Understanding Child Support

Divorce isn’t easy for anyone, but when children are involved, it can create even more complications in the process. It is vital in any divorce to make sure that your children are a priority, and that starts with making sure child support is in place. 

Child support is mandatory in any divorce when there is a minor child involved. Child support is meant to take care of the basic needs for a child by providing support towards the child’s shelter, food, utilities, medical needs, and extra-curricular activities. In the state of Georgia, child support generally ends when the child turns 18. However, if the child is in high school it will continue until the child turns 20 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. 

In Georgia, child support is calculated using both parties gross (before taxes) monthly income. This is called an “income shares model”. This model is based on the idea that the child will receive the same proportion of income from the parents that he/she would have received if the parents were still together. So what does income include? Income includes, but is not limited to, salary and bonuses, commissions, self-employment, rental property income, capital gains, unemployment, and social security.  

Once income is determined, obligations are calculated based off of the child support worksheet. Typically, the non-custodial parent, or the parent that has the child less than fifty percent of the time pays child support to the custodial parent. 

Calculating child support can be difficult based on the employment of the parties and variable expenses of the child. If you would like to know your estimated child support obligation one of our attorneys can provide you this information during your initial consultation.

The attorneys at Brown, Dutton & Crider Law Firm LLC would be honored to stand by your side during this difficult time. Jenni, Lance, and Tracy are experienced, transparent, and compassionate Georgia family lawyers that have been practicing attorneys more than a combined 35 years. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin planning for your future!