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How child support works in Georgia
Summary
Georgia figures child support from both parents' incomes. A state table gives a basic amount for the parents' combined income and number of children, health insurance and work-related child care are added, and the total is split between the parents by income.[1]
The parent who has the children less of the time usually pays their share to the other parent. Since January 1, 2026, a formula adjusts support for court-ordered parenting time.
Support usually lasts until the child turns 18. A judge can extend it while the child is still in high school, but not past age 20.
How the amount is worked out
- Add up each parent's gross monthly income, before taxes: wages, commissions, tips, bonuses, self-employment income after ordinary business expenses, and most other income.
- Take off a few things first, such as half of self-employment taxes and other child support a parent is already paying.
- Look up the basic amount in the state table for the parents' combined income and the number of children in the case.
- Split it by income. If one parent earns 60% of the combined income, that parent's share is 60%.
- Add the cost of the children's health insurance and work-related child care, also shared by income.
- Adjust for court-ordered parenting time, and for low income where that applies.
The parents fill out a child support worksheet with these numbers, and it's attached to the final order.[1]
Try the official calculator
The Georgia Child Support Commission has a free online calculator. It uses the current table, does the math, and produces the worksheet. Running your own numbers before you meet a lawyer or a mediator gives you a realistic starting point.
Parenting time
Since January 1, 2026, Georgia uses a formula to adjust support for the number of days each parent has with the children under a court order. Before that, the judge decided whether to adjust for parenting time, with no set formula. An existing order doesn't change by itself; a parent would need to ask the court to modify it.
The adjustment only counts parenting time set in a court order. If there's no court-ordered parenting time, support is figured without it.[1]
When the amount can be different
A judge can order more or less than the formula amount when there's a good reason, for example very high income or special expenses for the child. The judge has to explain the reason and why the different amount is in the child's best interest.
How long support lasts
Child support usually continues until the child turns 18, marries, becomes emancipated or dies. If the child is still in high school at 18, the judge can order support to continue while the child finishes school, but not after the child turns 20.[1]
Changing support later
Either parent can ask the court to change child support if there's been a substantial change in either parent's income and finances, or in the child's needs. Usually a parent can't ask again within two years of a decision on their last request, though there are exceptions, such as an involuntary loss of income.[1]
The amount in the current order stays in effect until a judge changes it. While a request is pending, the judge can sometimes set a temporary amount.
Questions you might ask a lawyer
- Based on both our incomes, what would the calculator show?
- How would our parenting schedule change the amount?
- Who should carry the children's health insurance?
- What happens if one of us is self-employed or our income changes a lot from month to month?
Common questions
How is child support calculated in Georgia?
Georgia uses both parents' gross incomes. A state table gives a basic amount for their combined income and number of children, health insurance and work-related child care are added, and the total is split between the parents by income, with an adjustment for court-ordered parenting time.[1]
Does 50/50 custody mean no child support in Georgia?
Not necessarily. Support still starts from both parents' incomes. With equal time, the parenting time adjustment lowers the amount, but the parent who earns more may still pay some support.
When does child support end in Georgia?
Usually when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school, a judge can order it to continue while the child finishes, but not after age 20.[1]
Can child support be changed later?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in either parent's income and finances or in the child's needs. Usually a parent can't ask again within two years of a decision on their last request, with some exceptions.[1]
Sources
- ^ O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, child support guidelines (Justia)
- Georgia Child Support Commission, online calculator
- Georgia Child Support Commission, guideline changes
Laws and court rules change. If something here looks out of date, email help@divorce.city.