Child Support Attorney
Expert child support representation in North Georgia. We provide comprehensive legal guidance for child support establishment, enforcement, and modification throughout Georgia.
Understanding Child Support in North Georgia
A child has the right to emotional and financial support from both parents. One parent should never have the financial burden alone to support the child.
At Johnson Law Firm, we know the law and how to handle these delicate types of cases. Whether you seek child support or want to challenge it or whether you are addressing child support through a divorce proceeding, our child support attorney will provide thorough advice and handle all aspects of the case while keeping you informed. To learn more about child support and your options regarding it and your unique situation, Contact us online or at (706) 230-5944.
If both parents and the child do not live together, the court will order child support. There are many different scenarios that can make the process difficult, but with the help of a child support lawyer in Georgia, you can make sure that child support is ordered and that what is ordered is fair and in accordance with the law.
What is Child Support in North Georgia?
Understanding the purpose and duration of child support
Child support is a way to ensure that both parents, although no longer in a relationship with one another, are financially responsible for their children while taking into consideration their ability to provide support.
In most states and in most cases, child support lasts until children turn 18 years of age. There are exceptions made in cases where the child is still attending high school or is considered to be disabled.
When one parent, or custodian, is seeking child support, they may do so by pursuing the matter pro-se through the court system, by hiring an attorney to represent them, or by seeking assistance from their local child support office.
Factors Considered when Determining Child Support in North Georgia
Understanding how child support amounts are calculated
While each jurisdiction varies, there are certain factors most courts take into consideration when determining whether or not child support should be ordered, and if so, in what amount.
Some of the most common include:
- The gross income earned by each parent
- The number of children each parent is responsible for supporting
- How much time the children under the order spend with each parent
- Child care expenses
- The cost of health insurance for the child
- Whether or not the child suffers from any sort of disability that requires extra expenses
- Whether or not either parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed
The court will also consider any factors that it considers relevant and impact the parties' ability to pay child support.
Failure to Pay Child Support in Georgia
Understanding enforcement options and consequences
When child support is established, a payment schedule is also established. When the parent ordered to pay support fails to do so, there are options available to the parent (or custodian) receiving the support.
They are able to file a motion in the court to have the support order enforced, they may seek an attorney to help them, or they may seek the help of the local child support office.
In most jurisdictions, the parent under the order to pay will be able to explain to the court why they have not made their payments. The court will consider the matter and enter an order, which may include jail time for failure to pay. Even when jail time is ordered, the parent under the order can avoid it by paying a certain amount towards their debt as ordered by the court.
Enforcement Remedies
In some cases, there are remedies available to ensure the child support is paid, such as:
- Wage withholding
- Tax refund withholding
- Suspension of the driver's license of the person not making their payments as ordered
Why Hire a Family Law Lawyer in North Georgia
Understanding the benefits of legal representation in child support matters
If you are seeking child support establishment or enforcement, an attorney can help you locate the non-custodial parent and determine their ability to pay. If you are being ordered to pay child support, an attorney can help you ensure the amount of the order is fair.
Child support orders are not set in stone and may be modified when the circumstances warrant a change.
How can an attorney help with child support establishment?
An attorney can help gather financial information, calculate appropriate support amounts, file necessary paperwork, and represent you in court to ensure a fair child support order is established.
What if I can't afford to pay my child support?
If you're experiencing financial hardship, an attorney can help you file for a modification of your child support order. You may be able to have the amount reduced based on changed circumstances.
Can child support be modified?
Yes, child support can be modified when there's a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, job loss, or change in custody arrangements. A court order is required to modify child support.
What happens if the other parent won't pay child support?
If the other parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, there are various enforcement options available, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and even jail time in extreme cases.
Ready to Protect Your Child's Financial Future?
Don't face child support matters alone. Our experienced family law team is here to provide the comprehensive legal representation you need to ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve.