If you have children and are getting a divorce in Georgia, then you will either receive child support or pay it. This is standard. Child support helps to provide for the children and ensures both parents maintain financial responsibility for the children. The state has a formula it uses to determine how much child support you will pay or receive.
The Georgia Child Support Commission explains that the state uses an income shares formula to determine child support. This means that each parent’s income figures into the amount of support the court orders. The exact formula for figuring support is complex. The state provides worksheets to assist with figuring it out.
There is also an online calculator that you can input your information into to get an estimate of the support you may receive or pay. The good thing about this tool is it is kept up to date with any changes in the law, so the estimates are fairly accurate.
You will need information concerning your income and your child’s other parent’s income. You will need to know health insurance costs and childcare costs as well. You need to provide the number of children you have as well. If you do not know the other parent’s income information, the calculator can still give you an estimate based on your income and the number of children only.
Keep in mind, you may also get adjustments for other children for which you pay child support and if the other parent is not currently earning an income. The most accurate calculations come from a judge who has access to all the needed information. This information is for education only and is not legal advice.
