Source: http://cscalc.gaaoc.us/
Timestamp: 2015-04-18 08:43:17
Document Index: 715723106

Matched Legal Cases: ['§19', '§19', '§19', '§19', '§19', '§19', '§19', '§19', '§19', '§19']

The files for the “Pen & Paper Standard Worksheet” are not available.
Welcome to Georgia's Child Support Calculators
Welcome to the Georgia Child Support Commission's website where you will have access to the two downloadable electronic Microsoft Excel™ child support calculators, as well as the Pen & Ink EZ Form Worksheet on which you can manually calculate child support. (The Printable Worksheet for Hand Calculations has been eliminated and will no longer be available for use.) The electronic Microsoft Excel™ child support calculators, Version 9.1, are now available for download and public use. See section 5 below, Excel Version Release Updates, for more information. These calculators have been developed and made available by the Georgia Commission on Child Support as the official calculators for Georgia's Child Support Guidelines statute found at O.C.G.A. §19-6-15.
Electronic Excel Worksheet (Standard Form)
(Rev. v9.1-01/06/15)
This Excel Child Support calculator allows entry of information directly on the Worksheet and Schedules. This is the same Excel calculator that has been available for use since January 1, 2007.
Electronic Excel Worksheet with Data Entry Form
This Excel Child Support calculator allows entry of information directly on a Data Entry Form that will auto-populate the Worksheet and Schedules. This version is recommended for self-represented individuals and first time users.
Pen & Paper EZ Worksheet
(Rev. v3.2-07/01/14)
This EZ Paper Worksheet must be printed for use. It requires use of Adobe Acrobat Reader to open for printing. Use this worksheet for basic child support calculations when deviations and other adjustments are not being sought. Line by line instruction is included in the User Guide. Use of a hand held calculator is recommended.
1.	Requirements to run the downloadable Excel Calculators on your computer 2.	How to download the Excel Calculator and EZ Paper Worksheet3.	How the downloadable Excel Calculators work4.	Overview of downloadable Excel Calculators and EZ Paper Worksheet5.	Excel Version Release Updates6.	FAQs1) Requirements to run downloadable Excel Calculator on your computer:
A.	Microsoft Excel 2007 or newer
The calculators are not compatible with Microsoft Office 365 Excel, Open Office, Corel Quattro Pro, or other non-Microsoft spreadsheet software programs.
B.	The Macro Security instructions here apply to Microsoft Excel 2007
Your computer's macro security settings are generally pre-set at a High or protected level. To use the Excel calculator, you will need to change the macros security; otherwise, the macros will automatically disable the Excel calculator application when you open the calculator on your computer. Use the following procedure to change the macros security pre-setting so you can use the calculator (Macros Security settings allow the calculator to read the Basic Child Support Obligation Table):
In Excel, find the Microsoft Windows symbol/Office Button located in the top left corner of the screen. Single click that button and a drop down box will open. Select and single click "Excel Options" found at the bottom right of that box and the Excel Options box will open.
Find on the left side of that page "Trust Center" and single click to open another box. At the far right middle of this box select "Trust Center Settings." A Trust Center box will open and display macros settings options.
Under Macro Settings, find the 2nd radio button "Disable All Macros with Notification," and click the radio button once to make the selection active.
Select OK, and then select OK again, which will close the boxes and complete the task.
After changing the Macros setting, when you open the electronic Excel calculator, a Security Warning message will display above the Formula Bar. The message "Security Warning - Macros have been disabled Options" will display. Select Options and a Security Alert - Macro message box will open. Change the radio button selection to "Enable this Content" and select OK. The calculator is now ready to use. You may also want to visit the Microsoft website for more information about Excel 2007, at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support.
C.	The Macro Security instructions here apply to Microsoft Excel 2010
All macros are secure in the Child Support Calculator and will not damage or harm your computer. By default, Excel protects you from running macros that can be harmful to your computer; therefore, you will need to change the protective security settings to allow the child support calculator to run macros to properly calculate the child support. Use the following procedure to change the protective security setting so you can use the calculator (Macros Security settings allow the calculator to read the Basic Child Support Obligation Table):
Click the File tab, and then click Options (the Excel Options Dialog box appears.) Find on the left side of the page “Trust Center,” and single click to display the Trust Center Information. At the bottom right of the Trust Center information, click on “Trust Center Settings.”
