How Is Georgia Child Support Calculated?

In Georgia, custodial parents may request child support from the non-custodial parent to help provide for their child financially. Parents seeking child support may request an order for child support either through child support services or in court. During the process of requesting a support order they will provide information needed to calculated child support. In Georgia, child support is calculated using standard child support guidelines. These guidelines rely heavily on the income of the two parents and the number of children the parents have an obligation to support.

There are also a number of other factors that will come into play, however income is the most influential. Georgia’s child support guidelines use monthly gross income in the calculations. In certain cases, imputed income can be included as well, to account for employment-related compensation that is not reflected in the gross monthly income amount. After gross income is determined, it is adjusted for certain deductible expenses. These may include any existing orders for support and up to 50% of self-employment taxes, if applicable. The adjusted income of both parents is then used to determine each parent’s child support obligation. This obligation amount is then adjusted for additional, qualifying expenses. These expenses include childcare costs if they are incurred as a result of a parent’s employment and health insurance for the child.

After the child support obligation has been adjusted for these additional expenses, that final amount may be deviated from in the presence of certain circumstances. The time each parent spends with the child, travel expenses for visitation, alimony paid, uninsured health expenses, extra insurance, tax implications, a high or low income, and certain extraordinary expenses may all affect the basic child support calculation. The state of Georgia wants to see every child financially provided for by both its parents. In determining how much child support is to be awarded, the family law courts will always keep in mind the specific needs of the child. Thus, any deviations from the initial calculated child support obligation or modifications of an existing child support order will be made with the best interests of the child in mind.

If you are in the Roswell, GA area and have questions about calculating child support, Thomas C. Rowsey, P.C. can help. Experienced in family law, attorney Thomas C. Rowsey, P.C. serves those across the greater Atlanta metropolitan area who need help obtaining or modifying child support orders. Representing clients in Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Milton, Johns Creek, Cumming and Sandy Springs, the experienced legal team at Thomas C. Rowsey Attorneys at Law can be your advocate. Contact our office today at (770) 993-5317 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Offering expert legal counsel in personal injury, criminal defense and family law, Thomas C. Rowsey Attorneys at Law are here to help.