The (Child) Support You And Your Family Need

by Mary Stearns-Montgomery
on 8 September, 2017

Child support payments in Georgia play an important role in ensuring your child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met. In cases where these payments are non-existent, made sporadically, or fail to account for the total amount of your child’s expenses, we can assist you in seeking an order of support through the family court.

Georgia Child Support Payment

Under the Georgia Domestic Relations Code, child support may be ordered in cases involving single parents as well as those involving married couples, regardless of whether a divorce action is pending. Both parents are expected to share in the financial responsibility for providing for their children, and child support amounts are based on the parents’ combined income.

While the court uses a mathematical formula to determine the amount owed, the judge in the matter may deviate from this formula including but not limited to the following factors:

  • Either high or low combined income of the parents;
  • Any special needs the child has, such as for medical or educational expenses;
  • Any joint parenting plans that are currently in effect;
  • Any existing spousal support or alimony payments;
  • Additional amounts available through IRS Child and Dependent Care credits;
  • Amounts provided through health and life insurance benefits.

How To Apply For Child Support In GA

You may apply for a child support order by having your attorney file a petition for support in the Georgia family court, or you may seek support through the Georgia Division of Child Support Services. In addition to receiving personalized attention, the advantages of having an experienced child support attorney handle your case include:

  • Your petition is drafted and filed by your attorney directly with the family court, eliminating time consuming bureaucratic processes;
  • You can ensure any legal documents or summons are served promptly on the non-paying parent;
  • You get the opportunity to have the pertinent details surrounding your individual case presented before a judge;
  • Your attorney can present evidence as to why your case warrants deviating from established child support guidelines;
  • You stand a strong chance of obtaining an order for support faster and in a larger amount.

Once support is ordered, the other party is required by law to pay, or will face contempt of court charges. While the amount owed continues to accrue, they will be subject to penalties which include wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, property liens, driver’s license suspension, and potential jail time. In the event circumstances change and you discover funds or earnings the other party previously failed to disclose, you may petition the court for a child support modification.

Get The Support You Are Owed

Call or contact Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor online today to get the child support you need to best provide for your family. We can arrange a personal consultation with one of our experienced Georgia child support attorneys to discuss the best course of action in your case and the amount of support you may be owed. You can trust us to provide the caring and professional legal representation you need to ensure your rights are protected.

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