Your child deserves stability—and so do you.
Child support plays a critical role in ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. At Marple Smith Family Law, we help parents navigate the child support process with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to fairness. Whether you’re establishing a new order, seeking a modification, or dealing with enforcement, we work to protect your child’s best interests while helping you understand your rights and responsibilities under Georgia law.
How child support is calculated in Georgia
Georgia uses an “Income Shares” model to determine child support. This means the court considers both parents’ incomes to calculate an amount that reflects what the child would have received if the parents lived in the same household.
Several factors influence the final calculation, including:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income
- The number of children
- Custody and parenting time
- Costs related to health insurance and childcare
- Extraordinary expenses, such as medical needs or private education
The court may also apply deviations based on the specific circumstances of your case. We help you understand how these guidelines apply and what to expect during the process.
When support needs to change - or be enforced
It is common for financial or parenting circumstances to shift over time. If there has been a substantial change, either parent may request a modification of the current child support order.
Common reasons for modification include:
- A significant increase or decrease in income
- Changes in custody or parenting time
- Increased financial needs for the child
- A support order that is more than two years old
If child support is not being paid, Georgia courts offer legal remedies. These may include contempt actions, wage garnishment, license suspension, and more. Whether you are seeking enforcement or defending against it, we help you take the appropriate legal steps.
How does Marple Smith Family Law help with child support?
Our attorneys work with parents across Georgia to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders. We assist clients at every stage of the process, offering clear guidance and practical legal solutions.
We help clients:
- Calculate support accurately according to Georgia guidelines
- Negotiate fair and workable support agreements
- Seek or respond to modification requests
- Enforce unpaid child support
- Navigate disputes through negotiation or litigation
Our goal is to ensure that your child’s needs are met while protecting your rights under the law. We are here to help you move forward.