Decatur Lawyers for Child Support Solutions
When dealing with child support issues, it is important to think ahead. How will the decisions you make today affect your children far in the future? As your children grow older, their interests change and their financial needs tend to grow. As today's day-care expenses become the costs of college tomorrow, it is important to work with an attorney who takes your child's future into account.
At Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell, we take a forward-thinking approach to Georgia child support matters. Since 1960, we have used this approach to help our clients achieve the best possible results — from an initial determination of child support in a divorce, to modification of that support as your child's needs change.
What You Should Know About Changes in Georgia Child Support Law
Before 2007, the Georgia child support guidelines allowed a judge to take the noncustodial parent's income into account when calculating child support. Although a judge could consider this a factor, it was rarely done.
On January 1, 2007, the law on Georgia child support changed significantly. It made both parents' incomes mandatory factors for calculating the amount of child support owed. This "joint income shares model" takes into account both incomes as well as other factors, including health insurance, summer camp and day-care costs.
The new guidelines also allow judges to consider certain discretionary factors, like parenting time — the amount of time that one parent spends caring for the child. The result is that parents wanting to achieve the best possible results need a strong advocate on their side, an attorney who makes sure that the judge understands exactly how the discretionary factors should be applied.
At Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell, we have kept current on the new guidelines, and we serve as strong advocates who know how to get the best possible results under current law.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
In Georgia, modification of child support may be allowed if there is a significant change of income for one or both parents. If you need a modification of child support for any reason, our attorneys will work closely with you to achieve your goals.
Contact the Lawyers at Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell
Client access to skilled attorneys has always been — and continues to be — of primary importance to our Decatur, Georgia, law firm. To talk with us about your legal concerns, contact us by e-mail or by phone at 404.418.8353 or toll free at 888.524.3986.
