Child Support

Atlanta Child Support Lawyers

Seasoned Counsel in Metro Atlanta & Throughout Georgia

When parents separate or divorce, financial support for their children becomes one of the most important, and often contested, issues to resolve. Child support is not just a legal obligation; it is a crucial tool for meeting the daily needs of children as they transition between two households.

At Eittreim Martin Cutler, LLC, we help parents navigate Georgia’s child support system with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities and a strong focus on the children's best interests. Because our firm handles family law issues exclusively, we are well-versed in Georgia law, court policy and procedure, and how to achieve optimum outcomes.

Book a confidential phone, office, or virtual consultation with a Georgia child support attorney. Call (770) 574-6473 or connect with us online for help.

When Does Child Support Become an Issue?

Child support becomes a legal issue anytime parents of minor children no longer live together. Whether the parents were married or never married, the noncustodial parent is generally expected to contribute financially to support the child’s upbringing. Child support can be addressed during divorce, separate maintenance cases, custody proceedings, or paternity actions.

In Georgia, parents must support their children until they are 18 or until they graduate from high school. Some exceptions may apply, and a child support award can go beyond 18 in a few circumstances.

Who Pays Child Support?

Typically, the parent with less physical parenting time (the noncustodial parent) will pay child support to the custodial parent, who provides the child’s primary residence. However, Georgia law focuses on the income of both parents and the time each spends with the child to determine the appropriate amount.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Georgia?

Georgia uses the “income shares model,” which considers both parents’ incomes and the number of children supported to determine a fundamental support obligation. This model intends to ensure that the child receives the same proportion of parental income they would receive if the parents lived together.

Key factors considered in the calculation include:

Gross monthly income of both parents
Cost of health insurance and childcare
Number of children being supported
Parenting time allocation
Any pre-existing child support or alimony obligations

Once these numbers are entered into the official Georgia Child Support Guidelines calculator, it produces a presumptive amount of support.

Continue Reading Read Less

Can the Presumptive Amount Be Changed?

Georgia courts can deviate from the calculated amount when exceptional circumstances apply. These deviations may be upward or downward and must be justified with specific findings.

Common reasons for deviation include:

High medical or educational expenses for the child
Extraordinary travel expenses for visitation
A child’s special needs or disabilities
A significant disparity in parental incomes
Significant parenting time that reduces the custodial parent’s financial burden

While the court may adjust the child support amount, any deviation must serve the child's best interests and be supported by evidence.

Guiding Families Through Life’s Difficult Moments

Legal Support with Empathy and Expertise
We understand that family matters are deeply personal. Our team offers honest, compassionate legal guidance to help you feel supported and confident every step of the way.
Proudly Serving Families Throughout Georgia
Based in the Atlanta community, we’re here for the families who call this city home. Whether you're in the city or the suburbs, we bring trusted legal care to your corner of Georgia.
Here for Life’s Toughest Turning Points
Divorce, custody, and major life changes can feel overwhelming. We’re here to walk with you through uncertainty, offering steady legal guidance and unwavering support.
Focused Solely on Family Law Cases
Family law isn’t just what we do, it’s all we do. Our exclusive focus means you get dedicated expertise for even the most complex and emotionally charged situations.

How Eittreim Martin Cutler, LLC Can Help

Whether you seek to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, having experienced legal counsel is essential. Our attorneys bring decades of family law experience to each case.

The child support guidelines are complex, and numerous factors can justify increasing or decreasing the support amount. Skilled legal advocacy is essential to navigating these nuances effectively. Our attorneys are adept at handling child support matters, particularly in high-income cases where the statutory guidelines are less prescriptive and strategic arguments are crucial to achieving a fair outcome.

Child support matters are too crucial to navigate alone. Let our team help you secure a solution that supports your child’s needs while protecting your rights.

Call us at (770) 574-6473 or reach us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an Atlanta child support attorney today.