Atlanta Child Support Lawyer

Experienced Lawyers Handling Child Support Matters Before, During and After Divorce.

Doctors facing divorce should always request for a confidentiality agreement to protect their patient list, and other confidential and proprietary information related to the practice. “Confidential information” usually means information that constitutes or contains financial or business information. A confidentiality agreement can limit disclosure of important information that need not be disclosed to the public. A confidentiality agreement is especially important to limit disclosure of confidential and proprietary information by a valuation expert retained by the doctor’s spouse.

The noncustodial parent is required by Georgia Law to pay child support in accordance with the Georgia Child Support Worksheet. The child support worksheet first determines a basic child support obligation based on both parents gross monthly income. Next, it calculates different expenses (i.e. health insurance premiums, day care costs, etc.) paid by either party, which deviate the basic obligation up or down. In the divorce, the parties may elect to agree to a child support amount; however, if contested, the Judge will hear evidence of income and expenses to complete the Child Support Worksheet.

How is Georgia Child Support Calculated

Step 1: Gross Income

Step 2: Combined Adjusted Income

Step 3: Basic Child Support Obligation as provided by the table

Step 4: Pro Rata Division

Step 5: Presumptive amount of Child Support

What if the non-custodial refuses to pay child support?

If the non-custodial party refuses to pay the Court Ordered child support amount, the custodial parent may use the Court Order to pursue the following remedies:

Traditionally, custodial parents elect to file a Motion for Contempt. With this, the filing party will return to Judge who made the initial child support order and ask to hold the non-custodial parent in contempt for non-payment of support. If the Court determines the non-custodial parent was in willful contempt, the Judge may elect to incarcerate the parent until he/she purges themselves of the contempt, which will likely be a lump sum payment of 25% of the amount owed.

Ready to Get Started?

We can help. We can guide you through the consultation process starting with a scheduled call back from a member of our intake team. If you would prefer to speak directly and confidently with an attorney, a paid hour consultation is also available. To arrange a meeting, contact us today.

Ready to Get Started?

Factors That Deviate the Child Support Up or Down

Some factors that may warrant variations in child support include, but are not limited to:

Pre-existing child support obligations
Support of child not at issue in case
Excessive extracurricular expenses
Medical Care Costs
Excessive educational expenses (tutoring, school fees, books)
Work or School related child care costs
Shared custody arrangements;
Extended visitation for non-custodial parent;
A party's own medical expenses

Payment for College Tuition, Books and Fees for a Child

While the courts cannot Order a parent to pay for college tuition, books and fees, the parties can reach an Agreement for supporting the child through college and incorporate it in the Final Divorce Settlement Agreement.

Atlanta Child Support Lawyer

Experienced Lawyers Handling Child Support Matters Before, During and After Divorce.

How is Georgia Child Support Calculated

Step 1: Gross Income

Step 2: Combined Adjusted Income

Step 3: Basic Child Support Obligation as provided by the table

Step 4: Pro Rata Division

Step 5: Presumptive amount of Child Support

What if the non-custodial refuses to pay child support?

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to Get Started?

Factors That Deviate the Child Support Up or Down

Payment for College Tuition, Books and Fees for a Child

Hobson & Hobson

Resources