Georgia uses income shares to set child support, not a percentage of income

Georgia's child support formula divides the cost of raising a child between both parents based on their combined income and custody arrangement. The state does not use a simple percentage like "20 percent of income." Instead, it calculates how much two parents earning that combined income would spend on a child, then splits that amount between them according to how much time each parent spends with the child and how much each parent earns.

The calculation starts with combined parental income — both parents' gross monthly income from all sources, including wages, self-employment, bonuses, and some benefits. Georgia then looks up that income level in a state table that shows the basic child support obligation for one, two, three, four, or five or more children. That obligation is the total amount both parents together are expected to contribute. Each parent then pays a share of that obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.

The actual payment also depends on custody time. If one parent has the child most of the time, the other parent pays more. If custody is split more evenly, the payment adjusts downward. Georgia also factors in health insurance costs, work-related childcare, and extraordinary expenses like private school or medical bills.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia calculates child support by finding the basic obligation for your combined income, then dividing it based on each parent's income percentage and custody time.
  • The income table changes yearly, and you must use the current table — using an old one can result in an incorrect order.
  • Gross income includes wages, self-employment, bonuses, and some government benefits, but excludes certain items like TANF or SSI received on behalf of the child.
  • If either parent's income is above the income table cap (currently $30,000 combined monthly income), the judge has discretion to calculate support differently.
  • Child support orders can be modified if either parent's income changes by 10 percent or more, or if custody time changes significantly.

The income table and basic child support obligation

Georgia publishes an income shares table each year that shows the basic child support obligation for different income levels and different numbers of children. The table starts at combined monthly income of $600 and goes up to a cap. As of 2024, the cap is $30,000 combined monthly income, though this amount changes annually and you should verify the current cap with the Georgia Department of Human Services or your local child support office.

To use the table, add both parents' gross monthly income together, find that combined amount in the table, and read across to the column for the number of children. That number is the basic child support obligation — the total amount both parents are expected to pay each month. For example, if combined income is $4,000 per month and there are two children, the table might show a basic obligation of $800 per month (this is an example; actual amounts vary by year and are set by the state).

Neither parent pays the full $800. Instead, each parent pays their share based on what percentage of the combined income they earn. If one parent earns $2,400 and the other earns $1,600, the first parent earns 60 percent of the combined income and pays 60 percent of the $800 obligation, or $480. The second parent earns 40 percent and pays $320.

How custody time affects the payment amount

The parent who spends less time with the child usually pays more support. Georgia measures custody time in overnights per year. If one parent has the child 250 nights per year and the other has 115 nights, the parent with 115 nights is the non-custodial parent and typically pays the full share calculated from the income table.

If the non-custodial parent has the child at least 110 nights per year (roughly 30 percent of the time), the support amount may be reduced. The reduction is not automatic — the judge must find that the increased parenting time warrants a reduction. If custody is split close to 50-50, the support obligation can be reduced significantly or even eliminated, depending on the income difference between the parents.

If one parent has the child fewer than 110 nights per year, the income table calculation usually applies without adjustment for custody time. The parent with the child most of the time is assumed to be spending money on the child's daily care, so the other parent's payment reflects that.

What counts as income and what does not

Gross income for child support includes W-2 wages, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, interest and dividends, military allowances, and some retirement income. It also includes unemployment benefits and workers' compensation. The key word is gross — before taxes, health insurance premiums, or retirement contributions are deducted.

Income does not include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received on behalf of the child, because that money is meant for the child's direct support. It also does not include child support received from another child's other parent, or spousal support received from someone else. Some judges exclude overtime income if it is irregular or if the parent has not earned it consistently.

If a parent is intentionally underemployed — earning less than they could — the judge may impute income, meaning the judge assigns a higher income figure based on the parent's education, work history, and job market. This is common when a parent quits a job or reduces hours specifically to lower child support. The judge must find that the underemployment is intentional, not due to a genuine job loss or health issue.

Additional costs beyond the basic obligation

The basic child support obligation covers the child's food, housing, and everyday expenses. But Georgia also requires parents to share the cost of health insurance for the child. The parent who carries the insurance pays the premium, and the other parent reimburses their share based on their income percentage. If neither parent has insurance available through work, the judge may order one parent to obtain it.

Parents also split work-related childcare costs — the cost of daycare or after-school care that allows a parent to work. The parent paying the childcare provider pays the full cost, and the other parent reimburses their percentage. This is added to the basic obligation, not included in it.

Extraordinary expenses like private school tuition, orthodontia, or specialized medical treatment are also shared between parents, usually in proportion to their income. The judge has discretion to order these expenses shared or to assign them to one parent. These are separate from the basic obligation and are negotiated or decided case by case.

When income is above the table cap

If combined parental income exceeds the current cap — $30,000 per month as of 2024 — the income table does not apply directly. The judge has discretion to calculate support based on the factors in Georgia law: the parents' standard of living, the non-monetary contributions each parent makes to the child's care, the financial resources of each parent, and the child's needs.

In high-income cases, judges often use the table amount as a starting point and then adjust upward based on the child's actual needs and the parents' ability to pay. A child whose parents earn $50,000 combined monthly income may have needs for private school, travel, or extracurricular activities that justify support above what the table would show for $30,000.

High-income cases are fact-specific and require detailed evidence about the child's needs and the parents' resources. If you are in a high-income situation, the calculation is less predictable and more likely to require a hearing before a judge.

Modifying child support when circumstances change

A child support order is not permanent. Either parent can request a modification if circumstances change. Georgia law allows modification if either parent's income has changed by 10 percent or more since the order was entered, or if custody time has changed significantly. A modification can also be requested every two years, even without a change in income, to ensure the order reflects current circumstances.

To request a modification, you file a motion with the court that issued the original order, or with the Georgia Department of Human Services if the state is collecting support. You must provide current income documentation — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a statement of self-employment income. The other parent has the right to respond and present their own income information.

The modification process can take several months. During that time, the original order remains in effect and you must continue paying the amount ordered. If the modification is approved and results in a lower payment, the new amount applies going forward, not retroactively to the date you filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Georgia use a percentage of income for child support?

No. Georgia uses an income shares model, not a percentage. The state calculates the total cost of raising a child at your combined income level, then divides that cost between you based on your income percentage and custody time. This is different from states that use a flat percentage like 20 percent of the non-custodial parent's income.

What if one parent makes much more money than the other?

The higher-earning parent pays a larger share of the basic obligation because they earn a larger percentage of the combined income. For example, if one parent earns $5,000 and the other earns $1,000 per month, the first parent pays 83 percent of the obligation. Income disparity is built into the calculation.

Can I reduce child support if I have the child more often?

Possibly. If you have the child at least 110 nights per year, you can ask the judge to reduce the support amount. The judge must find that the increased parenting time warrants a reduction. If custody is close to 50-50, the reduction can be substantial. You must file a modification request with the court to change the order.

What happens if I lose my job?

You should file a modification request immediately. If your income drops significantly, the judge can lower your support obligation. However, you must continue paying the current amount until the modification is approved. If you stop paying without filing first, you can be held in contempt of court and face penalties.

How often does the income table change?

Georgia updates the income shares table annually, usually in January. The amounts change to reflect inflation and cost-of-living adjustments. If you have an existing order, you are not automatically affected by the table update, but either parent can request a modification based on the new table if circumstances warrant it.