Trying to agree upon the amount of child support can contribute to a messy, stressful divorce. Fortunately, Georgia courts determine the amount based on the Income Shares Model and other factors. Keep reading to learn more about the Income Share Model and child support in Georgia:

What is the Income Shares Model?

The Income Shares Model approximates how much money the parents would spend on a child per month if they were not divorced. Afterward, each parent’s income is assessed, and the amount determined by the Model is split proportionately between the non-custodial and custodial parent.

What roles do the non-custodial and custodial have in this Model?

According to the Model, the non-custodial parent is the obligator, the person who is charged with paying child support. This is because the custodial parent normally has over 50% of physical custody of the children. Because of the increase in time spent with the children, the custodial parent may encounter more financial obligations. Therefore, the non-custodial parent pays child support to balance the financial responsibilities.

What happens if the non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support?

Georgia courts have little tolerance to non-custodial parents refusing to pay child support or quitting their high-income job so that payments “cannot” be made. If the court decides the non-custodial parent is trying to work the system, the court will decree that the non-custodial parent must pay the same amount of child support with or without a job. If you’re the custodial parent and your ex-spouse is refusing to pay child support, talk to a lawyer right away.

Can child support be modified?

There are various reasons why child support payments are adjusted such as remarriage, substantial changes in parenting time, involuntary job loss, and other factors. Once child support is modified, it cannot be changed for at least two years (unless significant changes occur in one parent’s life).

Talk to Your Georgia Divorce Attorneys Today: 770-225-7000.