Family Law

Child Support Modification

Both parents are responsible for the support of their minor children. When the children live with one parent, the court orders the other parent to pay a monthly sum for child support. Effective January 1, 2007 the Georgia Child Support Guidelines significantly changed. In determining child support under the new guidelines, the incomes of both the custodial and non-custodial parents will be taken into consideration, along with numerous other factors. This income sharing approach involves looking at the income of both parents rather than just the income of the non-custodial parent. The new guidelines will have the biggest impact on high income earners and divorced parents that both work.

When circumstances change, either spouse can request an adjustment in the amount of child support paid, which is referred to as modification. Generally speaking, the custodial parent will request a modification if the non-custodial parent has an increase in income, and the non-custodial parent will request a modification when he or she has a decrease in income. The non-custodial parent may also petition for modification for other substantial changes, such as the birth of a child that he or she is financially responsible for or the remarriage of the custodial parent. Note, however, that the new guidelines alone are not considered a substantial change in circumstances warranting a modification of child support.

Although divorce is the most common situation when child support becomes an issue, other situations where the issue of child support is raised include paternity suits, or domestic violence cases resulting in a restraining order against one parent.

If you have questions regarding the new child support guidelines, or if you would like to request a modification of a current child support order, the family at Meriwether & Tharp can assist you. To speak to a member of our team, you can call our office at (678) 879-9000 or e-mail us at familylaw@mtlawoffice.com to schedule an appointment to meet with someone on our family law team. We do charge for the consultations at our normal hourly rate. We would also be happy to discuss any potential implications the new child support guidelines may have on your current support obligations. Please bring to your appointment the child support order you wish to have modified, as well as other child support orders currently in place.

Georgia Attorneys providing legal services in the areas of Business Transactions, Business Litigation, and Family Law, from divorce to child support, in the Atlanta metro area including, but not limited to Alpharetta, Buford, Canton, Cumming, Decatur, Roswell, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Duluth, Dunwoody, Woodstock, Milton, and Johns Creek.