Savannah Child Support Lawyer
Over 200 Years of Collective Experience for Paying & Receiving Parents in Chatham County
Child support exists for one reason: the financial well-being of the children involved. Whether you’re the parent paying or the parent receiving, getting the amount right matters. At Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC, our Savannah child support attorneys represent parents on both sides of these disputes in divorce proceedings and in non-divorce contexts alike.
Our team brings over 200 years of collective experience in Georgia family law, serving individuals and families across Chatham County. We handle straightforward negotiations and contested hearings. When parents can reach an amicable resolution, that’s often the best outcome for everyone, but it takes skilled negotiation to get there. When a dispute can’t be resolved outside the courtroom, we’re prepared to take it in front of a judge.
Contact our Savannah child support attorneys today at (912) 421-2900 to discuss your situation.
How Georgia Calculates Child Support
As with child custody, Georgia courts approach child support through the lens of the best interests of the child. The state uses the Georgia Online Child Support Calculator to produce a presumptive monthly support amount, and any private agreement between parents must reflect that same standard or risk rejection by the court.
Georgia adopted an income shares model in 2007, meaning the calculator accounts for both parents’ gross monthly income, not just the paying parent’s wages. Gross income includes salary, bonuses, tips, interest income, and severance pay. The calculator also factors in the number of minor children, documented health insurance costs, and childcare expenses paid by each parent.
The result is a presumptive amount, not an automatic final order. Deviations are available when circumstances warrant adjustments up or down from the calculated figure.
Common grounds for a deviation include:
- Parenting time that differs significantly from the standard arrangement
- Private school tuition or extracurricular activity costs
- Travel expenses for visitation
- A parent’s unusually low income
- Extraordinary medical expenses
If parents can’t agree, the state applies the formula without accounting for informal financial arrangements between households. Having an attorney involved can help ensure the inputs are accurate and that available deviations are properly argued.
Child Support in Paternity & Legitimation Cases
Child support isn’t limited to divorce. Georgia courts can order support through paternity actions and legitimation proceedings when parents were never married. Legitimation establishes a father’s legal relationship to a child and gives the court authority to issue a support order. Paternity actions can similarly lead to enforceable support obligations.
When child support is sought as part of a divorce, it can be included in the initial pleadings and must be resolved before the divorce is concluded. Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC handles support matters arising from both contexts, helping clients understand their rights and obligations regardless of whether they were ever married to the other parent.
Requesting Changes to a Child Support Order
Answers to Your Legal Questions
Explore answers to some of the questions we hear most often from clients.
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How can I make sure my child support agreement is fair?
Fairness requires a clear picture of both parents’ finances and the children’s actual needs. Working with an attorney can help ensure that all relevant factors are accounted for, including informal financial dynamics that the state’s formula doesn’t capture. Child support paperwork is document-heavy, and errors in the calculator inputs can affect the final amount. An attorney also brings an objective perspective that can move negotiations toward an agreement genuinely focused on the children’s welfare while remaining realistic for both parents.
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Why hire your Savannah child support lawyers?
With over 200 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC bring a thorough understanding of Georgia family law. Recognized through Super Lawyers and an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, we’re known as much for our compassionate approach as for our courtroom preparation. We take the time to listen, identify what your situation actually requires, and pursue an approach that reflects what’s fair for you and your child.
Hear From the Families We’ve Helped
Our Reviews & Testimonials
At Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"A great group of attorneys and staff."I have known several of them for years, and I have worked closely with them as both colleagues and as a client. I recommend this firm without reservation!- John R.
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"Flawless experience."It's really simple. If you have a personal injury case, Scott is the attorney you want to handle it. Competent, efficient, personable, and available, Scott directed my case to a quick and rewarding outcome. I could not have had a better experience.- Grant M.
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"Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation."Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation for the truly professional legal services, the balanced honest approach and the sensitive, personal touch provided by Super Attorney Paul Johnson.- K. King
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"Richard is the best!"He handled my divorce almost a decade ago and continues to take care of me with current litigation connected to that divorce. I feel profoundly safe and protected with Richard. There is no one else for me. Thank you Richard for everything!- Carmella
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"I would recommend Richard without any reservations."Richard is an outstanding attorney who is ethical and professional with his clients. He has strong litigation skills, and not only considers the legal strategies but the practicalities of solving the issue with alternative legal options.- Susan
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"Highly competent and effective execution."He took his time and explained the process and responded to all communication quickly. He displayed a high level of compassion and concern toward me easing the high impact of emotions involving divorce.- Camela
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"Best lawyer anyone could ask for."Mr. Sanders is hands down a true fighter. When he took my case he displayed a confidence that is rarely seen in cases similar to mine. He spent countless hours working with me to provide me with great detail and preparation.- Daniel
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"Richard is the most personable, reasonable, and understanding lawyer."Every question I have had has been answered with perfect clarity, in a timely manner. Mr. Sanders went far above and beyond my expectations. If you're reviewing law groups to handle your legal matters, your search ends here.- Bryce
Trusted When the Stakes Are High
Why Clients Choose Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC
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Comprehensive Representation for Life's Most Important Challenges
From divorce and child custody to criminal charges and serious injury claims, our team provides experienced guidance through every stage of your legal matter.
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Respected Leaders in the Legal Community
Our attorneys are recognized by peers, trusted by judges, and honored with prestigious distinctions, reflecting a long-standing reputation for legal excellence.
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Personalized Strategies. Proven Results.No two legal matters are alike. We develop customized legal strategies designed to protect your rights, your future, and the outcome that matters most to you.
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Former Prosecutor on Your SideWith former prosecutor Frank Pennington on our team, clients benefit from valuable courtroom insight and strategic criminal defense representation.
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Trial-Tested When It Matters MostOur attorneys are experienced litigators who prepare every case for success in the courtroom, giving clients confidence whether negotiating a settlement or going to trial.
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A Legacy of Trusted AdvocacyMore than 200 years of combined legal experience delivering sophisticated representation across family law, criminal defense, and personal injury matters.
Why Choose Johnson Kraeuter & Sanders LLC for Child Support in Savannah
Child support cases turn on financial details, procedural compliance, and, when necessary, courtroom advocacy. Our attorneys have held positions on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia’s Family Law Section and present at legal seminars attended by judges and fellow practitioners. This level of peer recognition reflects the knowledge we bring to each case. The firm has received Super Lawyers recognition and an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, two well-regarded peer-review designations in the legal profession.
Credentials & Experience
Our team includes a former federal prosecutor whose trial experience strengthens our ability to handle contested support matters. Whether your case involves a complex income calculation, a modification dispute, or an enforcement action, we approach it with the same thorough preparation.
Personalized Strategy for Every Case
Over 200 years of collective legal experience in Georgia family law means we’ve seen the full range of circumstances that affect child support outcomes. We work to understand each client’s specific financial picture and develop a strategy that reflects it, not just the formula’s output.
Speak With a Savannah Child Support Attorney Today
Child support is one of the most consequential financial arrangements a family makes, and the stakes are too high to navigate alone. Whether you need help establishing an order, challenging a calculation, seeking a modification, or enforcing what you’re owed, our team is ready to help.
Call (912) 421-2900 to schedule a consultation with our Savannah child support attorneys. With over 200 years of collective legal experience, we can help you pursue a resolution that supports your child’s future.