If you are a Georgia parent paying child support, you might wonder if and when you can stop paying this support. Terminating child support is not easy and is governed by state laws. An experienced Atlanta child support attorney can guide you through the process of terminating child support in Georgia and help you explore your legal options.
Whether you are seeking to modify an existing child support order or terminate it altogether, your attorney will provide the information you need to understand your options and make informed decisions.
What are the Child Support Laws in Georgia?
The Georgia child support laws establish the legal framework for determining and enforcing child support in the state.
In Georgia, child support is generally based on both parent’s income and the child’s needs. The Georgia child support guidelines provide a formula for calculating the amount of child support based on the parent’s income and the number of children involved. The Georgia child support calculator can help you estimate the amount of child support the courts might require in your case.
Georgia child support laws also provide for the enforcement of child support orders. If a parent fails to pay child support as required by a court order, the other parent or the state can take steps to enforce the order. In some cases, this may include wage garnishment, liens on property, and even criminal charges.
Georgia child support laws also allow for the modification of child support orders if the parties’ circumstances or the needs of the child change. If a parent wishes to modify a child support order, they must file a petition with the court and provide evidence of the changed circumstances. The court will review the petition and may hold a hearing to determine if a modification is appropriate.
Terminating Child Support in Georgia
In Georgia, child support is typically paid until a child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. However, this rule has some exceptions, and child support can continue beyond 18 in certain circumstances.
Under Georgia law, you can terminate child support if any of the following occurs:
- The child reaches 18 years of age
- The child is deceased
- The child gets married
- The child becomes emancipated
- The parent paying child support dies
- The parent with primary custody dies
- The parent paying child support obtains legal custody of the child
If you are seeking to terminate child support in Georgia, there are several steps you can take. First, you and your attorney must review your child support order to determine if it includes any provisions for termination or modification. Some orders may include language specifying when child support will end, such as upon the child’s graduation from high school or reaching a certain age. If your order does not include such provisions, or if you wish to terminate child support before the specified date, you must petition the court to modify the order.
It is important to note that you must continue paying child support unless a court modifies the existing child support orders.
The process for terminating or modifying child support orders is complex and time-consuming. If you are seeking to modify or terminate your child support order, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help?
A child support lawyer can help by providing legal representation and advice to individuals seeking to establish, modify, terminate, or enforce a child support order. They can also assist with negotiating settlement agreements, representing clients in court proceedings, and providing guidance on related legal issues.
Child support lawyers can help with a variety of matters, including:
- Determining the appropriate amount of child support based on the applicable state guidelines or laws
- Assisting with the process of establishing paternity (if necessary)
- Advising clients on their rights and responsibilities under a child support order
- Negotiating and drafting settlement agreements to resolve disputes over child support
- Representing clients in court proceedings to establish, modify, terminate, or enforce a child support order
- Guiding on related issues such as medical support, dental support, and educational expenses
Child support lawyers can provide valuable assistance to individuals seeking to ensure their children receive the financial support they need. They can also help protect the rights of parents who are paying child support and ensure that the terms of a child support order are fair and reasonable.
Contact Our Atlanta Child Support Attorneys
If you have questions about child support or family law matters, our Atlanta child support lawyers are here to help.
At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., our Atlanta child support attorneys can help you modify a child support order if applicable. We can also advocate for your parenting rights and protect your future during and after a divorce.
Call us at (770) 284-6153 or fill out our confidential contact form. We can set up a consultation so that you can review all your legal options.
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.
