In Georgia, parents who file for divorce must continue to provide financial assistance for their children through child support. This payment system helps ensure that their children can have access to their basic needs such as housing, food, education and healthcare.
To help provide you with a better understanding of this topic, here are three frequently asked questions about the state’s child support processes:
I am a non-custodial parent (NCP). How do I pay for child support?
After the court issues your child support order, the court clerk will send you a notice informing you of your obligation to register to the state’s Family Support Registry (FSR). Once you register your account to the FSR internet payment website, you will receive a unique identification number.
You will include this identification number in every child support payment you make online to help ensure that they are accurately recorded in your account.
What happens if my ex stops sending their child support payments?
If your ex fails to make support payments, there are several legal actions that can be taken to enforce their child support order. These may include:
- Wage garnishment
- Interception of their federal and/or state income tax refunds
- Suspension or revocation of their driver’s license
- Denial or suspension of their passport (if they owe more than $2,500)
You may also file a contempt action in the superior court against your ex. If they are found to be in contempt of court, they may receive fines and/or a jail sentence.
When can I modify my child support amount?
In Georgia, either parent can file a request for modification of their child support order. If you are the one filing the request, you must prove to the court that you or your children are going through a “substantial change of circumstances.”
Four examples of this may include:
- A significant change in your or your ex’s income
- An involuntary job loss
- A higher expense related to your children’s education and/or healthcare
- A change in your custody or parenting time that impacts your financial situation
It is important to note that the courts assess modification requests on a case-to-case basis and may take several months of completion.
By learning the answers to some of the most asked child support questions in Georgia, you can become familiar with the legal processes and turn your uncertainties into informed decisions.