Work-Related Childcare Expenses

What is included in Work-Related Childcare

Work-Related childcare expenses are the other mandatory deviation that will be added to your Child Support Worksheet. In some cases, the deviation can include more than just childcare expenses related to work. According to the Georgia Civil Code, “In an appropriate case, the court may consider the child care costs associated with a parent’s job search or the training or education of a parent necessary to obtain a job or enhance earning potential, not to exceed a reasonable time as determined by the court, if the parent proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the job search, job training, or education will benefit the child being supported. The term shall be projected for the next consecutive 12 months and averaged to obtain a monthly amount.” O.C.G.A. 19-6-15 (24) It is important to note that for expenses associated with the one of the parent’s schooling it must be shown to be in the best interest of the child. If it is not in the best interest of the child, then it will not be included in the work-related childcare expenses deviation. This means it will not affect the child support obligation that is calculated by the worksheet.

Similar to the health insurance deviation the amount inputted will be a pro-rata share of the expense. This means the total expense for the year will be divided into a monthly expense. It will also be added to Schedule D of the Georgia Child Support Worksheet. The Child Support calculator will ask for the Mother’s and Father’s childcare costs for the school year, summer break, school breaks, and the total amount of other child care such as pre-school. The amount inputted into each section will be the yearly total for each parent. The calculator will then divide it into the monthly average for each parent. The deviation can move the child support obligation for the non-custodial parent upward or downward. Calculating child support and work-related childcare expenses is a complex process. It is important to have an experienced attorney to help you through the process. Give us a call toll-free at 866-527-2630 to set up a consultation with one of our experienced Marietta Family Law attorneys.