📖 Georgia Child Support Guidelines
Georgia uses the Income Shares Model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. This model calculates support based on the combined gross income of both parents, assuming children should receive the same proportion of income they would if parents lived together.
Calculate Combined Income
Add both parents' gross monthly income (before taxes). Include wages, bonuses, self-employment, rental income, and most other income sources.
Find Basic Support Obligation (BCSO)
Use Georgia's 2025 BCSO Table based on combined income and number of children. This table was updated July 1, 2024 per SB 454.
Prorate by Income Share
Each parent's obligation is proportional to their income. If Parent 1 earns 60% of combined income, they pay 60% of total support.
Add Expenses & Deviations
Health insurance, work-related childcare, and extraordinary expenses are added. Parenting time adjustments become mandatory January 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does Georgia calculate child support?
Georgia uses the Income Shares Model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, combining both parents' gross monthly income and dividing support proportionally based on income share percentages.
What changed in Georgia child support law in 2024?
SB 454 (effective July 1, 2024) updated the BCSO table, allows VA disability benefits as an offset, and mandates parenting time adjustments beginning January 1, 2026.
When does child support end in Georgia?
Support ends when the child turns 18, or age 20 if still in high school. It also ends if the child becomes emancipated, marries, joins the military, or passes away.
Can I modify child support in Georgia?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances. File a petition with the court. Modifications are effective from the filing date, not retroactive.
What if I don't pay child support?
Consequences include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, credit damage, property liens, passport denial, and possible contempt/jail time.
Do I need to use the official Georgia calculator?
Yes. Georgia courts require the official Child Support Calculator and Worksheet available at csc.georgiacourts.gov. Online estimators are for reference only.
📊 Georgia Example Calculations
Example 1: Two Children
Scenario: Parent 1 earns $6,000/mo, Parent 2 earns $4,000/mo, 2 children
Combined: $10,000/mo → BCSO ~$1,259 → Parent 1 pays 60% ($755) + prorated expenses
Estimated: Parent 1 pays ~$950/month to Parent 2
Example 2: High Childcare Costs
Scenario: Parent 1 earns $8,000/mo, Parent 2 earns $2,000/mo, 1 child, $1,200 childcare
Combined: $10,000/mo → BCSO ~$891 → Parent 1 pays 80% of all costs
Estimated: Parent 1 pays ~$1,673/month
Example 3: Joint Custody
Scenario: Parent 1 earns $5,000/mo, Parent 2 earns $5,000/mo, 50/50 custody, 1 child
Combined: $10,000/mo → With parenting time adjustment (2026 mandatory)
Estimated: Support may be minimal or $0 due to equal income and time
