviated downward, even to zero. For instance, in cases where both parents share custody equally and their incomes are roughly the same, it is not unusual for no child support to be ordered. But the child support worksheet still needs to be completed to confirm this.

Duration Of Child Support In Georgia

Child support in Georgia generally continues until the child turns 18 or finishes high school, whichever occurs later. If the child turns 18 during their senior year of high school, support continues until they complete their schooling. In some rare cases, if a child is still in high school up until the age of 20, the parent may still be required to pay support.

Modifying Child Support Orders

To modify a child support order, a substantial change in circumstances is necessary, similar to custody cases. This could be the loss of a job, a significant change in the child’s needs, or a substantial increase in someone’s income. However, minor increases in income wouldn’t typically be enough to warrant a change in the support order.

For more information on Child Support Issues In A Georgia Divorce Case, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you seek by calling (706) 280-7152 today.