How Is Child Support Calculated in Georgia?

Georgia employs the

income shares model

to determine child support obligations, simulating the total support both parents would provide if the family remained intact and apportioning responsibility based on each parent’s proportionate income share. This method, adopted in 2007, replaced the prior non-custodial income percentage approach to ensure equitable contributions reflecting both parents’ financial capacities. The calculation integrates gross incomes, the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) Table, and various adjustments for a comprehensive, child-centered outcome.

Georgia’s Income Shares Model Explained

Prior to January 1, 2007, Georgia child support was calculated solely as a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s gross income—typically 17-23% for one child, adjusted by child count. The shift to the

income shares model

under O.C.G.A. §19-6-15 considers combined parental incomes, aiming for fairness by mimicking intact family spending on children. Courts use an official worksheet and the Georgia Child Support Calculator, developed by the Georgia Commission on Child Support, to derive a presumptive amount that may be deviated based on specific factors.

The model presumes the calculated amount suffices for the child’s needs unless evidence justifies deviation, promoting consistency while allowing judicial discretion. This approach accounts for modern family dynamics, including shared custody and diverse income sources.

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Child Support in Georgia

Georgia’s child support computation follows a structured process outlined in official guidelines. Here’s the detailed breakdown:

Step 1: Determine Each Parent’s Gross Monthly Income

Calculate

adjusted gross monthly income

for both parents, encompassing all verifiable sources excluding certain public assistance. Qualifying incomes include:

• Wages, salaries, and overtime pay
• Bonuses, commissions, and severance
• Self-employment or business income (post-expenses)
• Rental, dividend, and investment income
• Social Security, disability, unemployment, and retirement benefits
• Annuities, trusts, and capital gains

Courts impute income for voluntary underemployment, considering factors like employment history, education, and local job markets (O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(f)(4)(A),(D)). Deduct pre-existing child support orders, spousal support paid, and work-related childcare/health costs from gross figures for adjusted income.

Step 2: Combine Incomes and Apply Income Shares

Add both parents’ adjusted gross incomes to get the total combined monthly income. Each parent’s pro-rata share is their income divided by the total (e.g., Parent A: $6,000; Parent B: $4,000; Total: $10,000. Parent A: 60%, Parent B: 40%).

Step 3: Consult the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) Table

Locate the combined income row in Georgia’s official BCSO Table (available via the Georgia Child Support Calculator at csconlinecalc.georgiacourts.gov) and read across for the number of children. For $10,000 combined income:

Children	Base Obligation
1	$1,259
2	$1,749
3	$2,013
4	$2,219
5	$2,365
6	$2,451

This yields the total basic obligation before adjustments.

Step 4: Calculate Pro-Rata Shares and Apply Adjustments

Multiply the BCSO by each parent’s income percentage for their share (e.g., Non-custodial 60%: $1,749 × 0.60 = $1,049.40 for two children). Then apply adjustments for:

• Parenting Time: Credit for overnights exceeding 92 per year via the Parenting Time Adjustment Table.
• Health Insurance: Non-custodial parent’s child premium share added to obligation.
• Work-Related Childcare: Prorated actual costs.
• Health Expenses: 5% of BCSO reserved; uncovered costs split pro-rata.

The final presumptive amount is the non-custodial parent’s adjusted share payable monthly.

Using the Official Georgia Child Support Calculator

The free

Georgia Child Support Calculator

at csconlinecalc.georgiacourts.gov automates these steps per O.C.G.A. §19-6-15, incorporating Senate Bill 454 updates for parenting time and low-income adjustments. Input incomes, children count, custody days, insurance/childcare costs, and other variables to generate a presumptive order. This tool reflects current BCSO tables and is admissible in court, though not binding—judges may deviate with written findings. For low-income cases (combined under $2,500), caps apply to prevent undue hardship.

Deviations from Presumptive Child Support Amounts

Courts deviate from the calculator’s presumptive amount if it yields substantial injustice, requiring written findings (O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(i)). Common deviation factors include:

• Extraordinary medical, educational, or special needs expenses
• Child-related travel costs
• Significant non-income resources (e.g., trusts)
• Family violence history impacting employment
• Voluntary unemployment/underemployment
• Existing support for other children

Upward deviations occur for high-income cases exceeding BCSO table limits; downward for proven hardships.

Additional Costs Included in Child Support Orders

Beyond the BCSO, orders allocate:

• Health Insurance Premiums: Custodial parent’s cost for child coverage credited; non-custodial may pay directly.
• Uninsured Medical: Pro-rata split of deductibles, copays, etc., beyond the 5% reserve.
• Childcare: Verified work/school-related costs, prorated.
• Educational Expenses: Private school or extracurriculars if justified.

These are added post-BCSO, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Modifying Child Support Orders in Georgia

Initial orders last until the child turns 18 (or 20 if in high school), emancipates, or circumstances change substantially. File for modification if:

• Incomes change by 10%+ or $250+ monthly
• Custody/parenting time alters significantly
• Child’s needs evolve (e.g., medical diagnosis)

Georgia courts require a verified 10%+ deviation from current order to approve changes, using the same calculator for new presumptives. Temporary modifications address immediate hardships; enforce via contempt or Division of Child Support Services if unpaid.

Income Imputation for Underemployed Parents

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed/underemployed, courts impute income based on recent work history, occupational qualifications, childcare duties, health, local prevailing wages, and employment prevalence (O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(f)(4)). Exceptions apply for primary caregivers of young children or disability; incarceration over 90 days suspends imputation post-2024 updates. This prevents evasion via reduced earnings.

Low-Income Adjustments and Caps

For combined incomes under $2,500, low-income caps reduce obligations proportionally. Senate Bill 454 introduced Low-Income Adjustments in the calculator, scaling support to ability while prioritizing child welfare. Non-custodial parents below poverty guidelines receive proportional reductions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the average child support payment in Georgia?

A: Averages vary widely by income and children; e.g., $1,000-$1,500 monthly for mid-range earners with two children, per BCSO examples. Use the official calculator for personalized estimates.

Q: Does child support end at 18 in Georgia?

A: Generally yes, but continues to age 20 if the child is in high school or has special needs qualifying for extended support.

Q: Can child support be retroactive in Georgia?

A: Yes, courts may order retroactive support from filing date if a parent fails to provide voluntarily, limited by equity considerations.

Q: How does shared custody affect child support in Georgia?

A: Parenting Time Adjustment credits overnights >92/year, reducing the non-custodial share proportionally via updated calculator tables.

Q: Who enforces child support in Georgia?

A: The Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) handles enforcement, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and liens.