How Child Support Is Calculated in Georgia
If you’re navigating a child support case in Georgia, it’s important to understand how the court calculates payments. Georgia uses a shared income model that considers the gross income of both parents to determine a fair amount of child support.
What Is the Basic Child Support Obligation?
The calculation starts with a presumptive child support amount based on the combined adjusted gross income of both parents and the number of children. This amount comes from a standardized Georgia child support guidelines table and is adjusted for factors like:
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Health insurance premiums for the child
- Other court-ordered support obligations for previously born children
In simple terms, the pre-tax income of both parents is added together to find the basic child support obligation.
Use the Georgia Child Support Calculator
To estimate your support obligation, use the Georgia Child Support Calculator. It’s free and provides a good starting point—but heads-up, this tool is changing in January 2026.
Upcoming Changes in 2026
Starting in January 2026, Georgia will revise its child support calculator to include parenting time as part of the formula. Currently, the calculator only distinguishes between:
- Custodial parent – has primary physical custody and receives child support
- Non-custodial parent – pays child support
After the update, non-custodial parents with significant parenting time may be eligible for reduced child support payments, which could trigger the need to modify an existing child support order.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Child support in Georgia can be complex, especially with upcoming changes. If you’re unsure how these rules apply to your situation or think you may need to modify child support, consulting a family law attorney can help protect your financial future.
