Understanding Child Support in Georgia
How the number actually gets calculated, what changed in 2026, and where DIY calculations most often go wrong.
The Income Shares Model
Georgia calculates child support under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15 using what's called the Income Shares Model. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined, and the state's guidelines determine a "Basic Child Support Obligation" — essentially, what it costs to raise the number of children involved at that combined income level.
That obligation is then split between the parents based on each parent's share of the combined income — not split evenly, but proportionally to what each parent actually earns.
Parenting Time Is No Longer Optional to Consider
Parenting time used to be something a judge could consider as a discretionary adjustment. As of 2026, it's a mandatory formula built into every worksheet — based on each parent's actual number of overnights per year. More overnights with a parent generally means a larger adjustment to that parent's support calculation. The difference between something like 120 and 145 overnights a year can genuinely change the final number.
What Counts as Income
Gross income is broader than most people assume — wages, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, and other regular sources generally all count. Health insurance premiums covering the children and work-related childcare costs get added on top of the base obligation and split the same proportional way.
Deviations From the Standard Calculation
The formula produces a starting number, not always a final one. Courts can deviate from it for specific reasons — extraordinary medical or educational expenses, significant travel costs for visitation, or income levels at the high or low end of what the standard tables anticipate. Knowing which deviations actually apply to your situation is exactly where a DIY calculation tends to miss real opportunities — or real risks.
What We Do Differently
Online calculators — including our own educational estimator — can give you a general sense of the range, but they don't verify your actual income sources, apply the deviations that might genuinely fit your case, or make sure the parenting-time overnights are counted the way a Georgia court will actually count them.
We build the full worksheet correctly the first time, using your actual documentation, so the number that gets filed is one that holds up.
What to Bring, So We Can Move Quickly
- Recent pay stubs or income documentation for both parents, if available
- Your current or proposed parenting time schedule
- Health insurance and childcare cost information for the children
- Any unusual expenses you think should factor in (medical, educational, travel)
- Whatever questions are on your mind — nothing is too small to ask
Want an Estimate First?
Every new matter starts with a full conflict check, and everything you share with us is kept in a secure, encrypted client file — never shared outside your case.
This guide explains general concepts in Georgia child support law for educational purposes and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is different — exactly what your consultation is for. Georgia matters only. Last reviewed August 17, 2026.
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