Find on the left side of the page “Macro Settings,” and single click to display the Macro Settings information.
Under Macro Settings, find the 2nd radio button “Disable all macros with notification,” and click the radio button once to make the selection active.
Click "OK" two times to close both dialog boxes. After changing the Macros setting, when you open the electronic Excel calculator, a Security Warning message will display above the Formula Bar. The message "Security Warning - Macros have been disabled - Enable Content" will display. Select Enable Content and the calculator will be ready for use.
D. The Macro Security instructions here apply to Microsoft Excel 2013
Click the File tab, and then click Options (The Excel Options Dialog box appears.)
Find on the left side of the page “Trust Center,” and single click to display the Trust Center Information. At the bottom right of the Trust Center information, click on “Trust Center Settings.”
Under Macro Settings, find the 2nd radio button “Disable all macros with notification," and click the radio button once to make the selection active.
Click "OK" two times to close both dialog boxes.
After changing the Macros setting, when you open the electronic Excel calculator, two Security Warning messages will display above the Formula Bar. The message "Protected View – Be careful - files from the internet can contain viruses. Unless you need to edit, it’s safer to stay in Protected Views.” Select “Enable Editing.” The message “Security Warning - Macros have been disabled” will appear. Select Enable Content and the calculator will be ready for use.
Back to the Top2) How to download the Excel Calculator and Paper Worksheet
To download a particular version of a Child Support Calculator or EZ Paper Worksheet, click on the Download
link at the top of this page for the calculator that you have selected. Enter the desired file name in the “file name” box. In the “Save as type” box select “Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook” from the context menu that appears. Then choose a location where you can save and easily access the file for your use (suggestions: your desktop, your My Documents folder, CD drive, jump drive, etc.). Important: When opening the electronic non-paper Child Support Calculators, always enable macros.
Back to the Top3) How the downloadable electronic Excel Calculators work
A.	Information can only be entered in yellow colored fields.
The following example represents the display of an automatic calculation on the Worksheet form Line 11 (a white non-enterable field), and the entry of the mother's Social Security Payment of $76.64 on Line 12 (a yellow enterable field).	B. Additional instructions, information or definitions will be indicated with a red triangle in the top right-hand corner of a box or field. Position your cursor over the red triangle and a box will display. An example of this is as follows:
C.	Always begin by reviewing the information under the "Start Here" tab. This tab gives you the basic steps for entering data. D.	You may progress through the fields by pressing the 'Tab' or 'Enter' keys on your keyboard.
E.	After you have completed all the necessary fields, you may save the worksheet to your computer’s hard drive. You might choose to name the file by the Civil Action Case Number or name of a party so that it has a unique file name. Then, simply print the Worksheet when needed and retain a copy for your records.
Check with your local county Clerk of Superior Court to determine if the county in which the worksheet will be filed has a standing order for the filing process. To find your local clerk's office, visit: http://www.gsccca.org.
