Fathers and Child Custody
As a father, you have countless responsibilities to your child. One of these responsibilities is your financial obligation to the child. If you are not the custodial parent, then it is possible that you must pay child support. This is court-ordered and you do not always have a choice in how much that you must pay.
Normally, you pay based on your income. Unfortunately, if you have an unexpected loss or suffer a dip in your income, you may not be able to afford the payments. If this happens, you may be able to rely on the Fatherhood Program, according to the Department of Human Services.
What is the fatherhood program?
The Georgia Fatherhood Program is a program that the Georgia Division of Child Support services provides to noncustodial parents. It is supposed to educate parents and to help parents before they fall behind on child support payments. It focuses on employment and financial stability. It can also help you to learn how to become a better emotional and financial influence on your child’s life.
What services are within the fatherhood program?
The point of the fatherhood program is to encourage noncustodial parents to remain in their children’s lives and to have self-sufficiency. The end goal is for you to be financially stable and independent while also upholding your parental obligations. The services offered include:
- GED enrollment and job training
- Volunteer opportunities
- Job search help and placements
- Driver’s license reinstatement
- Child support services
- Child support modification
The program seeks to educate on the enforcement process and why it is crucial to pay child support.