HANNAH C. PELHAM Attorney at Law

Child support is based on the combined gross monthly income of both parents, because both parents have a duty to financially support their children, pursuant to Georgia state law.

The payor parent may have to pay more or less than the basic child support obligation as provided under the Georgia child support guidelines.  However, the court must make written findings of fact justifying either an upward or downward award of child support.  The party claiming that she should receive more in child support than the guidelines provide, must put on proof of actually incurring these expenses.  We will ensure that his proof is not fraudulent or exaggerated, to protect your interests, if you are the party that is going to be required to pay child support.

We will also ask the court for a downward deviation from the basic child support obligation based on the percentage of time that the children spend with you, because we understand that it is important that you be able to adequately provide for your children when they are spending time with you.

Child support awards may also be modified based on a change of income, so long as the payor spouse is not voluntarily unemployed, or if there are a change in the needs of the children.

We work hard to protect your financial interests in child support determinations, and to ensure that the children are adequately provided for.

Originally posted 2009-04-30 12:39:16. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Parties can only petition the court for a modification of child support once every two years, but the noncustodial parent that pays child support may petition the court for modification at any time if there is a 25% decrease in his gross monthly income.

If you are obligated to pay child support and you lose your job, it is important that you ask the court to modify your child support obligation.  If you do not get your child support modified by the court, and you are unable to pay the child support ordered by the court, you could be found in contempt of court and ordered to jail.  It is important to note that the court must approve any agreements between the parents to modify child support.

Even if you have agreed with the noncustodial parent to lower your child support obligations, you could likely be found in contempt of court if the custodial parent decides to bring an action against you for arrears in child support, as originally ordered by the court.

At Hannah C. Pelham, P.C. we understand that you may be discouraged from contacting an attorney to help you get your child support obligation modified, that you may feel that you may not be able to afford an attorney to help you.  We will work with you to help you budget your legal fees.  Contact us today to see what we can do to help you!

Originally posted 2009-04-13 08:18:35. Republished by Old Post Promoter