Child Support Lawyer Lawrenceville

Calculating the dollars, and making sense

The state of Georgia aims to base child support on a straight-forward numerical calculation. However, the numbers can be confusing and a non-cooperative spouse may make it impossible to determine the correct amount. That is why it is important for you to speak with the team at Stepp Law, Attorneys and Counselors at Law. Our office helps parents navigate divorce and child support and advocates for children caught in the middle.

Assessing your financial obligations

The state expects both parents to financially support their child. Child support is not allowance or spending money. It is designed to pay for a child’s portion of household costs such as rent, food, clothing and medical care.

Since 1997, Georgia law has mandated that child support be calculated as a percentage of both parent’s gross income. The parent who pays the child’s medical insurance and child care expenses is entitled to certain exceptions and credits. On occasion the calculation includes credits for extraordinary medical or educational expenses. The parents’ obligation continues until the child graduates from high school, if he or she turns 18 while still in high school. The Georgia Child Support Commission has an extensive website with an online calculator and information.

A court has the final word on child support obligations. Stepp Law will be at your side to guide you from the pre-trial custody and child support hearings through the end of your divorce.

Enforcing child support

Has your former spouse stopped paying child support or owe you back support? You have options. As your attorneys, we advocate for your child to receive financial support. Options for getting payment include:

Filing a contempt of court action
Withholding child support from paychecks and other forms of income
Taking money from tax refunds
Filing liens against bank accounts
Reporting parents who owe money to credit bureaus
Getting a person’s passport, driver’s license, or other kinds of licenses (professional, hunting, fishing, etc.) revoked.

A skilled divorce attorney at Stepp Law can analyze the obligations due to your child and work aggressively on your behalf to help you achieve your goals as part of your support and property division arrangements. Likewise, if you believe your child support payment obligation is incorrect, we fight to have the amount corrected.

Modifying support

Either parent has the right to ask the courts or Division of Child Support Services to modify child support orders every three years, or within three years if there has been a major change of financial circumstances. Our office is experienced in handling these requests.

Contact Lawrenceville child support attorney for a free initial consultation