What Are Some Factors That May Be a Deviation From a Child Support Order?

Georgia’s child support guidelines provide for deviations from a party’s basic child support obligation, some of which may be ordered by the court, and others which may be agreed upon by the parties. The court will not order any deviation from the child support obligation unless it determines that the deviation would be in the best interest of the child. For instance, the court will not order a deviation if it determines that doing so would seriously impair the ability of the custodial parent to provide necessary support for the child.

One common deviation is based on the amount of parenting time exercised by the non-custodial parent. If the parent has parenting time with the parties’ child that is in excess of the standard amount of parenting time, that parent may be entitled to a deduction from his or her child support obligation. Other factors that might justify a deviation from the basic support amount may include payment of health insurance premiums, high or low income of one parent, life insurance premiums, tax credits, visitation-related travel expenses, alimony expenses, and extraordinary medical expenses for the parties’ child.

An Atlanta divorce lawyer at Shaw Law Firm can help advise you about handling child support orders in the midst of or following your divorce case.

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.