What Expenses Are Covered by Child Support in Georgia?

When a court orders child support in Georgia, the amount does not come out of thin air. It is based on a calculation that considers the specific financial needs of the children and the parents’ respective financial circumstances. But what exactly is that monthly amount is meant to cover? If you are paying child support in Atlanta, understanding what your monthly child support obligation is designed to cover, and what expenses may fall outside of it can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities.

The Basic Support Obligation Covers Everyday Living Costs

Georgia uses what is called the Income Shares Model to calculate child support, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. This model considers both parents’ gross monthly incomes, combines those incomes, and applies the combined amount to Georgia’s statutory child support schedule to determine the Basic Child Support Obligation. That basic obligation is intended to account for a child’s ordinary living expenses, including necessities such as food, clothing, housing, and other routine Costs. Each parent is generally responsible for a proportionate share of the basic obligation based on that parent’s percentage of the parties’ combined income.

Health Insurance and Childcare Are Added on Top

The Basic Child Support Obligation is only the starting point. Georgia’s child support guidelines also account for certain additional expenses when calculating the final support amount. These include the cost of the child’s health insurance premium when coverage is reasonably available at a reasonable cost, as well as work related childcare expenses, such as daycare orafter school care needed in order for a parent to work or attend job training. these expenses are generally allocated between the parents based on their respective incomes and are incorporated into the child support worksheet. As a result, the monthly child support amount may be higher than the Basic Child Support Obligation alone would suggest.

What About Medical Bills, Extracurriculars, and Other Costs?

Beyond the basic support obligation, health insurance, and childcare, Georgia’s child support guidelines recognizes several other expenses that may affect the final support amount. Depending on the circumstances of the case, some expenses may be allocated between the parents, while others may support a deviation from the standard guideline amount. These additional expenses often include:

• Uninsured medical expenses, including copayments, deductibles, orthodontic treatment, and therapy/counseling with a mental health professional;
• Special or extraordinary educational expenses, such as private school tuition or tutoring;
• Extracurricular activities including sports, music lessons, or summer camp, which may be considered when determining an appropiate deviation; and
• Travel expenses realated to parenting time, particularly when parents live far apart.

Because these expenses can significantly affect the amount t a parent ultimately pays or receives, it is important to understand which costs are included in the calculations, which may be allocated separately, and which could justify s deviation from the standard child support amount. Your specific situation matters a great deal!

Why the Details Matter More Than You Might Think

It is easy to assume that child support is a flat number handed down by the court. In reality, the calculation is much more nuanced. Two families with similar incomes can have very different child support obligations depending on factors such as health insurance premiums, childcare expenses, and whether to the circumstances support a deviation from the standard guidelines. Whether you are the parent paying child support or the parent receiving child support, understanding what the monthly obligation is intended to cover, and which expenses are not, can help you identify potential errors and advocate for a fair and accurate support order.

Contact Us Today for Guidance

Calculating child support involves more moving parts than many parents realize, and even small errors in income reporting or expense documentation can add up over time. Our attorney’s at Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French are solution oriented and ready to help you understand what your child support order should include and whether the calculation accurately reflects your family’s circumstances. Reach out to our team today to discuss your situation and make sure your child’s needs are fully accounted for.

Source:

law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-19/chapter-6/section-19-6-15/