What is child support used for in Georgia custody cases?
Key Takeaways
- Child support is payment that a court orders one parent to make to the other to help cover their share of the costs of raising the child.
- Most often, child support is used to help pay for things like food, clothing, housing, educational needs, and healthcare.
- Georgia courts determine child support by using a child support worksheet. These guidelines take into account various factors about the child and the parents.
What is child support?
Child support is a legal obligation where one parent must make payments to their co-parent to help raise their shared child. In most instances, the noncustodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent (the one whom the child lives with the majority of the time). This is because that parent typically pays for more of the child’s needs.
What is child support used for?
According to the Supreme Court of Georgia, child support guidelines are designed to ensure that adequate support is provided for children whose parents have divorced or separated. The support helps ensure the child’s welfare remains protected.
Child support is used to pay for the expenses of caring for a child. These expenses can vary and may include:
- Housing costs
- Food
- Clothing
- Educational expenses
- Healthcare
- Child care
Get the right lawyer for your custody case
Schedule a free 15-min call with our team today
Get started
How is child support determined?
Georgia courts use a child support worksheet to calculate child support. These guidelines take into account factors such as:
- The child’s age
- Each parent’s gross income
- Who pays for the child’s health insurance
- If the child has extraordinary medical expenses or any other special expenses
- Who pays for any incurring child care costs such as day care, private school tuition, tutoring, etc.
It also considers whether a parent:
- Has any other children living in the home
- Pays child support for other children
- Is considered a “low-income” earner
- Has “extended” parenting time with a child that results in the parent incurring expenses beyond what is traditionally expected
- Incurs travel costs associated with visiting the child (if they’re the noncustodial parent)
Need help with your custody case?
Custody cases can be complex. A lawyer can help you and your employer prepare the proper documentation, meet deadlines, and avoid costly mistakes. Marble is here to guide you through every step, making the custody case process smoother and more efficient.
Quality legal care for life’s ups and downs
Our services
Client support
Disclaimer
Legal information