Back to the Top4) Overview of downloadable Excel Calculator and EZ Paper Worksheet
A.	Excel Calculator Worksheet and Schedules:
The downloadable Child Support Calculator allows you to enter your information directly on the Child Support Worksheet and Schedules. Enter data and amounts in yellow fields only. Calculations will be performed using formulas, and resulting amounts will be placed in the appropriate fields on the forms. All pages that make up the Worksheet and Schedules are protected. The tabs indicated below make up this calculator tool:
A)	Start Here Instructions (always begin at this tab)
B)	CS Worksheet (the Child Support Worksheet)
C)	Schedule A - Gross Income
D)	Self-Employment Calculator
E)	Schedule B - Adjusted Income
F)	Schedule C - RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE
G)	Schedule D - Additional Expenses
H)	Schedule D Supplemental Tables, 2, 3 & 4
I)	Schedule E - Deviations (Special Circumstances)
J)	Schedule E Supplemental Tables, 2, 3 & 4
K)	Footnotes (page available for case notes)
L)	Explanation of Terms
M)	BCSO (Basic Child Support Obligation Table)
B.	Excel Calculator with Data Entry Form
The downloadable Child Support Calculator with Data Entry Form allows you to enter your information on a Data Entry Form rather than directly on the Worksheet and Schedules. This form is easier to use for people unfamiliar with the child support calculator and worksheets. Enter data and amounts in yellow fields only. Calculations will be performed using formulas, and resulting amounts will be placed in the appropriate fields on the forms. All pages that make up the Worksheet and Schedules are protected. The tabs indicated below make up this calculator tool:
A)	Start Here Instructions
B)	Data Entry From (ENTER ALL YOUR DATA AND AMOUNTS ON THIS TAB. ALL OTHER TABS ARE VIEW ONLY)
C)	CS Worksheet (the Child Support Worksheet)
D)	Schedule A - Gross Income
E)	Self-Employment Calculator
F)	Schedule B - Adjusted Income
G)	Schedule C - RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE
H)	Schedule D - Additional Expenses
I)	Schedule D Supplemental Tables, 2, 3 & 4
J)	Schedule E - Deviations (Special Circumstances)
K)	Schedule E Supplemental Tables, 2, 3 & 4
L)	Footnotes (page available for case notes)
M)	Explanation of Terms
N)	BCSO, (Basic Child Support Obligation Table)
C. Downloadable EZ Paper Worksheet (Manual calculation required)
The PDF Child Support EZ paper forms allow you to download and print the EZ two-page calculator
form that does not contain built in formulas for calculations.
You will use the provided line by line instructions to figure your own calculations using a hand held calculator.
This version does not include calculations for adjusted income (entered in Schedule B) or Deviations (entered in Schedule E). If you need to include these calculations in your worksheet, you must use one of the worksheets described above.
5) Excel Version Release Updates:
The official printed Worksheet and Schedule forms will always reflect the most current version number. If you have not downloaded the most current version, please do so now.
On January 6, 2015, version 9.1 of the Excel electronic Child Support Calculators was released. The Georgia Commission on Child Support, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §19-6-53(a)(3)(B)(iv), has the statutory responsibility to adjust formulas annually that are used in calculating Social Security (FICA) taxes for self-employment as changes occur in federal tax laws. As a result, the formulas used for calculations on Line 3 of Schedule B in both electronic Excel calculators have been updated.
On July 1, 2014, version 9.0 of the Excel electronic Child Support Calculators was released. Pursuant to SB 282 enacted into law during the 2014 legislative session, two substantive changes were made to O.C.G.A. §19-6-15 that required updates to the Child Support calculators. The calculators were enhanced to add Veterans Disability Benefits as gross income pursuant to O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(f)(1)(A), and to further define the request for a Low Income Deviation pursuant to O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(i)(2)(B). An additional update was made pursuant to SB 386 that replaced “date of birth” of children with “birth year” in applicable locations on the forms. Various instructions and Bubble Boxes were updated to support these statutory changes.
Back to the Top6) FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions is a list of questions and answers providing information intended to assist one in better understanding the calculator tools and information about Georgia's Guidelines Statute found at O.C.G.A. §19-6-15.
Excel Child Support Calculator
A.	Should I use the standard Excel calculator or the Data Entry version?
That will depend on your preference and experience in using the calculator. The standard version will typically be used by those familiar with the worksheets and schedules and have used it in the past. The data entry version will be appropriate for new users who want to enter their data onto a one page form. Either version will display your information in the exact same format on the forms when printed.
B.	If I have previously downloaded the Excel calculator, how do I know that I have the most current version?
The most current version of the calculator will always be online. The version will be noted at the bottom of the document. You can compare the version number at the bottom of your copy to the one online.
C.	A Microsoft Office Excel message box has appeared when I tried to enter numbers or information in white fields. The message appeared to tell me that I needed a password to unprotect the worksheet and schedules in order to use them. . Why does this message appear and what do I need to do?
