Our Attorneys Seek, Enforce And Modify Child Support Orders
Last updated on April 6, 2026
If you are ready to discuss the particular circumstances of your child support issue, whether as part of a divorce or resulting from a paternity action outside of marriage, you can trust our Marietta child support lawyers’ 50-plus combined years experience, in-depth knowledge of Georgia child support guidelines and reputation for results.
The lawyers at Hill Macdonald, LLC, realize that child support issues can involve contentious discussions and strong emotions. We will work hard on your behalf to see that your goals are realized and that any divorce order or modifications are done in the best interests of your child.
We invite you to read about us – and what our satisfied clients say about us – to find out more about how we can help you with child support issues or any aspect of divorce.
Child Support And Modifications: Serving Marietta And Surrounding Areas
In determining an appropriate level of child support, courts take into account the incomes of both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent. Georgia law assumes that children will spend significant periods of time with both parents, even when one parent is designated the custodial parent. In many cases, noncustodial parents (often fathers) are required to pay less under the current guidelines, and custodial parents will receive less. To learn an estimate of child support obligations under the current guidelines, see Georgia’s online child support calculator.
In addition to parents’ incomes, courts consider the amount that each parent pays for health insurance, medical care, day care and a child’s extracurricular activities. Any unusual circumstances, such as necessary tutoring or summer day care needs, may mean that a deviation from the basic child support obligation is in order.
If a disagreement over appropriate levels of child support is holding up your Georgia divorce; if a dramatic change in lifestyle may require a modification of child support or child custody responsibilities; or if child support obligations have not been met and a judgment enforcement is necessary, we are here to help.
Answers To Common Custody And Support Questions
It’s natural to have many questions when going through a child custody or support matter. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from clients and prospective clients.
What is the most likely custody arrangement in Georgia?
As mentioned above, Georgia courts are required to make custody decisions in the best interests of children. In many cases, judges find that keeping both parents actively involved is in the children’s best interests (barring a history of neglect, abuse or other problems). Therefore, the most likely outcome would be some sort of shared physical custody between the two parents along with shared legal custody (decision-making authority).
Because it is difficult to split time perfectly equally, it is likely that one parent will be given a greater share of physical custody, but both parents would nonetheless remain a regular presence for their kids.
Is it possible to change custody or support arrangements later on?
Yes, it is, under certain conditions and circumstances. If either parent has experienced a material change that will have an impact on the well-being of the child or children, they or the other parent can petition the court to modify the custody or support order.
Reasons to modify a support order could include a job loss or a substantial change in income. Reasons to modify the custody order could include one parent’s need or desire to relocate with the kids or significant changes in their ability to care for their children due to time or health constraints. We discuss this topic in greater detail on our modifications page.
Does the child get to decide who they live with in Georgia?
The answer is yes, with some important qualifications. First of all, under Georgia law, the child must be age 14 or older to have their stated preference honored. Even then, a judge can decide to overrule the child’s decision if such an arrangement would not be in the child’s best interest.
The important takeaway is that a custody case is not open-and-shut just because a teenager knows which parent they would like to live with after the divorce. It will be important to demonstrate that the preferred arrangement will meet the “best interests” standard.
Contact Hill Macdonald, LLC, Today – Experienced Child Support Lawyers
Evening And Weekend Appointments By Request
Contact our Georgia family law office online today, or call toll free at 770-679-2177 to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced attorneys. We respond promptly to all messages we receive.
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