Georgia Child Support & Child Custody 101

by Mary Stearns-Montgomery
on 11 October, 2011

Knowing all the ins and outs of Georgia child support and custody laws is difficult to remember during an emotional time like divorce. To help, we have put together a short list of important child custody and child support facts to keep in mind during and after divorce.

Child Custody

  • The judge has final decision over how child custody is awarded. (If a child is over the age of 14 he/she may select which parent they would like to live with.)
  • Factors that help determine child custody include:
    • Each parents ability to be a suitable custodian
    • Safety of the child
    • Psychological, emotional and developmental needs of the child
    • Prior care each parent has given to the child
    • History of substance abuse
  • There are four types of child custody: joint custody, joint legal custody, joint physical custody, and sole custody (You should further discuss each type with your attorney)

Child Support

  • Georgia uses a child support obligation table to determine child support awarded 
  • Both parents are legally required to support their child until the age of 18 
  • Child support may be modified if there have been significant financial changes since the child support was issued. (Discuss this option with your divorce attorney as every case is different) 
  • If you are not receiving child support payments from your ex you have a right to file a Motion for Contempt against the offending party to rectify the situation.  

 

Click here to use our Georgia child support calculator to estimate your monthly payments.

If you are going through a child custody/child support hearing it is important to speak to your family law attorney to figure out the best outcome for your case and to fully understand your rights.

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