The Excel calculator is actually an Excel workbook and each tab (found at the bottom of the workbook) is considered a spreadsheet. Excel uses formulas in cells to make calculations based upon the numbers you enter in the appropriate yellow colored fields or cells. In order to protect the formulas, the entire Excel workbook, including all spreadsheet tabs, is protected.If you encounter this message it is simply because you are attempting to enter numbers in an incorrect field. To avoid the message, enter all numbers in yellow colored fields. No password is needed to resolve this issue, but you will need to cancel the error message that displays on your screen.
D.	How do I use the calculator if I do not have Excel on my computer?
There are several options available to one who does not have the Microsoft Excel software on their computer. 1) All public libraries in Georgia have computers available for public access where one may use the Internet to download the Excel calculator of your choice. It is recommended that you take a jump or flash drive, or a CD with you to the library so you can save your own copy of the worksheet you have chosen to download. You may return to the library at different times and use your saved copy to begin or complete your child support worksheet. 2) Another alternative for you to consider is to visit a Family Law Information Center (FLIC) if available in your local county. Check your local county government web site for location information, or refer to the telephone directory and search under the name of your county government. Not all counties in Georgia have a FLIC office, so other alternatives for you to consider are, 3) colleges, high schools, churches, senior centers, family, friends and neighbors. The local Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) or Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office may also have a computer you can use to create a worksheet.
E.	What versions of Excel are compatible with the calculator?
You can use the calculator with Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2011 for the Mac. Important: you will need to save the worksheet it as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook file before submitting it to the court. This will ensure that the court that receives the file can open it, since not all courts have upgraded to a new version of Excel.
F.	When using Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, or 2011 for the Mac, how can I save the file?
In order to save an Excel workbook file, you will need to change the file format type. To save the file, click "Save As" and when the dialog box opens you will see an option at the bottom that says "Save as type". Click on the down arrow to the right of the box. A drop down menu will appear. Select, "Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook."
G.	Why do I see "#Name?" on the worksheet when I try to use the Excel worksheet and schedules?
"#NAME?" is a type of error that appears when the Excel Macro Security setting is not properly set for the
child support calculator or the macros were not enabled when the child support calculator was opened.
Macros used in the Excel calculators allow the calculator to read the Basic Child Support Obligation Table,
a necessary operation of the calculation process. See the "Start Here" tab of the worksheet you are using for instructions on how to correctly activate your computer’s security settings to allow use of macros. Always enable the macros as you open the worksheet to avoid this error. H.	Why don't users enter rounded numbers in the Excel calculator for the schedules and worksheet?
All dollar amounts entered on the worksheet and schedules should be entered by the user in exact dollar amounts, including cents. Doing so will ensure consistency in calculations. For example: Income is entered including cents as 2532.61 rather than 2532 or 2533 per month.
I.	What is the logic for how numbers are rounded in the formulas in the Excel calculator tool for the schedules and worksheet?
The calculator tool uses the numbers entered by users in the many fields to reach resulting answers. There are several calculations made on both Schedules D and E where division is used to determine each parent's share of a monthly expense. The results of this division can produce answers that go beyond two decimal points following the whole dollar amount. For example, an answer for each parent on a line could be $59.656. In these instances where the answers for both parents round higher, the final rounding may occur that could result in a calculation that is off by a penny.
J.	I have a Mac Computer. Will I be able to download the Excel calculators and use the application on my Mac computer?
Yes, you will. Unfortunately though, the Excel for Mac 2008 version does not use or support Visual Basic Code (VBA),
which is used and is necessary to run the enhanced Excel calculators; therefore, it will be necessary for you to use
the Excel for Mac 2004 or 2011 version to create a worksheet when using the electronic calculators.
K.	How do I submit my Excel worksheets to the court?
Each court has their own process for submitting child support worksheets and schedules. Some courts have a standing order as to how that court processes child support documentation. The best advice is for you to contact the clerk's office at your local courthouse to find out their process for submission. http://www.gsccca.org/.
