If you are planning for a divorce or are currently going through the divorce proceedings, it’s likely you have some questions regarding child support after divorce. One of the primary questions parents tend to have about child support after divorce is what the amount will be that they will receive or pay. So, it makes sense that you want to have an idea regarding how much child support payments will be. Is your court date a few weeks away? Or are you just in the beginning stages of filing? Either way, now is a good time to ask.
It’s important to know how much child support you can expect to receive or to pay. Accurate child support payment calculation ensures your children’s financial needs are met appropriately. This also ensures that you stay in line with child support law.
Child Support: What You Can Expect Financially
- In Georgia, child support law determines the amount of child support based on income only—not by parenting time figures.
- However, the Georgia courts may diverge from the state’s child support guidelines on a case-by-case basis. This typically only happens in the situation where the non-residential parent’s visitation time greatly exceeds what is considered standard and customary. In a case such as this, the non-residential parent must prove his or her parenting hours are above and beyond the norm. That requires proof—not generalizations or estimates.
- The child support formula for the state of Georgia is the same for sole and joint physical custody.
- After the court orders the child support, the order can only be altered if one of the parents makes a request to the court to modify the original child support order.
- So to get the court to alter child support orders, you must prove there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This is where an attorney will come in to help you prove your case for modification.
What Is the Formula for Determining Child Support Payments?
Below are the specific factors the Georgia courts consider when calculating payments for child support after divorce:
- Residential parent’s monthly gross income.
- Non-residential parent’s monthly gross income.
- Number of children under age 18 or still in high school living in either home.
- Cost of work-related childcare.
- Cost of health insurance premiums.
- Pre-existing child support or alimony obligation by either parent.
You can also find somewhat accurate child support calculators online. They may help you determine estimates for what you might expect to following your divorce. But in order to obtain the most accurate information, it is best to work with a divorce attorney who can guide you through the process, answer your questions and give you accurate estimates so you can better prepare for your child’s future.
If you need more information about child support after divorce, the family law attorneys in our Cumming Reeder Law Firm office are here to answer your questions and walk you through the process. And, we will be happy to provide a free confidential consultation and legal assistance regarding child support after divorce.
