Columbus Georgia Child Support Lawyer

Family Law Attorney in Columbus, GA

Columbus, GA Family Lawyer | The Law Offices of Scot Sikes

Welcome to Law Offices of Scot Sikes, your trusted source for child support representation in Columbus, Georgia. If you are facing child support issues, we understand the emotional and financial impact it can have on your family. Our experienced team of legal professionals is here to guide you through the complexities of child support laws in Georgia, ensuring that your child’s best interests are protected. When you need a dedicated Columbus, GA child support lawyer, turn to the Law Offices of Scot Sikes.

Understanding Child Support in Georgia

Child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of children in cases of divorce or separation. In Georgia, child support laws aim to provide financial stability and support for children. At the Law Offices of Scot Sikes, we specialize in navigating the intricacies of child support laws in Columbus, GA. We will help you understand the factors that determine child support calculations, such as income, custody arrangements, medical expenses, and educational needs.

The Role of a Columbus, GA Child Support Lawyer

When dealing with child support matters, having a skilled and compassionate lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. The Law Offices of Scot Sikes is dedicated to representing clients in Columbus, GA, and ensuring their rights are protected throughout the child support process. Here’s how our experienced child support lawyers can assist you:

1. Accurate Calculation: We will meticulously analyze the financial information of both parents to ensure accurate child support calculations are made. Our goal is to establish a fair and reasonable amount that meets the needs of the child while considering the financial capabilities of both parents.
2. Modification and Enforcement: If your circumstances change or if the other parent fails to fulfill their child support obligations, our team can assist you in seeking modifications or enforcing existing child support orders. We will advocate for your rights and the best interests of your child.
3. Mediation and Negotiation: In some cases, resolving child support disputes through mediation or negotiation can be more beneficial for all parties involved. Our skilled lawyers have extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution methods and will strive to reach an amicable agreement that protects your child’s interests.

Comprehensive Legal Services for Child Support Matters

At the Law Offices of Scot Sikes, we provide a comprehensive range of legal services related to child support in Columbus, GA. Our dedicated team is equipped to handle various aspects, including:

1. Child Support Establishment: If you are going through a divorce or separation, we will assist you in establishing child support orders that are fair and considerate of your child’s needs.
2. Child Support Modifications: If your financial situation or the needs of your child have changed, our lawyers will guide you through the process of seeking modifications to existing child support orders.
3. Enforcement of Child Support: If the other parent fails to meet their child support obligations, we will take swift and effective legal action to enforce the support orders and ensure your child’s financial well-being.
4. Paternity and Child Support: In cases where paternity is in question, we can assist in establishing paternity and subsequently initiating child support proceedings.

Why Choose Scot Sikes Law Firm?

When it comes to child support matters in Columbus, GA, the Law Offices of Scot Sikes offers several key advantages:

1. Experience and Expertise: Attorney Scot Sikes has extensive experience in family law, including child support cases. His in-depth knowledge of Georgia child support laws enables him to provide effective representation tailored to your unique circumstances.
2. Personalized Approach: We understand that every child support case is unique, and we treat each client with personalized attention and care. Our lawyers will take the time to listen to your concerns and develop strategies that best serve your child’s interests.
3. Strong Advocacy: We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and their children. Our team will diligently advocate for fair and just child support arrangements while ensuring your child’s well-being is prioritized.
4. Compassionate Guidance: We understand the emotional challenges associated with child support matters. Our compassionate lawyers will provide the support and guidance you need, keeping your child’s best interests at the forefront of all proceedings.

When it comes to child support issues in Columbus, GA, Law Offices of Scot Sikes is committed to providing experienced and compassionate legal representation. Our team of dedicated child support lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your child. Contact us today for a consultation and let us guide you through this crucial process.

Tips of Dealing with Child Support in Columbus Georgia

When dealing with the legal complexities of child support determination, modification, and enforcement, having an experienced Georgia family lawyer on your side can make a tremendous difference in getting a favorable and fair result.

If you are involved in a child support case in the Columbus GA area, then call a seasoned child support lawyer today at 1-866-494-6908.

How does the court determine child support?

The parent that does not have custody of the children will generally have to pay child support to the parent that does. The custodial parent is expected to also contribute to the expenses incurred in raising the child, but either parent could be ordered to pay child support.

In order to help the court determine how much child support should be paid, you and your spouse will have to complete and file a Financial Affidavit. The calculations that determine the amount of child support payments change very quickly as laws are updated and appellate courts hear more cases. Your attorney will help you determine the proper amount of child support to pay based on the current law and your individual situation.

If you and your spouse can agree on child support, you could avoid a very expensive litigation process. Child support can be put into the final divorce decree or the Settlement Agreement, but the court could make a determination that the amount of child support you agreed to in inadequate and throw it out.
The court will also look at how much money each parent is capable of earning and what their other expenses are. The court may also look at the income of a new spouse if one of you have remarried.

Child support payments normally are made on a monthly basis, although the court may order separate payments to cover school tuition or other expenses. The child support the custodial parent receives should be used to feed, clothe, and house the children.

Are there standard guidelines for child support in Georgia?

In Georgia, the law requires that the court award child support based upon a certain percentage of that parent’s gross income, minus any other child support that parent may be paying. The law has set ranges for child support based upon how many children there are. The ranges are:

Between 17 and 23 percent of the gross income for one child;
Between 23 and 28 percent of the gross income for two children;
Between 25 and 32 percent of the gross income for three children;
Between 29 and 35 percent of the gross income for four children; and
Between 31 and 27 percent for five or more children.

The judge has the option to deviate from these guidelines but if child support is ordered below the guidelines, the judge has to put in writing why such little child support was ordered. These guidelines not only apply to divorces but to paternity as well.

There’s an unexpected expense for my child, what do I do?

Usually, the child support order will have specific instructions on how to handle this situation. If the situation is not addressed in the child support order, you and your spouse can either come to some agreement on how this expense will be paid, or petition the court and the judge will decide how this particular expense will be handled.

If you do come to an agreement with your spouse, this agreement should be put into writing and signed by both of you to avoid any problems in the future.

My child is visiting me. Do I still have to pay child support during the visit?

If your child is with you for an extended visit, the child support order may be written to reduce the amount of child support you have to pay during the time your child is visiting you. If the child support order does not do this, you may want to petition the court to have the child support order modified.

How does the court handle child support if my child needs special care?

Normally when the court is determining child support, it takes the health of your child into consideration. Because it is more expensive to care for a sickly child than a healthy one, the court will take your child’s special needs into account when determining child support.

Can I modify my child support order?

If you are the parent paying child support and you have a change in your situation, such as job loss, the court may alter the child support payments temporarily. For example, the court could order reduced child support payments until you gain employment.

If both you and your spouse agree to a change in child support, you should put it in writing and both of you should sign this agreement.

Can the court make me pay for my child’s college education?

Paying for college or providing money for your child’s education could be made part of the divorce agreement, but if that wasn’t the case, the court cannot force either parent to pay for their child’s college education.

The court ordered me to pay for health and life insurance for my child. Can it do that?

Yes. The court normally will order one of the parents to provide insurance for your child to make sure that your child is properly cared for. The judge can also order one or more of the parents to pay for a life insurance policy for themselves and make the child the beneficiary.

Can a portion of my ex-spouse’s paycheck that is supposed to be used for child support be taken out of their check by their employer to pay me?

Georgia law allows the court to order that a portion of your ex-spouse’s paycheck be paid to you in order to guarantee that the child support is paid.

Call an experienced Columbus Georgia child support lawyer if you need representation in a Georgia child support case.