Commerce Child Support Lawyers

If you and your spouse have parted ways, it is crucial that your child still receives the necessary financial support to thrive. At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, LLP, we have assisted hundreds of parents in negotiating a fair amount to take care of their child’s basic needs and financially stay afloat. Whether you are receiving or paying for child support, do not hesitate to contact our Commerce child support lawyers.

What is Child Support?

Child support consists of periodic payments, which the non-custodial parent (parent who does not have primary custody) is typically ordered to pay to the custodial parent (parent whom the child lives with). Support payments are calculated based on the parents’ combined gross monthly income.

Support payments will continue until the child reaches 18 years of age. However, if the child has not graduated from high school when turning 18, payments will continue until the child graduates or turns 20 years of age (whichever is sooner).

How is Child Support Calculated in GA?

Georgia calculates support payments based on the adjusted gross monthly income for both parents. The amount contributed by each parent is evaluated to determine the percentage each parent makes of the total monthly income.

So, under the Basic Child Support Obligation table, if both parents make a combined monthly income of $8,000, the base amount due in child support for two children would be $1,723. However, if the non-custodial parent contributes 70% of the total income, then their support obligation would be 70% of $1,723, or $1,206.10. However, there are certain factors that could increase or decrease that amount.

What Factors Can Affect Support Amounts?

Every family has unique circumstances that may have an impact on a person’s ability to pay a certain amount of support. Under O.C.G.A. §19-6-15, certain factors will be considered by the court before establishing a support order:

If both parents have a combined gross income of $30,000 per month or greater
If the non-custodial parent has an income below $1,850 per month
Healthcare costs
Medical and life insurance premiums
Travel expenses
Alimony payments
Mortgage payments (if the non-custodial parent is paying the mortgage for the child’s primary residence)
Extraordinary educational expenses (i.e., private school tuition or costs associated with special needs education)

Support Payments for Disabled Children

A new law that went into effect as of July 1, 2024, requires that parents continue to support disabled adult children who are incapable of supporting themselves. This does require that a guardian be appointed for these individuals. In some cases, support payments may last indefinitely.

Compassionate Counsel in Child Support Cases and Beyond

Child support can be a heated topic, driving a wedge further between an already irreparable relationship. As a paying parent, it is important that your support payments are not overwhelming, allowing you to survive financially. If you are the parent receiving support, we will make sure that your child’s food, shelter, and clothing are accounted for, allowing you to tend to your child’s basic needs.

While both parents may agree on how to share a child’s college expenses, including tuition and room and board, this can be a confusing area. Georgia law only allows a support order for children who reach the age of majority if both parents agree to the terms. Do not assume that your spouse will keep their word. It is best in this situation that you have an attorney working on your side to make sure that your former spouse is fulfilling their obligation.

Child Support Lawyers Serving Commerce and Local Georgia Communities

At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, LLP, our legal team understands that the needs of your child are what matter most. We know child support laws and have the necessary experience when it comes to representing both custodial and non-custodial parents in court. To arrange a consultation with one of our Commerce child support lawyers, contact us online or by phone today.