Child Support Lawyers in Metro-Atlanta, Alpharetta & Surrounding Counties Offering You and Your Children Support

No parent wants to have to go through a child support case, but when you do, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. The process can be complicated and confusing, but a good attorney will help make sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible for you and your children.

As a parent, you have an obligation to support your children both financially and emotionally. When two parents are no longer together, the process of determining child support can be complicated and frustrating. That’s where a skilled child support attorney can help.

At Hecht Family Law, we understand the importance of providing for your children. We’ll work hard to ensure that you receive the child support you need, and your children deserve. We’ll also guide you through every step of the process, answering any questions you may have along the way. Don’t go through this difficult time alone – let us help you protect your children’s future. Contact us today at (470) 291-5342 for a consultation.

What is Child Support?

Child support is the money that a non-custodial parent pays to help support their child or children. In Georgia, both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially. This includes providing for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education expenses.

The amount of child support that a non-custodial parent will have to pay is determined by the Georgia Child Support Commission. These guidelines take into account each parent’s income, the number of children involved, the amount of time each child spends with each parent, and any other special circumstances that may apply.

It’s important to note that child support does not include expenses such as extracurricular activities or private school tuition. These are considered to be discretionary expenses, and each parent is responsible for paying their share.

How is Child Support Determined?

There are a few different ways that child support can be decided. In some cases, the parents may be able to agree on their own. If they are unable to do so, the court will step in and make a decision.

In making its decision, the court will consider many factors, including each parent’s income, the needs of the child or children, and the amount of time each child spends with each parent. The court will also take into account any special circumstances that may apply, such as whether one parent has primary custody or if there is a significant disparity in the parents’ incomes.

Once the court has made its decision, it will issue a child support order. This order will outline the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent will be responsible for paying. It will also specify how often the payments must be made and how they should be made (e.g., by check, direct deposit, etc.).

If the non-custodial parent fails to make the required child support payments, they may be subject to enforcement measures. These can include wage garnishment, seizure of property, or denial of passports. In some cases, the non-custodial parent may even be jailed.

Can Child Support be Changed Over Time?

The law provides that child support may be modified by the court upon a showing of changed circumstances. The changed circumstances must have occurred since the last order was entered and must be substantial. Some examples of changed circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• The loss of a job
• A significant change in income
• An increase in the cost of living
• A change in custody arrangements
• A change in the needs of the child (e.g., medical expenses)

If you believe that your child support order should be modified, you should contact a Georgia child support lawyer to discuss your case.

If the other parent refuses to pay court-ordered child support, some enforcement actions can be taken. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) has many tools at its disposal to enforce child support orders, including:

• Withholding money from the delinquent parent’s wages
• Taking money from the delinquent parent’s tax refunds
• Suspending the delinquent parent’s driver’s license or professional license
• Reporting the delinquent parent to credit agencies
• Filing a contempt action against the delinquent parent

If you are owed child support, you should contact a Georgia child support lawyer to discuss your enforcement options.

How Can a Child Support Attorney Help?

A child support lawyer can help you in several ways. If you are seeking child support, a lawyer can assist you in calculating the amount you are owed and filing the necessary paperwork with the court. If you are a non-custodial parent, a lawyer can help you to negotiate a fair and reasonable child support agreement with the other parent.

If you are already paying or receiving child support and believe that the amount should be changed, a lawyer can help you to file a petition for modification with the court. If the other parent has failed to pay court-ordered child support, a lawyer can help you to enforce the order through one of the methods described above.

No matter what your situation may be, a child support lawyer can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and ensure that your child or children are taken care of. If you have any questions about child support in Georgia or if you need assistance with a child support matter, please contact Hecht Family Law at (470) 291-5342. We are here to help.