Jonesboro and McDonough Child Support Attorney
A fair and equitable child support plan should protect your rights and the rights of your children. On January 1st, 2007 the State of Georgia began using a new statute regarding the way in which child support is calculated. At the Jonesboro offices of Randall L. Keen, P.C., we can help you understand the recent changes and work within the new process.
Old Child Support Laws
In order to understand the changes in child support determinations, it is important to understand the old laws. Child support used to be based almost entirely on the income of the supporting parent. Each child of the parent was worth a certain percentage of his or her income and they made payments accordingly. There were only a few special circumstances which allowed for deviation from this plan.
New Child Support Laws
The new laws take into account that children become accustomed to a certain lifestyle based on the combined income of their two parents. Payment percentages are now determined by the combined parental income and many other factors, such as:
- Health insurance expenses
- Daycare expenses
- Children from another marriage
- And more
There are schedules and worksheets that must be completed which give an overview of the income, and other factors, of each parent. The worksheets are consolidated by the lawyers or a judge and a support plan is established.
Child Support Modification
To bring a modification of a child support award, regardless of the length of time since the award was established, there must be a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status, or the needs of the child. In addition, there are many other considerations when determining if a modification is right for you under the new law.
Contact Us
Whether you are looking to develop a fair and equitable child support plan to protect the rights of your children, or you have questions about the new laws that govern child support, we can help. Contact the Jonesboro offices of Randall L. Keen, Attorney at Law, today.
Randall L. Keen, P.C.
23 Lee Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Toll Free: 866-616-2496
Phone: 770-884-6873
Fax: 770-473-1078
The Jonesboro, Georgia office of Randall L. Keen, P.C., serves clients throughout Peachtree City, Forest Park, Riverdale, Fayetteville, McDonough, Stockbridge, Morrow, Tyrone, Hampton, Locust Grove, Lake City, Lovejoy, Clayton County, Henry County, Fayette County, and the South Atlanta Metro area.