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Georgia Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Georgia's official guidelines
About Georgia's Guidelines
Income Shares Model with Basic Child Support Obligation Table
Note: Uses gross income, includes detailed deviation factors
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Income Cap: $30,000/month combined
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Georgia family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Georgia Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Georgia judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official Georgia court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Georgia Child Support Guidelines
Georgia uses the Georgia Child Support Guidelines (O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined gross income.
Georgia has several distinctive features in its child support system. Georgia's guidelines include a specific "Parenting Time Deviation" — not automatic, but courts can deviate when the non-custodial parent has significant time. Georgia provides a detailed list of 21 specific deviation factors that courts must consider. The state includes a specific "low income deviation" for parents earning less than $1,850/month gross.
Georgia bases calculations on gross income — meaning income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources. The self-support reserve in Georgia is $1,275/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Georgia Calculates Child Support
Georgia follows a 7-step process under the Georgia Child Support Guidelines (O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15):
- 1
Determine each parent's gross monthly income from all sources
- 2
Apply pre-existing order deductions for qualified children from other relationships
- 3
Combine adjusted gross incomes and look up the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) from the schedule
- 4
Calculate each parent's pro-rata share based on their percentage of combined income
- 5
The non-custodial parent's pro-rata share is the Presumptive Amount of Child Support
- 6
Consider applicable deviations: parenting time, travel expenses, extraordinary expenses, etc.
- 7
Add health insurance and work-related childcare as direct costs assigned to each parent
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Georgia
Maximum Income Cap
$30,000/mo
Self-Support Reserve
$1,275/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
110 nights/yr
30% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,600 | $262 | $378 | $454 |
| $3,000 | $454 | $660 | $798 |
| $5,000 | $660 | $965 | $1,170 |
| $8,000 | $910 | $1,340 | $1,628 |
| $12,000 | $1,186 | $1,750 | $2,130 |
| $20,000 | $1,590 | $2,350 | $2,870 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in Georgia
Georgia recognizes "Parenting Time Deviation" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 110 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under Georgia's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 110 overnights, Georgia generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Child Support
What are Georgia's deviation factors?
How does Georgia handle low-income parents?
Does parenting time automatically reduce support in Georgia?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Georgia
While child support is determined by Georgia's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Georgia, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Georgia allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Georgia
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Income Cap
$30,000/mo
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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