Under Georgia law, child support is determined using a formula that takes both parent’s incomes, child related expenses, and existing child support orders into account. Once an appropriate child support amount is agreed on and the judge hearing your case approves the agreement, the non-custodial parent is responsible for making payments in a timely manner. During an amicable divorce, it is not unusual for both parties to agree to direct payment, meaning the non-custodial parent sends the child support payment to the custodial payment. Though every divorce and custody situation is unique, there are benefits of using child support enforcement services to collect payments on your behalf.
Inexpensive Collection
The costs associated with collecting payments using Georgia child support services are relatively inexpensive. Currently, the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) charges a $25.00 fee annually on all active cases. The fee is assessed once DCSS has successfully collected and disbursed $500.00 on behalf of the custodial parent. The fee is divided between both parents with the custodial parent responsible for paying $12.00 and the non-custodial parent responsible for paying $13.00. Each party pays approximately $1.00 per month and the fee is waived if the family is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Extensive Resources
When your child support is collected through DCSS you are able to benefit from the state’s numerous resources. The Georgia online child support portal allows you to update bank account information, receive a state issued debit card, check your child support order, and monitor payments. Also, if your former spouse or partner stops paying child support, the division is able to use their resources to locate the noncustodial parent. They are also able to assist custodial parents with low-cost or free paternity testing, child support order reviews, and child support modifications.
Ability to Initiate Penalties
Once child support enforcement begins collecting payments on your behalf they are able to use their resources to initiate nonpayment penalties. In addition to requiring the custodial parent to make payment using income deduction, DCSS can contact the non-custodial parent's new employer directly to continue the deduction even if the custodial parent is unaware of the job change. DCSS also has the ability to help the custodial parent request an offset of their former spouse’s tax refund to bring past due child support payments current. The division can also ensure that a non-custodial parent faces penalties such as license suspension, passport revocation, and a bank account levy until all past due support payments are paid.
Talk to an Attorney
After a divorce many adults want to establish a new routine for themselves and their children. The idea of involving the state in child support disputes is stressful, but sometimes it is in your best interest to seek help. In order to be sure that requesting the assistance of child support enforcement is right for your personal situation talk to a qualified child support attorney first. The compassionate attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum are here to provide you with answers that address your unique circumstances. With four offices located throughout the Atlanta metro area we are available for consultations and are able to review your existing child support order or help you get one established. Contact us today at 678-736-7700 to schedule an appointment.