Georgia uses an income shares model based on combined gross income. A basic child support obligation is determined from a published schedule and split proportionally by income share. A mandatory parenting time adjustment applies when the non-custodial parent has 101+ overnights.
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Georgia calculates child support using the Income shares model on combined gross income established under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Basic obligation from published schedule. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage. Mandatory parenting time deviation for 101+ overnights.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, Georgiarequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15
2026 reform: $40,000/month ($480,000/year) combined gross income cap — above this is court discretion.
Basic obligation from published schedule, split proportionally by income share.
Mandatory parenting time adjustment: 101+ overnights triggers a mandatory (not discretionary) deviation.
Health insurance and work-related childcare costs added to basic obligation.
Deviations available for: high/low income, travel costs, extraordinary expenses, parenting time.
2026 reform introduced $40,000/month cap and mandatory parenting time adjustment.
Georgia ERS and TRS require plan-specific QDROs.
2026 reform: $40,000/month combined gross income cap with mandatory parenting time adjustment for 101+ overnights.
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Residency Requirement
6 months residency (O.C.G.A. § 19-5-2)
Mandatory Waiting Period
30-day waiting period after filing before final hearing
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievable breakdown
State Income Tax
Progressive 1% to 5.49% (2024 reform reduced top rate)
Georgia uses the Income shares model on combined gross income under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. Georgia uses an income shares model based on combined gross income. A basic child support obligation is determined from a published schedule and split proportionally by income share. A mandatory parenting time adjustment applies when the non-custodial parent has 101+ overnights.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. 2026 reform: $40,000/month ($480,000/year) combined gross income cap — above this is court discretion.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Basic obligation from published schedule. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage. Mandatory parenting time deviation for 101+ overnights.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Georgia's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free GeorgiaEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Georgia family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Georgia family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.