How do you calculate child-support in Georgia

How do you calculate child-support in Georgia? What income is imputable to you? If you receive Fringe benefits, these can count as income:

In Georgia, the first step in determining a child support obligation is to “determine the monthly gross income of both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent.” OCGA §19-6-15(b)(1). This is not an easy process, and many factors are taking into consideration and defining “income.” This is what you need to be familiar with on this issue:

1. Attributable income – Includes salaries; commissions, fees and tips; income from self-employment; bonuses; overtime payments; severance pay; recurring income from pensions or retirement plans; interest income; dividend income; trust income; income from annuities; capital gains; disability or retirement benefits from SSA; workers’ compensation benefits; judgments recovered from civil actions; gifts of cash, or which can be converted to cash; prizes; lottery winnings; alimony or maintenance from other parties; assets used for the support of the family. OCGA §19-6-15(f)(1)(A).
2. Self-employment income – Refers to “income from, but not limited to, business operations, work as an independent contractor or consultant, sales of goods or services, and rental properties, less ordinary and reasonable expenses necessary to produce such income. Income from self-employment, rent, royalties, proprietorship of a business, or joint ownership of a partnership, limited liability company, or closely held corporation is defined as gross receipts minus ordinary and reasonable expenses required for self-employment or business operations.”OCGA §19-6-15(f)(1)(B).
3. Fringe benefits – Refers to income or “in kind” remuneration received by a parent in the course of employment that significantly reduce that parent’s personal living expenses. OCGA §19-6-15(f)(1)(C). Examples include a company car or housing, a cell phone allowance. Often times income defined as “fringe benefits,” must be reported to the IRS. It’s best to check with your tax preparer on these points.
4. Variable income – Includes commissions, bonuses, overtime pay, dividends, etc. are “averaged…over a reasonable period of time” and added to a parent’s salary to determine gross income.OCGA §19-6-15(f)(1)(D).
5. Military compensation and allowances – Includes base pay, drill pay, basic allowances for subsistence, whether paid directly or received in kind, and basic allowance for housing,whether paid directly or received in kind. OCGA §19-6-15(f)(1)(E).

If you have questions about Child Support, please contact the law office of Candace M. Williams PC, 678-316-5000, A family law practitioner for 18 plus years.