Child support decisions require courts to balance a child’s needs with what parents can afford to pay. What should parents know about these complex calculations?
How do Georgia courts calculate child support?
Georgia courts use the Income Shares Model to determine the amount of child support. This calculation is based on the financial support the child would receive if the parents were in the same household.
First, the court adds up the gross income of both parents. Gross income includes wages, bonuses and other earnings before taxes. Then, the court uses the state’s Child Support Obligation Table to estimate a child’s expenses based on the combined income and the number of children involved.
Once they know the total child support needed, the court splits this amount between the parents. They do this by looking at how much each parent earns compared to the total income. For example, if one parent makes 60% of the total income, they will be responsible for 60% of financial support for their child.
What other factors could influence support calculations?
The court may also make changes to this amount based on special circumstances. For example, if one parent has a greater share of parenting time, they may receive more than if the parents had equal time with their child. In other cases, a child with greater needs – for example, a child with a costly medical condition – may require more financial support overall because of those needs.
A fair amount of support will look different for every family
It is important for parents to have a clear picture of their finances and an understanding of the law when approaching child support decisions. A family law attorney can be an important guide during this time. With the right guidance and information, parents can focus on fairness and making sure the child’s best interests come first.