L.	If I don't know the answer to a calculator technical question, who should I contact?
You may e-mail the Georgia Commission on Child Support at childsupport@gaaoc.us. To learn more about the Georgia Commission on Child Support, please see the following website: www.georgiacourts.gov/csc. However, if you have specific questions about your own particular case, which include the facts of your case, please do not contact the Child Support Commission; instead, consult with an attorney or your local Legal Aid or Legal Services office www.legalaid.ga.org. The Child Support Commission staff cannot provide you with any legal advice. Further, if you have a current case with the Division of Child Support Services you may contact the local office directly http://ocss.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-OCSE/ you may contact the local office directly. The Child Support Commission has no involvement with anyone's individual case.
M.	How do I correctly apply credit for payments on preexisting child support orders when doing a guideline calculation?
You must first determine if the order pre-exists the order in the current case. (See the definition for Preexisting Order at O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(a)(18)). If it does, then it is a pre-existing order. Next you must determine if child support is actually being paid. Determine the amount to use as an adjustment to gross income on Schedule B by averaging the current child support that has actually been paid over the prior 12 month period (or a shorter number of months if the preexisting order was not in existence that long) and use that average in the calculation.
N.	Where can individuals go for legal assistance?
In general, an individual may want to seek private counsel or contact Legal Aid or Legal Services. To seek an attorney, you may contact your local area Bar Association: http://www.gabar.org/directories/local_and_circuit_bar_information_and_referrals for attorney information. You may also contact the State Bar of Georgia at (404) 527-8700 or (800) 334-6865. If you cannot afford a private attorney you may contact your local Legal Aid or Legal Services' office to see if you meet the income requirements for representation. You may visit their website at: www.GeorgiaLegalAid.org/ or http://www.glsp.org/.
O.	Where can I find more information about Georgia's Child Support Guidelines?
The Georgia Commission on Child Support website provides helpful information at: http://www.georgiacourts.gov/csc/.
P.	What is Rule 24.2?
The Supreme Court of Georgia approved Superior Court Rule 24.2 in December 2006, which details filing requirements and includes a copy of a Financial Affidavit used in child support actions. The rule is promulgated by the Council of Superior Court Judges. It sets forth the procedure and how to implement the child support guidelines as found in the Georgia Code as O.C.G.A. §19-6-15.
Below is the current version of this rule as approved by the Georgia Supreme Court in December 2006. 24.2. Financial data required; scheduling and notice of temporary hearing.
At the time of filing any action for temporary or permanent child support, alimony, equitable division of property, modification of child support or alimony or attorney's fees, the filing party shall file with the Clerk of Court the affidavit specifying his or her financial circumstances in the form set forth herein and, in cases involving child support, the schedules required by O.C.G.A. §19-6-15 (effective January 1, 2007, as thereafter amended or revised), and shall serve the same upon the opposing party.
In protective order actions filed under O.C.G.A. §19-13-1, et. seq. and in other emergency actions, the affidavit and schedules may be filed and served on or before the date of the hearing or at such other time as the court orders, and shall not be required at the time of filing of the action.
The opposing party shall serve the affidavit specifying his or her financial circumstances in the form set forth herein and the schedules, where applicable, and shall file with the Clerk of Court and exchange this information with the opposing party:
(a) at least five days prior to any temporary hearing;
(b) at least five days prior to any court ordered mediation; or
(c) with his or her answer or thirty days after service of the complaint, whichever first occurs, if no application for a temporary award is made and the parties do not participate in mediation prior to trial.
You may view this rule in its entirety on-line at:
http://www.georgiacourts.org/courts/superior/rules/rule_24.html
Q.	What is Rule 24.2A?
Superior Court Rule 24.2A was approved by the Georgia Supreme Court in December 2007. This rule deals with the implementation of uniform multipliers to be used by Georgia Courts. Below is the current version of this rule as approved by the Georgia Supreme Court, December 2007. "Rule 24.2 A" Monthly figures required; week to month multipliers
In calculating monthly income based upon a forty hour work week, hourly salary shall be multiplied by 174 hours."