Child Support
Child support is the right of a child and the obligation to pay child support is not excused because of the custodial parent's failure to meet an obligation. The recommended guidelines for Georgia became effective October 1, 1987.
The child support is computed by multiplying the obligor's gross income by a percentage base on the number of children that will receive the support. These percentages are:
Number of
children |
Percentage of Income |
1
2
3
4
5 or more |
17 to 23 percent
23 to 28 percent
25 to 32 percent
29 to 35 percent
31 to 37 percent |
There must be special circumstances to justify an award different from these recommended guidelines.
The recommended guidelines will be changed effective January 1, 2007 and the new guidelines shall apply to all pending actions on or after January 1, 2007. Under the new guidelines, the formula and method will be changed. The income of the custodial parent as well as the income of the non-custodial parent will be considered. It is anticipated that the new law will mean less child support for certain groups.
Contact a Atlanta child support lawyer at Peterson & Harris today to discuss your family law case.