Georgia Uncontested Divorce Attorneys and Lawyers
Call Now: 770-609-1247
Coleman Legal Group, LLC
Free Consultations:
Georgia Uncontested Divorce >>
The Georgia Child Support Commission issues the guidelines regarding child support. The guidelines at codified in O.C.G.A. § 19-6-53. The State of Georgia resolves the issue of child support by using an “income shares” model. This means both parents’ incomes are used to determine child support. The state guidelines mandate the universal use of a child support worksheet to input the income of both parents in order to determine the appropriate amount of child support. The worksheet generates an amount based on income and expenses paid towards caring for the children. The parent that has primary custody receives the child support payment from the other parent. Primary custody is calculated by counting the number of nights that each parent has the children for the year to determine which parent has more than 50% of the time. In many cases, this may come down to a mere difference of one night. The state requires the worksheet be turned into the judge before the judge can sign off on a settlement agreement or issue a final divorce decree.
In the Context of a Georgia Uncontested Divorce
In a Georgia uncontested divorce, the parties can decide on the amount of child support that will be paid and other details such as:
- the length of time it will be paid, so long as it does not violate Georgia law
- how it will be paid, and whether an income deduction order will be required
- whether it will be paid at the first of the month, end of the month, or broken down into two or more payments each month
In any event, the court will generally approve an agreement between the parties in a Georgia uncontested divorce that is reasonable and does not violate applicable Georgia law. However, the Georgia uncontested divorce courts are strict in their application of child support law and the pleadings required to be filed with the court.
What Qualifies as Income?
Income, for the purposes of the child support worksheet, is both parties’ total gross income before tax deductions. Income includes, not only salaries, but also bonuses, commissions, accrued interest, income from investment properties, unemployment, pensions and retirement, and social security. All income must be reported. Failing to do so will be considered fraud by the court.
The worksheet will also take into account any other children outside of the marriage when calculating the available income. If there are other children in the household that one party of which one party has primary custody from another marriage or if one party pays child support for children from another marriage, this will be factored against the party’s gross income.
What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?
Child support is typically calculated to cover the basic needs of the child such as food, clothing, healthcare, etc. The state will not require that child support be paid to cover private school or college but the parties may agree to pay for these expenses. After entering the income and expenses, the worksheet will generate a presumptive child support amount. This amount may then fluctuate based on additional variables.
When one party agrees to pay for extra expenses such as additional education, extra curricular activities, childcare, or medical care not covered by insurance, the court will view this extra expense as a “deviation”. Additionally, the parent that carries the children on their insurance policy will be allowed a deviation. All deviations are added to the worksheet and will count toward each party’s mandated child support amount. Any deviations entered must be found to be in the best interest of the children and all deviations must be documented via receipts or bank statements. A parent may choose to stipulate a cap on the amount that he or she is willing to pay towards deviations. Anything in excess of the cap, must then be paid by the primary parent. Child support is paid until the last child turns eighteen. The more parenting time that is spent with the child, the more likely the court will allow that parent a downward deviation. The primary parent receiving child support is not required to show the court how the child support payments are being spent.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Agreement
Modifications can be made to a child support agreement under certain circumstances. A modification request can be made every two years and requires a “substantial change in circumstances”. A substantial change means a material event such a job loss or a large promotion. Generally, it will mean roughly a 25% increase or decrease in income. A modification may also be requested if one party does not exercise the amount of custody that was awarded. For example, if one parent is awarded 49% custody and only exercises 25% for the year, the primary parent ends up with the children for 75% of the year. The primary parent must bear that unanticipated cost of the extra time spent caring for the children and a modification of the support agreement would be appropriate.
In addition, a “substantial change in circumstances” can include (but is not limited to) the following:
- a change in the custody or parenting time with the child(ren)
- one of the children turns eighteen, or otherwise child support is no longer required
- the needs of a child have changed due to age, health, or activities
- one of the parties has moved, or will need to move
Conclusion – Georgia Uncontested Divorce Child Support Requirements
The child support worksheet is generally a straight-forward remedy for calculating child support payments. The addition of deviations allows for some flexibility within the worksheet. In a Georgia uncontested divorce, the parties can usually reach an agreement regarding child support that the court will approve. Your attorney is best equipped to assist in filling in the child support worksheet to ensure you get credit for all expenses paid towards the care of your child.
Give us a call at 770-609-1247 to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Georgia uncontested divorce attorneys.
Georgia Areas We Serve
Coleman Legal Group, LLC’s Georgia uncontested divorce attorneys handles cases in the following cities and communities: Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming, Sharon Springs, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Woodstock, Canton, Holly Springs, Douglasville, Kennesaw, Gainesville, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Midtown, Inman Park, Duluth, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Vinings, East Cobb and Smyrna.
Our Georgia uncontested divorce lawyers frequently handle cases for clients residing in the following counties: Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cobb, DeKalb, Henry, Cherokee, Douglas, Carroll, Coweta, Paulding, Bartow, Hall, Barrow, Walton, Newton, Rockdale, Henry, Spalding, Fayette and Clayton.
Our main office is located in Alpharetta Georgia at: 11539 Park Woods Circle, Suite 304, Alpharetta, GA 30005. We also have offices conveniently located at:
| Alpharetta Georgia Park Woods Commons 11539 Park Woods Circle Suite 304 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Phone: 770-609-1247 | Map |
Atlanta Georgia |
| Dunwoody, Sandy Springs GA 400, Atlanta Georgia 1200 Abernathy Rd Building 600 Atlanta, GA 30328 Phone: 770-609-1247 | Map |
Cumming Georgia |
| Johns Creek, Duluth GA 11555 Medlock Bridge Road Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Phone: 770-609-1247 | Map |
Duluth Georgia |
| Kennesaw Georgia TownPark Center 125 TownPark Drive Suite 300 Kennesaw, GA 30144 Phone: 770-609-1247 | Map |
Lawrenceville |
Copyright © 2023 | Coleman Legal Group, LLC | All Rights Reserved. Coleman Legal Group, LLC • 11539 Park Woods Circle, Suite 304 • Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 • 770-609-1247 DISCLAIMER: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
