Atlanta Child Support Attorney

Dedicated Child Support Lawyers Serving Clients in Atlanta, Georgia

In Georgia, child support is not optional—it is the right of the child. Both parents share a legal duty to provide financial support, regardless of whether they were ever married. Determining the correct amount of support, however, is one of the most contested and stressful issues in family law. Having an experienced Atlanta child support attorney by your side can make a significant difference in ensuring a fair outcome.

How Georgia Calculates Child Support

Georgia follows the Income Shares Model for calculating child support. This means the combined income of both parents is used to determine the basic child support obligation, which is then divided proportionally based on each parent’s share of the total income.

When calculating support, Georgia courts consider:

• Each parent’s gross monthly income (wages, bonuses, self-employment, pensions, investments, etc.)
• Number of children requiring support
• Parenting time and physical custody arrangements
• Health insurance premiums for the child
• Work-related childcare expenses
• Financial obligations to other children not shared between the parents
• Extraordinary expenses, such as private school tuition or special medical needs

While Georgia provides a Child Support Calculator and worksheets under O.C.G.A §19-6-15, these tools can be complex. Our attorneys routinely use them in court and negotiations, and we know when and how deviations may apply.

What Counts as Income

Not all income is straightforward. Courts may include wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, commissions, investment income, retirement benefits, and even unemployment compensation. Disputes often arise when one parent is self-employed, underreporting income, or receiving irregular bonuses. Our Atlanta divorce attorneys can help ensure all sources of income are fully considered so child support is fair to your child.

When Exceptions or Deviations Apply

The guideline amount is a starting point, but it does not always fit every family. Judges may approve deviations when:

• A child has special medical or educational needs
• One parent is facing financial hardship or unemployment
• Extended visitation or long-distance parenting arrangements increase costs
• A parent provides extraordinary extracurricular or educational expenses

In these cases, we help clients gather the documentation and evidence needed to justify a deviation.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

When payments stop, the burden on the custodial parent can be overwhelming. Georgia law provides strong enforcement tools, including wage garnishment, property liens, license suspensions, and contempt of court actions. While the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) can help, working with our attorneys often leads to faster results and more tailored solutions. We regularly assist parents in recovering unpaid child support.

Modifying an Existing Order

Life rarely stays the same after a divorce or custody order. Child support may be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, disability, a significant increase in income, or new medical expenses for the child. Parents who gain or lose substantial parenting time may also qualify for modification. Georgia law generally limits requests to once every two years, unless a parent has suffered a major loss of income.

How Long Support Lasts

Most child support orders remain in effect until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. In some cases, support may continue until age 20 if the child is still in school, or up to age 21 if enrolled part-time in college or vocational training. Support can also end earlier if a child becomes legally emancipated through marriage, military service, or a court order.

Paternity and Child Support

For unmarried parents, child support cannot be ordered until paternity is established. This may happen voluntarily through an acknowledgment or through a court-ordered DNA test. Establishing paternity is an important step because it secures a child’s right to financial support, health insurance, and inheritance rights.

Local Insight for Atlanta Families

The family law attorneys at Naggiar & Sarif regularly represent parents in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County courts. Each court has its own filing requirements and procedures, and knowing the local rules helps us move cases forward efficiently.

Atlanta Child Support FAQs

How is child support determined?
It’s based on both parents’ gross income, custody arrangements, and necessary expenses like childcare and health insurance.

Can child support be changed if my income changes?
Yes. If there is a substantial change in circumstances, you can ask the court for a modification. Read more about modifying child support in this blog post.

What if the other parent refuses to pay?
Courts can enforce orders through wage garnishment, contempt, and other penalties.

Does child support cover college expenses?
Support usually ends at 18 or graduation, but may continue through age 21 if the child is enrolled in school.

Talk to an Atlanta Child Support Attorney Today

Whether you need help calculating child support, modifying an existing order, or enforcing payment, our attorneys at Naggiar & Sarif are here to guide you. Our Atlanta family law attorneys handle complex cases involving high-income parents, professional athletes, and children with special needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get experienced guidance for your child support matter.