Whether divorced or married, in a serious relationship or a casual acquaintanceship, parents have a legal obligation to pay for their children's care and upkeep. Sometimes, family law courts need to get involved in child support matters, and this can be a confusing area for all those concerned in the dispute. Below, NMS Law Firm in Toccoa, GA, provide some clear answers to a few of the more frequently asked questions about child support.

Answers to FAQs About Child Support

How Do I Apply?

In Georgia, your first point of contact should be the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Division of Child Support Services. There you can apply directly for assistance. If a parent is not contributing for the regular care of their minor child as they should, you can start the process of pursuing support through this channel.

Will I Receive Support Immediately After Applying?

The process is not immediate. The courts need to review the details of your case, and several factors tend to influence how long it takes to get a decision. Finding where the other parent is living, determining paternity, and filing court motions all take time, so it may be a while until your case is resolved; in all likelihood, you'll have to wait for all the appropriate legal processes and procedures to run their course.

How Much Will I Have to Pay Each Month?

There is no single answer to this question. Many conditions figure into the total, but the largest determinant is income. Annual gross income levels are broken down into monthly totals, and this is used as one of the deciding factors in the total support you're required to pay.

I Make Regular Child Support Payments. Does That Mean I Get to Visit My Child?

It depends on your case. The child support order is separate from the child custody order. Whether you support the child financially or not does not dictate how much time the courts allow you to spend with your child. It is not intended to be used as a bargaining chip or a way of wrangling more or less time with your kids. In other words, defer to the child custody order for visitation arrangements.

If you live in the Toccoa, GA, area, let attorney Nina M. Svoren of NMS Law Firm help you navigate the child support system. For more than 25 years, she has been representing area clients in a variety of family law issues. Call (706) 282-4696 or visit her firm's website to schedule a free consultation.