How is Child Support Calculated When Each Parent Has Custody of One Child?
Georgia’s child support laws set forth uniform guidelines for calculating a parent’s basic child support obligation, as well as any deviations from that amount, both mandatory and non-mandatory. These guidelines assume that one parent has primary custody of the parties’ child or children in making the child support calculation. However, this calculation may not be so straightforward when each parent has primary custody of one child, or split custody, or where a child spends roughly the same amount of time with each parent, or joint custody.
Georgia law does permit parties to deviate from the basic child support obligation under the guidelines in some circumstances. For instance, if a parent spends a significant amount of time with a child that is beyond the typical parenting plan, the guidelines provide for a deviation from the basic child support amount that a parent is ordered to pay. Even if two parents spend roughly equivalent time with their child, the parent with the higher income likely will still be ordered to pay child support in some amount.
Likewise, a split custody arrangement necessitates a deviation from the basic child support obligation. This can be a complex calculation, however, especially when taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances surrounding your particular situation. This is why the advice of an attorney is necessary to ensuring that you arrive at the correct child support calculation in your case that both adequately provides financial support for your child and is in his or her best interest.
A Georgia child support lawyer can make all the difference in giving you the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about your child support case and any related issues.
Contact us or call today to learn how Shaw Law can work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you and your children.
Scott Shaw is founder and principle of Shaw Law Firm LLC, founded in 1995 and dedicated solely to divorce, family law and child custody matters that must be addressed and decided in the state of Georgia. Shaw Law Firm serves the greater Metro Atlanta area, particularly the counties of Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth, Paulding, Henry, Fayette, Coweta, Newton, Walton, Bartow and Douglas. Schedule a consultation today at 770-594-8309.