Georgia uses a formula based on both parents' income, not a fixed dollar amount
Georgia child support is not a set number — it depends on how much each parent earns, how much time each parent spends with the child, and the number of children involved. The state uses the Income Shares Model, which means both parents' incomes are added together, and child support is calculated as a percentage of that combined income. The parent who does not have primary custody (usually called the "obligor") typically pays the other parent (the "obligee").
The Georgia Department of Human Services publishes Child Support Guidelines each year that show the percentage of combined parental income that goes to child support. These percentages change slightly year to year based on inflation adjustments. For 2024, the percentages range from roughly 17% for one child to 32% for six or more children, though the exact figure depends on the custody arrangement and each parent's income share.
The calculation starts with gross monthly income from both parents — wages, self-employment income, bonuses, rental income, and certain other sources. From that combined total, the court subtracts certain costs: existing child support obligations to other children, health insurance premiums for the child, and childcare costs. The remaining amount is multiplied by the guideline percentage for the number of children involved.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia calculates child support as a percentage of both parents' combined gross income, ranging from about 17% for one child to 32% for six or more children.
- The amount owed depends on each parent's income, custody time, number of children, and deductible costs like health insurance and childcare.
- The Georgia Department of Human Services updates guideline percentages annually, so the same income may result in different support amounts in different years.
- A parent can request a modification if income changes by 10% or more, or if custody time changes significantly.
- The court can order support above or below the guideline amount if the judge finds the guideline amount unjust or inappropriate.
How income is counted and what gets subtracted
Gross income includes salary and wages, but also self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and military allowances. Income from public assistance programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP is not counted. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may "impute" income — meaning it assigns an income level based on what the parent could earn — though this requires a finding that the unemployment is not due to a legitimate reason like disability or full-time school attendance.
Once gross income is totaled, the court subtracts: existing child support obligations to other children, health insurance premiums paid for the child in question, and childcare costs necessary for the parent to work. Some courts also subtract work-related expenses for self-employed parents. The remaining figure is the adjusted gross income, which is then multiplied by the guideline percentage.
If the combined adjusted gross income exceeds $30,000 per month (as of recent guidelines), the court has discretion to apply the guideline percentage to the first $30,000 and then decide what portion of income above that threshold goes to support. This prevents extremely high earners from paying support that far exceeds the actual needs of the child.
Custody time affects the percentage each parent pays
Georgia recognizes that the parent with whom the child spends more time has direct expenses for food, housing, and daily care. The guidelines account for this by adjusting the support obligation based on parenting time. If one parent has the child 90% of the time and the other has 10%, the calculation differs from a 50-50 split.
The guidelines provide a table showing how the percentage obligation shifts based on parenting time percentages. Generally, the parent with less parenting time pays a higher percentage of the combined income. For example, if Parent A earns $3,000 per month and Parent B earns $2,000 per month, and Parent A has the child 80% of the time, Parent B's obligation will be calculated differently than if they split time 50-50.
Parenting time is measured as the number of overnights per year. A parent must typically have at least 109 overnights annually (roughly 30% of the year) for the adjusted guideline to apply; below that threshold, the obligor parent pays the full guideline percentage without adjustment.
Examples of what child support might look like at different income levels
These are simplified examples for one child, assuming no childcare costs, no health insurance deduction, and no other child support obligations. Actual amounts will differ based on individual circumstances.
| Combined Monthly Income | Guideline Percentage (One Child) | Approximate Monthly Support |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | 17% | $340 |
| $4,000 | 17% | $680 |
| $6,000 | 17% | $1,020 |
| $10,000 | 17% | $1,700 |
These figures are for illustration only. The actual amount depends on the exact guideline percentage in effect that year, the number of children, custody time, and deductible expenses. A parent earning $3,000 per month and another earning $2,000 per month would have a combined income of $5,000, which at 17% would be roughly $850 per month — but that assumes equal parenting time and no deductions.
If the same parents had two children instead of one, the percentage would increase to about 23%, making the support roughly $1,150 per month. If one parent had childcare costs of $300 per month, that would be subtracted from the combined income before the percentage is applied, lowering the final support amount.
When child support can be modified
A child support order is not permanent. Either parent can request a modification if circumstances change. Georgia law allows modification if there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances. The most common trigger is a change in income of 10% or more, or a significant change in parenting time.
If a parent loses a job, receives a raise, or changes custody arrangements, they can file a motion to modify with the court that issued the original order. The parent requesting the change must show the new circumstances and provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documentation. The court will recalculate support based on current income and custody time.
Even without a change in circumstances, either parent can request a review every three years. The Georgia Department of Human Services can also initiate a review if the child is receiving public assistance. Modifications are effective from the date the motion is filed, not retroactively to when the change occurred, so it is important to file promptly.
Deviations from the guideline amount
The guideline percentage is a starting point, not a ceiling or floor. A judge can order support above or below the guideline amount if the judge finds that applying the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate. Reasons for deviation include: the child's special needs or talents, the standard of living the child would have had if the parents remained together, the non-monetary contributions each parent makes to the child's care, the age of the child, and the ability of each parent to pay.
A parent requesting deviation must present evidence to the court explaining why the guideline amount does not serve the child's best interests. For example, if a child has significant medical expenses not covered by insurance, or if one parent has substantially more parenting time than the guideline assumes, a judge might order a higher or lower amount. The court must state its reasons in writing if it deviates from the guideline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does child support end at age 18 in Georgia?
Child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. If the child is still in high school after turning 18, support continues through graduation or age 20, whichever comes first. Support also continues if the child is disabled and unable to be self-supporting.
What if one parent is self-employed or has irregular income?
Self-employed income is calculated using tax returns and business records. If income varies significantly month to month, the court may average income over a period of time or use the most recent year's tax return. If a parent refuses to provide documentation, the court may impute income based on what similar work typically pays in the area.
Can child support be enforced if the obligor parent moves out of state?
Yes. Georgia is part of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which allows enforcement across state lines. The Georgia Department of Human Services can work with other states' agencies to locate a parent and enforce payment. Federal tax refunds can also be intercepted to pay overdue support.
What happens if the obligor parent cannot pay the full amount?
A parent who cannot pay should request a modification rather than simply stop paying. Unpaid support accumulates as arrears and can result in wage garnishment, license suspension, and other enforcement actions. If income has genuinely decreased, filing a modification motion gives the court a chance to adjust the amount based on current circumstances.
Is child support tax-deductible for the obligor parent?
No. Child support is not tax-deductible for the parent paying it, and it is not taxable income for the parent receiving it. This differs from alimony (spousal support), which has different tax treatment. The obligor parent cannot claim the child as a dependent unless the custody order specifically grants that right.