Child support can be a major concern for both parents in a Georgia divorce. Those who stand to receive these payments may wonder whether they will have enough financial support to cover their bills and care for their children. Those who stand to pay child support may worry that they will never experience true financial success with this ongoing burden. Does Georgia “cap” these payments? In other words, is there a maximum amount for child support? These are questions you might want to ask a Georgia child custody attorney. 

There is No Cap on the Amount for Child Support in Georgia

First, parents should know that there is effectively no upper limit for the amount of child support in Georgia. The family courts consider the best interests of the children when determining an appropriate amount for child support. Depending on the circumstances of each child, this amount could be relatively low or exceedingly high. 

For example, a child might require expensive medical treatment due to a permanent disability. The child might also need access to expensive sports equipment due to their future career as a professional athlete. A child might be heavily involved in extracurricular academic activities, and these may also add to parenting costs. 

But perhaps the most important factors judges consider when approaching child custody are the income and general wealth of each parent. If a parent is capable of paying relatively high child support payments, then these payments could be possible. The judge will also consider the income and wealth of the receiving parent. If the parent already has considerable income and wealth, there may be no real justification for them to receive more money. 

There is a Cap for the Duration of Child Support in Georgia

While there may be no upper limit to child custody amounts in Georgia, there is a cap on the duration of these payments. Generally speaking, a parent can stop paying child support when their child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever happens last). This means that even if child support payments are burdensome, they will eventually come to an end. 

There are a few exceptions to this rule. First, the child may be eligible for child support beyond the age of 18 if they are mentally or physically disabled. They might also be forced to repeat a year of high school, pushing back their graduation date. Speak with a family law attorney to learn how long child support will last in Georgia. 

Can a Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia Help Me?

A child custody lawyer in Georgia may be able to help if you are wondering how much you will need to pay. Your attorney can assess your income and other financial factors before providing you with an estimate of your monthly child support payments. Your attorney may also help you reduce or modify these payments. Contact Lankford & Moore Law today to learn more about your options.